Jay-Z and Damon Dash’s ongoing battle over the rights to the “Reasonable Doubt” album has taken a new turn, with the involvement of New York City authorities. The city has accused Jay-Z of deliberately sabotaging the auction of the album’s rights, which will see Dame’s one-third share of the album up for sale.
Over the weekend, Dame Dash took to social media to share documents filed by NYC, in which they criticized Jay-Z for dampening the excitement around the auction. According to the city, Jay-Z’s public statements suggesting that Dame’s share of “Reasonable Doubt” would revert back to him in 2031 are misleading. The recording deal Jay-Z signed indicates that the rights to the album will actually remain with Roc-A-Fella until 2098.
In response, the NYC Department of Social Services claimed that Jay-Z’s actions were “poisoning” the auction process. They argued that the misunderstanding created by Jay-Z’s statements could potentially lower the bidding price significantly. By clarifying the actual terms of the recording deal, the city believes that the winning bid could be much higher, as the rights to the album would be profitable for the next 74 years.
The city’s interest in the case stems from the fact that the money generated from the auction will help pay off Dame’s substantial $193,000 child support debt, as well as his outstanding taxes to the state. However, Roc-A-Fella Records, represented by attorney Alex Spiro, refuted the city’s claims. They stated that Jay-Z never made any public statements regarding the auction and that the media misinterpreted comments from his legal team.
Roc-A-Fella Records also argued that the issue of whether the termination notice reverts the rights back to Jay-Z is premature and should not be addressed at this time. They believe that the current situation is not the appropriate forum to discuss these legal matters.
Meanwhile, Dame Dash is urging potential bidders to participate in the auction and make substantial offers. The saga continues as the legal battle over the rights to the iconic album unfolds.
