Measuring The Brand Value of Hip Hop Families From Cash Money to Roc-A-Fella

Roc-A-Fella: One Leader Can’t Carry The Weight

Grade: B+

Notable Members: Jay-Z, Memphis Bleek, Young Gunz, Amil, Beenie Siegel, Kanye West, [Rihanna, Teairra Mari]

Jay-Z is arguably one of the best rappers of all time but one’s own talents can only go so far in carrying a whole staff. He may be heralded as one of the most important businessmen in hip-hop but he’s only now coming to understand the formula for launching artists with his Roc Nation venture.

“When you have an enormous amount of talent, it’s difficult to replicate,” said Patton. “When you’re in a league by yourself, what is instinctive to you requires a focus and considerable effort over time for others. To the extent that Jay was unable to find in other artists the same natural desire, will and drive coupled with talent, may have created some challenges for him as a manager.”

Although Roc-A-Fella succeeded as a brand, which garnered much acclaim for the business deals that Damon Dash and Jay himself executed, it also gained attention for not being able to launch the long term careers of much of its roster. Today, that weakness is still rapped about by Jay and former members like Beenie Siegel.