By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Given the nature of the rap game, many rappers and executives are accused of being involved in illegal activity. With most rappers, and executives for that matter, coming from poor neighborhoods, many have been involved with illegal business at one point. Roc-A-Fella Records was no different, as Jay-Z was a successful drug dealer before dedicating his life to his music. When he teamed up with Damon Dash, and later Kareem “Biggs” Burke, Jay-Z’s career took off.
The early music from Jay-Z centered around his life as a drug dealer. Jay-Z perfected the mafioso rap, with his music videos also being very mob-centric. But, once he began to receive the corporate checks from sponsorships and new business ventures, Jay-Z grew comfortable in his own skin, as a rich man. Soon, the mob-centric element of Roc-A-Fella Records evaporated, but the hit records remained. Truly a dynasty, Roc-A-Fella Records disbanded when the trio disagreed about selling the label.
Eight years after the Roc-A-Fella breakup, things have drastically changed. Jay-Z is well on his way to becoming a billionaire, meanwhile Damon Dash has dealt with bankruptcy, and now Kareem “Biggs” Burke has been brought up on drug charges. Last summer, the big news story was about Jimmy Henchman and his role as a major crime lord. Now, it appears Kareem “Biggs” Burke has also been running a major drug ring. Burke was caught, via wiretap, in 2010 discussing “grow houses.” However, Biggs does not appear to be the overall leader of the ring. For eighteen months, Burke has been under investigation and he did not resist arrest and pleaded guilty to the charges earlier today.
