Dash: There's no money in rap

Rap guru Damon Dash says that there is more to life than music - making money

The former boss of the Roc-A-Fella rap label, whose interests now range from a brand of trainers to designer suits, told The Independent on Sunday that despite the bling, hip-hop just does not pay.

Dash, whose former protigis range from rapper Jay-Z to Victoria Beckham, said: "The music business isn't so profitable, especially not hip-hop.

"I couldn't buy what I wanted to buy. I'm talking cooks and drivers. I got into clothes to make money."

In a dig at music chiefs, he added: "The people in this business all think they've made it because they're in charge of their little record labels.

"I'm like, this isn't even my main source of income. I already did this business - and I made movies and I designed clothes and I got my own vodka and my own Swiss watch maker."

Describing his approach to marketing rap Dash, who was bought out of Roc-A-Fella in 2004, said: "It's all about finding ways to make money off an upscale urban product. That's what I do. Period."

Speaking of his taste for the finer things in life, he added: "Not many people understand how important having a butler is.

"I need somebody to help me get everything I'm going to wear for the day all set up, know what I'm saying?

"You'd think it is easy, but I've got a lot to put together, accessory-wise, especially at night.

"Cufflinks are a m**********r."