How did the Sony deal come about?

Jim Jones: Hard work, all the work I put in as far as having the last most three incredible years a person could have on an independent label. I’ve sold more records than most of the major artists this year. Jay-Z just barely made platinum by the skin of his teeth on that American Gangster, and if you ain’t go platinum you’re definitely not making any money. I don’t know why you’re renegotiating, you haven’t even recouped. What people don’t know about Juelz Santana is that he’s a platinum plus artist. Last time he left the game, he sold over a million records, so he’s as good as when he left. Imagine what he would have renegotiated for. This is what people don’t understand, this shit is all about money for us. We can do what we want to do, we want to take a little time off, we’re going to take a fucking break. We want to come at you niggas, we’re going to come right at you niggas, right to your doorbell, like bing-bong! What’s hoppin’? You in there?

Who do you respect on a corporate thug level?

Jim Jones: Dame Dash. Dame is the ultimate corporate dude, it doesn’t beat Dame Dash. He came in this game, he accomplished what he dreamed of and he sold what he came in for. That’s what it’s all about for you being able to sell your thing for millions of dollars. This is what Dame has done as far as having his Rocafella conglomerate and then he disappeared from the game because he didn’t need it. He’s rich beyond belief. But you’re going to see a lot of him now because he’s been consulting me on some things, you may see us running around on TMZ or channel 5 or something like what’s hoppin’?

Has your relationship with Dame got stronger since he left the Roc?

Jim Jones: You know how long I’ve known Dame? Since I was six, literally. When I knew Dame, no one was famous. During elementary and high school, even though he was always older than me. He’s one of my mentors; I fuck with Dame, sincerely. He’s that dude, he’s the real.

You think Dame would be a good replacement for Jay, now that Jay stepped down?

Jim Jones: Did he leave Def Jam, or was he fired? Or was he weak? Which one? What happened with Rocafella?

How do you feel about Roc?

Jim Jones: I’m about to throw them a raffle, we’re going to write their [Rocafella] artists on a piece of paper, give me a hat. The name we pick we’re going to give them a deal. [Laughs.]

What do you think is the main the reason for their turmoil?

Jim Jones: I don’t know what their turmoil is. You know why I’m pissed off at him [Jay-Z]? He was my favorite rapper and then he just went out like a dud. He had a chance to do the unthinkable and then he did the unthinkable. Where I’m from, loyalty is everything, above and beyond everything. When you violate that, it fucks everything up. Especially when you were the hustler’s poster child and you chose to become a corporate stepchild. That don’t make sense when you’re all black-owned. I took an executive position because I didn’t know the game, I took it to learn both sides of the game; there’s a difference. Home // CELEBRITIES // WEB EXCLUSIVE // Jim Jones