Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 27, 2026

Rocawear

Rocawear is an American clothing brand founded in 1999 by Roc-A-Fella Records co-founders Damon Dash and Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter. The brand has had annual sales of $700 million. Rocawear expanded through licensing to sell affordable clothes for children and juniors; socks and sandals; leather, suede, and fur outerwear; handbags and belts; lounge wear; big and tall; headwear; jewelry; and sunglasses; as well as co-branded product with Pro-Keds, State Property, and Team Roc.

Last revised
Jul 27, 2026
Read time
≈ 2 min
Length
505 w
Citations
12
Source
Wikipedia ↗
Rocawear
IndustryTextile
Founded1999 (1999)
FoundersDamon Dash
Shawn Carter1
HeadquartersNew York,
US
Key people
Shawn Carter (CEO), Damon Dash (chairman)
ProductsClothing, footwear, perfume and fashion accessories
Revenue$700 million (FY 2007)
OwnerIconix Brand Group
Websiterocawear.com

Rocawear (stylized Roc-A-Wear) is an American clothing brand founded in 1999 by Roc-A-Fella Records co-founders Damon Dash and Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter.1 The brand has had annual sales of $700 million.1 Rocawear expanded through licensing to sell affordable clothes for children and juniors; socks and sandals; leather, suede, and fur outerwear; handbags and belts; lounge wear; big and tall; headwear; jewelry; and sunglasses; as well as co-branded product with Pro-Keds, State Property, and Team Roc.

In late September 2005, Dash severed ties with Jay-Z and sold his stake in Rocawear for a reported $22.5 million USD, making Jay-Z the sole owner of the company.2

R&B singer Ciara signed to be the new face of Rocawear in 2007 for the 'I Will Not Lose' campaign. Chris Brown, Memphis rap collective Three 6 Mafia, radio personality Ebro Darden, Toccara and Rich Boy were amongst the other celebrities who were part of the campaign.

In March 2007, Jay-Z sold the rights to the Rocawear brand to Iconix Brand Group for $204 million. Jay-Z retained his stake in the company and continued to oversee the marketing, licensing, and product development.134 In May 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sought out Jay-Z's testimony in relation to possible security law violations made by Iconix.5

In March 2009, Rocawear launched its first social networking site, offering style news, music, fashion, and cultural connections.6

In August 2011, Jay-Z confirmed via Twitter that Rocawear had partnered with Pharrell Williams' clothing label, Billionaire Boys Club.7

In 2012, Rocawear was a €490 million clothing business.8

In November 2018, Jay-Z successfully halted a $204 million lawsuit between Roc Nation and Iconix over the lack of black arbitrators in the US.9

References

References

  1. "Iconix to Buy Rocawear, Jay-Z's Clothing Line". New York Times. Reuters. March 7, 2007. Archived from the original on January 15, 2016. Retrieved May 20, 2013.
  2. "Damon Dash severs ties with Jay‑Z". UPI. September 27, 2005. Archived from the original on September 10, 2023. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
  3. "Jay-Z: Down To 98 Problems Yet?Y". MTV. February 7, 2007. Archived from the original on March 9, 2007.
  4. "Keratoconus". April 12, 2017. Thursday, April 9, 2020
  5. "Jay-Z to testify over sale of Rocawear brand". Sky News. May 3, 2018. Archived from the original on May 4, 2018. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
  6. Adaso, Henry (April 18, 2009). "Rocawear Dives into Social Networking Pool with Roc4Life". About.com Guide. Archived from the original on May 15, 2013. Retrieved May 20, 2013.
  7. Gregory, Jason (August 4, 2011). "Jay-Z Partners With Pharrell Williams Fashion Label Billionaire Boys Club". Gigwisw.com. Archived from the original on July 3, 2013. Retrieved May 20, 2013.
  8. Chevalier, Michel (2012). Luxury Brand Management. Singapore: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-1-118-17176-9.
  9. Smith, Amy (November 29, 2018). "Jay-Z calls a halt to $204 million Rocawear lawsuit over lack of racial diversity". NME. Archived from the original on November 29, 2018. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
External links