The straight dope on what's going on in Hip-Hop, Media and Entertainment

Feb 9, 2004

Adding to the continuing debate as to whether the relationship is all but over between Roc-A-Fella Records co-owners Jay-Z and Damon Dash, is a new print ad by Belvedere Vodka.

Along with several other ventures, the two are also co-owners of Armadale Vodka, which they had hoped to position as a major competitor against Belvedere.

In a full-page print ad in the February 8, 2004 edition of The New York Times Magazine, Belvedere salutes Hova with a Polish toast.

The ad features a bottle of the premium vodka wearing a Roc-A-Fella hat and chain.

The figure stands draped in jewels next to a briefcase, toasting with a martini in one hand, and a cigar in the other.

The side caption reads "NA ZDROWIE, JAY-Z," which is a Polish toast, roughly translating to "Here's to your health Jay-Z."

With the recent departure of Lyor Cohen and Kevin Liles from Def Jam to Warner Music Group, there has been wide speculation that Jay-Z would be seeking a label deal with WMG. As to the rationale, motive or message behind the ad is still unclear.