Long before Dominion Hill Records became recognized as a growing force in independent hip-hop, its founder and CEO, Rhasun, had already spent decades building relationships, executive producing records, and navigating the music business at the highest levels of the independent industry.
I was introduced to Rhasun in 2017, when BET highlighted several upcoming projects he was executive producing alongside legendary Wu-Tang Clan producer 4th Disciple. The BET segment positioned the Midwest native as one of the independent music industry’s emerging executives, capable of bridging underground credibility with national exposure.
While many know Dominion Hill Records for its current roster and artist development initiatives, here are five facts about its founder that many hip-hop fans may not know.
1. A Historic Recording Session with Sean Price Nearly Became a Full-Length Project
In August 2015, Rhasun participated in a memorable studio session at a well-known recording studio in Staten Island, New York, alongside platinum producer 4th Disciple, Wu-Tang Clan lyricist Inspectah Deck, and the late Brooklyn legend Sean Price. During the session, the group recorded several songs intended for a collaborative EP produced entirely by 4th Disciple.
Plans were in place to continue recording the following day, but tragedy struck when Sean Price unexpectedly passed away in his sleep.
Reflecting on the experience, Rhasun recalls:
“That session was the first time I was ever in the studio with P. He was an iconic lyricist, but beyond that, he was a good brother. We spent nearly two days together, and the energy flowed like we knew each other since the sandbox.
After we received the news of his passing, we met with his wife, Bernadette, in New York. She understood the circumstances, and together we decided to split the music. The song ‘Dead or Alive’ on Sean Price’s final album, Imperius Rex, produced by 4th Disciple, came from our original 2015 recording session and the other two verses went to our ‘Algorythm’ album. It was the right thing to do.”
2. Before Dominion Hill, There Was BLAKGLOBE and Global Sounds Records
Rhasun’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2004 when he launched BLAKGLOBE Records, funding the independent label through his work in real estate and contracting.
Only one year later, in 2005, he negotiated a direct distribution agreement with Tower Records, making BLAKTRILOGY Vol. 1 available in Tower Records stores nationwide, including the company’s iconic flagship location in New York City’s Greenwich Village.
Without the backing of a major label, the album generated more than $50,000 in CD sales, proving that independent artists could successfully compete in the retail marketplace through strategic marketing and grassroots promotion.
3. An Independent Success Led to a National Distribution Deal
The momentum generated by BLAKTRILOGY Vol. 1 eventually resulted in a 2008 distribution agreement with Koch Records—now known as MNRK Music Group.
The project was released nationally in both physical and digital formats and featured an impressive lineup of collaborators, including Freeway, Bizz the Prince, DJ Kay Slay, Q Parker of 112, and several other respected artists.
The album’s standout single, “Drop It Down,” has since become widely recognized as one of the most sampled records in the history of the Jersey Club movement, extending its influence well beyond its original release. Bizz the Prince’s “Drop It Down” was sampled by DJ Lil Man and featured as “Left Right,” which, according to internet reports, was released without the sample being cleared.
4. A Career Built Alongside Hip-Hop Legends
Throughout his career, Rhasun has worked with and executive produced projects featuring an extensive list of respected artists from across hip-hop, including:
DJ Kay Slay, Freeway, Q Parker (112), Sean Price, Rah Digga, 4th Disciple, Boaz (Taylor Gang affiliate), DJ Lazy K, Inspectah Deck, Jim Jones, Solomon Childs, Sadat X (Brand Nubian), Vinnie Paz, Planet Asia, Shabazz the Disciple, Peedi Crakk, Shogun Assassin, Rugged Monk (Black Knights), Kinetic (Killarmy), Young Noble, Baby Eazy-E, and numerous other influential artists.
His body of work reflects more than two decades of building relationships throughout independent and major-label circles alike.
5. Dominion Hill Records Entered a New Era Through Roc Nation Distribution
In 2023, Rhasun formed Dominion Hill Records and distributed its master recordings through Equity Distribution, a company that later became Roc Nation Distribution.
The move marked a significant milestone in Dominion Hill Records’ evolution and reinforced the label’s commitment to providing independent artists with access to world-class distribution while preserving ownership and creative control.
About Dominion Hill Records
Under Rhasun’s leadership, Dominion Hill Records is an independent record label specializing in artist development, publicity, branding, music marketing, and strategic career management. Dedicated to elevating independent hip-hop culture, the company works with emerging and established artists while building long-term opportunities through innovative marketing and national distribution partnerships.
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