Escaping a almost fatal gunshot. Jay-Z quicks drug dealings, and decides to rap full time. But is quickly rejected by major record labels for not fitting into gangsta rap image of the 90's. Rebuffed but undefeated, Jay connects with local hustlers turned entrepreneurs, Damon Dash and Biggs Burke. Together they form Roc-A-Fella records, and seek to release Jay-Z's music independently.