Jim Jones claims Mase asked Jay-Z for cab fare after a Roc-A-Fella meeting

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Sometimes the rap game isn’t all flashing lights and luxury cars. Every artist starts somewhere, and not every story is glamorous. That was the vibe when Jim Jones dropped a surprising memory involving himself, Mase, and Jay-Z, long before any of them were icons.

During a recent episode of Artist 2 Artist, hosted by Memphis Bleek, Jones shared a story that caught even Bleek off guard. The Dipset rapper recalled a moment from the early days when he and Mase were grinding for a shot in the music industry. A shot they hoped would come from Roc-A-Fella Records.

The story doesn’t end with a record deal, but instead, with a moment Jim says he’ll never forget. One that showed him how important it is to carry yourself with pride, even when things don’t go your way.

Mase asked Jay-Z for cab fare

While talking with Memphis Bleek, Jim Jones didn’t hold back when sharing what happened that day. According to Jones, he and Mase had just finished a meeting at Roc-A-Fella Records, hoping to secure an opportunity. Unfortunately, the meeting didn’t go their way.

"“We get in there, it don't work out ... And on the way out, na Mase asked the na Jay for some cab money back uptown.”"
Jim Jones

The moment left Bleek visibly shocked, and it’s clear Jim still remembers it vividly.

Capo felt embarrassed by the move

Jim Jones explained why that moment stuck with him. He made it clear that asking for money like that wasn’t in his character. To him, walking back would’ve been better than asking for a handout.

"“I'm only telling you because I never forgot that shit because I'm not that type of n*a ... I would've rather walk uptown before I ask these n**s in here for any type of cab money.”"
Jim Jones

Jones felt that even though the meeting didn’t go well, they still had the chance to leave with their heads high. But that quickly changed once Mase made the request. “We look like suckers walking outta here,” Jim recalled thinking.

Jay-Z reportedly denied the request

Unsurprisingly, Jay-Z wasn’t too open to handing out cab fare. Jim remembered how Hov responded without hesitation: “Jay dubbed 'em, 'I ain't got no cab money for you n****s.’”

The moment might seem small in hindsight, but for Capo, it was a lesson in image, pride, and staying solid, even when things fall through.

This story reminds us that even the biggest names in rap came from humble beginnings, and not all of them made the same choices on the way up.

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