Damon Dash (photography by David Shankbone)

Back in the day, it was Damon Dash helping Kanye West and Jay-Z come up in the hip-hop world. Now Dash is following in the footsteps of West and Jay by getting deeper into the art world. West, known to pal around with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, with whom he collaborated on his video for the single “Good Morning,” also produced the video version of Vanessa Beecroft’s performance VB64.

Meanwhile, Jay-Z has continued in recent years to steadily build his own private collection, which includes work by Damien Hirst and Richard Price.

Dash took over the DD172 building in Tribeca to open Dash Gallery (bless Dame’s hip-hop heart for very likely not knowing who the late Dash Snow is, heading off at the pass any confusion right away), which houses a photo studio, rehearsal space, and art gallery. The Feb. 19 opening will feature works by artist Isaac Fortoul, Bobby Castaneda, Heather Gargon, Hector Ruiz, and Jeremy Wagner.