Wayno on Carrying Guns for Roc-a-Fella Artists While Working There (Part 3)

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Wayno, who started working in the music industry mailroom at Universal around 2000, shares candid insights into his early days in the business and his time at Roc-A-Fella Records. After initially struggling with school, Wayno landed a mailroom job through his mother’s nonprofit connections. He later secured an internship at Roc-A-Fella Records, making just $100 a week but immersing himself in the hip-hop scene as Jay-Z was crafting *The Blueprint 2*.

Wayno recounts how he got close to influential figures like Irv Gotti and helped manage Jay-Z's fan club. Notably, he reveals that his role sometimes extended beyond administrative tasks—he carried guns for Roc-A-Fella artists, highlighting the gritty realities behind the glamorous music business. Despite being offered a job with Dipset, Wayno remained with Roc-A-Fella, navigating between the studio sessions and street politics, which defined early 2000s hip-hop culture. His story offers an authentic glimpse into the hustle behind iconic artists and labels.