Memphis Bleek
Encyclopedia
Malik Thuston Patrick Cox (born June 23, 1978), better known by his rap persona
of Memphis Bleek or "Bleek", is a New York rapper mainly known for his tenure with Roc-a-Fella Records
and CEO of his own label Get Low Records
. He has released four albums during his career with Coming of Age and The Understanding
certified and M.A.D.E.
certified gold, and he released 534
in 2005. He plans to release The Process (Memphis Bleek album)
in 2011.
, as protege to long time friend, Jay-Z
. He appeared on the Jay-Z Albums Reasonable Doubt
, Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life
, Vol. 3… Life and Times of S. Carter, The Dynasty: Roc La Familia
, and The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse
. Bleeks first official appearance was Coming of Age from Reasonable Doubt. After the huge success of the multi-platinum Hard Knock Life album and exposure of the Roc-A-Fella camp, (a Memphis Bleek track off the aforementioned Jay-Z album, "It's Alright", actually charted on Billboard), the label released Memphis Bleek's debut album, Coming of Age. The album was the weeks Hot Shot Debut on the Billboard 200, peaking at #7 with 118,000 units sold in its first week.
MEMPHIS which the rapper explained to pay homage to Pimps; Making Easy Money Pimping Hoes In Style.
He has released 3 more albums since his debut, The Understanding went Gold, M.A.D.E.
went Gold. 534 failed to garner any plaques. In between the release of The Understanding and M.A.D.E., he took a three year hiatus, in which time he took care of his older brother, who was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. There are three significant notes to take away from the album 534, which was named after the building number where Memphis and Jay-Z grew up in the Marcy Projects. First, it was the first release from the "new" Roc-A-Fella Records, referring to Jay-Z becoming President of Def Jam. It was also the first official Def Jam recording by label mate turned international star, Rihanna
, on the song "The One". And lastly, this album marks where Jay-Z released his first song since beginning his brief "retirement". The song was called "Dear Summer
", in reference to what Jay called the time of the year when he would drop a classic album or single every year for 8 straight years, and how he had to metaphorically leave "her", Summer.
His single chart status has not proved to be as impressive, as much of his following being with Hip-Hop listeners following Jay-Z and the record Label, and not commercial singles success. His highest charting single was "Is That Yo Chick
", Featuring Missy Elliott
and Jay-Z, which peaked at #7 on the Hot Rap Singles Billboard
Chart, and only one of two songs by the artist to crack the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #68, and the only track to appear on one of his solo albums. The other single being "It's Alright", appearing on the Hard Knock Life album by Jay-Z, peaking at #61 on the Billboard Hot 100. He has had countless collaborations with fellow hip-hop artists such as DMX
, Ja Rule
, T.I.
, and Trick Daddy
, with many of the features coming with other Roc-A-Fella artists, including Beanie Sigel
, Freeway, Cam'ron
, Amil
, Young Gunz
, and of course Jay-Z.
In fall 2005, Memphis Bleek told MTV that he was recording an album called The Process
, that he would describe as a make or break album, saying "I want to do an album that's through the roof, I want to do a classic album. I feel that if this album I'm not recording is a classic, I'm not even gonna put it out. I have to do it bigger than anybody has ever done it. I have to make a good record this time, not just talking-junk records." The rapper has worked on the album since 2005 and during that time frame he would release the songs "Hustla", "Get Ya Money Off" and "Let It Off". During this time, he would also leave Roc-A-Fella after Jay-Z told him he could run his own company and had the proper distribution deals to do so. He found a new home in 2009 when he signed to Mass Appeal Entertainment
which is where he will release his long anticipated album The Process
in 2010.
In the summer of 2010, he was on stage with Jay-Z, as a background singer, on the Swedish festival Peace&Love.
. He played the role of Blizz. A year later, he was featured in the film, Paper Soldiers
.
Stage name
A stage name, also called a showbiz name or screen name, is a pseudonym used by performers and entertainers such as actors, wrestlers, comedians, and musicians.-Motivation to use a stage name:...
of Memphis Bleek or "Bleek", is a New York rapper mainly known for his tenure with Roc-a-Fella Records
Roc-A-Fella Records
Roc-A-Fella Records is a record label founded by Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, Damon "Dame" Dash, and Kareem "Biggs" Burke. Today it operates as a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, and is distributed by Island Def Jam Motown Music Group.-Formation and Early Years:...
and CEO of his own label Get Low Records
Get Low Records
Get Low Records is a hip hop record label founded by Memphis Bleek in 1998.-Beginnings:Under the guidance of Jay-Z, Memphis Bleek founded his label, Get Low Records. The label's first release was Memphis Bleek's gold debut, The Coming of Age. This gained the label some notoriety. During the year...
. He has released four albums during his career with Coming of Age and The Understanding
The Understanding
The Understanding is the second studio album by Norwegian electronic duo Röyksopp. It was released in the United Kingdom on 4 July 2005 by Wall of Sound and in the United States on 12 July 2005 by Astralwerks. The deluxe edition, including a bonus CD, is sold in a Digipak...
certified and M.A.D.E.
M.A.D.E.
M.A.D.E. is the third studio album by rapper Memphis Bleek. It was released on December 16, 2003 and at best it reached #35. The album sold 150,000 copies in its first week, which was a record for Memphis Bleek....
certified gold, and he released 534
534 (album)
-Samples:"534"* "London, Paris, New York" written by Graham Preskett"Interlude"* "Summer Song" Performed by Lisa Koch"Dear Summer"* "Morning Sunrise" performed by Weldon Irvine"Like That"* "Everybody Plays The Fool" by The Main Ingredient...
in 2005. He plans to release The Process (Memphis Bleek album)
The Process (Memphis Bleek album)
The Process is the upcoming fifth studio album by rapper Memphis Bleek. It was set to be released on March 23, 2010 via Bleek's label, Get Low Records, Mass Appeal Entertainment and E1 Music, however the album did not appear in any stores on March 23....
in 2011.
Biography
Memphis Bleek was one of the first artists signed to Roc-A-Fella RecordsRoc-A-Fella Records
Roc-A-Fella Records is a record label founded by Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, Damon "Dame" Dash, and Kareem "Biggs" Burke. Today it operates as a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, and is distributed by Island Def Jam Motown Music Group.-Formation and Early Years:...
, as protege to long time friend, Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
. He appeared on the Jay-Z Albums Reasonable Doubt
Reasonable Doubt
Reasonable Doubt is the debut album of American rapper Jay-Z, released June 25, 1996 on Roc-A-Fella Records in the United States and on Northwestside Records in the United Kingdom. The album features production by DJ Premier, Ski, Knobody and Clark Kent, and guest appearances from Memphis Bleek,...
, Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life
Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life
Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life is the third studio album by American rapper Jay-Z, released on September 29, 1998, on Roc-A-Fella Records in the United States. The album propelled Jay-Z into superstar status and cemented him as a household name in the post Biggie/Tupac era of hip hop. This album also...
, Vol. 3… Life and Times of S. Carter, The Dynasty: Roc La Familia
The Dynasty: Roc La Familia
Sample credits*"Intro contains a sample of "She Said Loves Me" by Kleeer*"I Just Wanna Love U " contains elements and samples of "Give it To Me Baby" performed by Rick James, and "The World is Filled" by the Notorious B.I.G....
, and The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse
The Blueprint 2: The Gift & the Curse
-See also:*List of number-one albums of 2002 *List of number-one R&B albums of 2002 - External links :* at Discogs...
. Bleeks first official appearance was Coming of Age from Reasonable Doubt. After the huge success of the multi-platinum Hard Knock Life album and exposure of the Roc-A-Fella camp, (a Memphis Bleek track off the aforementioned Jay-Z album, "It's Alright", actually charted on Billboard), the label released Memphis Bleek's debut album, Coming of Age. The album was the weeks Hot Shot Debut on the Billboard 200, peaking at #7 with 118,000 units sold in its first week.
MEMPHIS which the rapper explained to pay homage to Pimps; Making Easy Money Pimping Hoes In Style.
He has released 3 more albums since his debut, The Understanding went Gold, M.A.D.E.
M.A.D.E.
M.A.D.E. is the third studio album by rapper Memphis Bleek. It was released on December 16, 2003 and at best it reached #35. The album sold 150,000 copies in its first week, which was a record for Memphis Bleek....
went Gold. 534 failed to garner any plaques. In between the release of The Understanding and M.A.D.E., he took a three year hiatus, in which time he took care of his older brother, who was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. There are three significant notes to take away from the album 534, which was named after the building number where Memphis and Jay-Z grew up in the Marcy Projects. First, it was the first release from the "new" Roc-A-Fella Records, referring to Jay-Z becoming President of Def Jam. It was also the first official Def Jam recording by label mate turned international star, Rihanna
Rihanna
Robyn Rihanna Fenty , better known as simply Rihanna, is a Barbadian recording artist. Born in Saint Michael, Barbados, Rihanna moved to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue a recording career under the guidance of record producer Evan Rogers...
, on the song "The One". And lastly, this album marks where Jay-Z released his first song since beginning his brief "retirement". The song was called "Dear Summer
Dear Summer
"Dear Summer" is the third and final single from Memphis Bleek's fourth album, 534. The single is somewhat unusual because the song features no vocals from Memphis Bleek, the host of the song. The song only features vocals from featured guest, Jay-Z. At the time, Jay-Z was a retired rapper just...
", in reference to what Jay called the time of the year when he would drop a classic album or single every year for 8 straight years, and how he had to metaphorically leave "her", Summer.
His single chart status has not proved to be as impressive, as much of his following being with Hip-Hop listeners following Jay-Z and the record Label, and not commercial singles success. His highest charting single was "Is That Yo Chick
Is That Yo Chick
"Is That Your Chick" is the second single from Memphis Bleek's second album, The Understanding. The single version featured Jay-Z and Missy Elliott. The album version featured a verse from Twista and another verse from Jay-Z. The song was produced by Timbaland and was released in 2000...
", Featuring Missy Elliott
Missy Elliott
Melissa Arnette "Missy" Elliott , is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, and actressA five-time Grammy Award winner, Elliott, with record sales of over seven million in the United States, is the only female rapper to have five albums certified platinum by the RIAA, including one...
and Jay-Z, which peaked at #7 on the Hot Rap Singles Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
Chart, and only one of two songs by the artist to crack the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #68, and the only track to appear on one of his solo albums. The other single being "It's Alright", appearing on the Hard Knock Life album by Jay-Z, peaking at #61 on the Billboard Hot 100. He has had countless collaborations with fellow hip-hop artists such as DMX
DMX (rapper)
Earl Simmons , better known by his stage name DMX, is a multiplatinum American rapper and actor who rose to fame in the late 1990s. His stage name pays tribute to the Oberheim DMX drum machine, an instrument he used when he made his own rap beats in the 80's...
, Ja Rule
Ja Rule
Jeffrey Atkins , better known by his stage name Ja Rule, is an American rapper, singer, and actor.Born in Hollis, Queens, he began his career in the group Cash Money Click and debuted in 1999 with Venni Vetti Vecci and its single "Holla Holla"...
, T.I.
T.I.
Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr. , better known by his stage name T.I., is an American rap artist, film and music producer, actor and author. He is also the founder and co-chief executive officer of Grand Hustle Records....
, and Trick Daddy
Trick Daddy
Maurice Young , better known by his stage name Trick Daddy, is a certified platinum American rapper and producer from Miami, Florida.-Music career:...
, with many of the features coming with other Roc-A-Fella artists, including Beanie Sigel
Beanie Sigel
Dwight Grant , also known as Beanie Sigel, is a American rapper from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,most recently he was in talks with 50 Cent to sign with G-Unit Records and is a former member/artist of Dame Dash Music Group and Roc-A-Fella Records where he had formed a close association with rappers...
, Freeway, Cam'ron
Cam'ron
Cameron Giles , better known by his stage name Cam'ron or "Killa Cam", is a Grammy-nominated American actor. He is the founder of the hip-hop group The Diplomats , and also of The U.N. group....
, Amil
Amil
Amil Whitehead more commonly known by her stage name Amil, is an American female rapper, singer, and songwriter from New York City. She was prominent in the late 1990s as a Jay-Z protégé, most notably on the single "Can I Get A..." from the Rush Hour soundtrack.-Early life:Amil was born September...
, Young Gunz
Young Gunz
The Young Gunz is an American rap duo from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania composed of Young Chris and Neef Buck . The group is part of Beanie Sigel's State Property collective and was signed to Roc-A-Fella Records...
, and of course Jay-Z.
In fall 2005, Memphis Bleek told MTV that he was recording an album called The Process
The Process (Memphis Bleek album)
The Process is the upcoming fifth studio album by rapper Memphis Bleek. It was set to be released on March 23, 2010 via Bleek's label, Get Low Records, Mass Appeal Entertainment and E1 Music, however the album did not appear in any stores on March 23....
, that he would describe as a make or break album, saying "I want to do an album that's through the roof, I want to do a classic album. I feel that if this album I'm not recording is a classic, I'm not even gonna put it out. I have to do it bigger than anybody has ever done it. I have to make a good record this time, not just talking-junk records." The rapper has worked on the album since 2005 and during that time frame he would release the songs "Hustla", "Get Ya Money Off" and "Let It Off". During this time, he would also leave Roc-A-Fella after Jay-Z told him he could run his own company and had the proper distribution deals to do so. He found a new home in 2009 when he signed to Mass Appeal Entertainment
Mass Appeal Entertainment
Mass Appeal Entertainment is an American record label owned and operated by producer/writer Marcus "DL" Siskind...
which is where he will release his long anticipated album The Process
The Process (Memphis Bleek album)
The Process is the upcoming fifth studio album by rapper Memphis Bleek. It was set to be released on March 23, 2010 via Bleek's label, Get Low Records, Mass Appeal Entertainment and E1 Music, however the album did not appear in any stores on March 23....
in 2010.
In the summer of 2010, he was on stage with Jay-Z, as a background singer, on the Swedish festival Peace&Love.
Filmography
In 2002, Memphis Bleek made his acting debut in the film State PropertyState Property (film)
State Property is a 2002 American crime film starring Beanie Sigel, Omillio Sparks, Memphis Bleek and Damon Dash. Rapper Jay-Z appears in a cameo role. It was produced by Roc-A-Fella Films and distributed by Lions Gate Entertainment. Abdul Malik Abbott directed the film and co-wrote its screenplay...
. He played the role of Blizz. A year later, he was featured in the film, Paper Soldiers
Paper Soldiers
Paper Soldiers is an urban crime comedy released in 2002. It stars Kevin Hart, Beanie Sigel, Stacey Dash, Kamal Ahmed, and rapper Jay-Z appears in a cameo role...
.
Studio albums
- 1999: Coming of Age
- 2000: The Understanding
- 2003: M.A.D.E.M.A.D.E.M.A.D.E. is the third studio album by rapper Memphis Bleek. It was released on December 16, 2003 and at best it reached #35. The album sold 150,000 copies in its first week, which was a record for Memphis Bleek....
- 2005: 534534 (album)-Samples:"534"* "London, Paris, New York" written by Graham Preskett"Interlude"* "Summer Song" Performed by Lisa Koch"Dear Summer"* "Morning Sunrise" performed by Weldon Irvine"Like That"* "Everybody Plays The Fool" by The Main Ingredient...
- 2011: The ProcessThe Process (Memphis Bleek album)The Process is the upcoming fifth studio album by rapper Memphis Bleek. It was set to be released on March 23, 2010 via Bleek's label, Get Low Records, Mass Appeal Entertainment and E1 Music, however the album did not appear in any stores on March 23....