Memphis Bleek Explains The Roc-A-Fella Journey, Marcy Tasks, Dame Sprint, Loyalty, and extra to Shannon Sharpe
Memphis Bleek sat down with Shannon Sharpe on Membership Shay Shay for one of the vital revealing conversations of his profession, mixing uncooked honesty about his upbringing, loyalty to Jay-Z, and the teachings realized from Roc-A-Fella’s meteoric rise and dramatic fall. The rapper, born Malik Cox in Brooklyn’s Marcy Tasks, used the platform to carry out a brand new monitor from his album Condominium 3D earlier than diving right into a deep dialog about hip-hop historical past, brotherhood, and survival.
From Marcy Tasks to Hip-Hop’s Massive Stage
Raised by his mom and stepfather in Brooklyn, Bleek painted a vivid image of rising up within the Marcy Tasks, the place day-after-day was a check of survival and ambition. His first job was strolling Jay-Z’s nephews to highschool for $100 every week — an early connection that may form the remainder of his life.
Although he as soon as believed basketball, baseball, and even artwork might present a method out, writing lyrics shortly turned his true calling. He remembers idolizing fictional kingpin Nino Brown earlier than Jay-Z inspired him to depart hustling behind and deal with music.
Bleek emphasised how Brooklyn’s setting has persistently produced stars, naming The Infamous B.I.G., Lil’ Kim, Fabolous, Massive Daddy Kane, ODB, Joey Bada$$, and Pop Smoke as proof that Marcy and its surrounding neighborhoods are a breeding floor for greatness.
Assembly Biggie and Witnessing Legends
Bleek recounted the surreal expertise of assembly Biggie Smalls throughout the recording of Jay-Z’s “Brooklyn’s Most interesting.” He described visiting Biggie’s New Jersey mansion, full with elevators and Land Cruisers — a second that confirmed him success in music was really potential.
Although Bleek admitted his pen was by no means as sharp as Jay-Z, Biggie, Nas, or Tupac, he cherished the chance to witness these legends firsthand. Biggie’s loss of life devastated him and left an unfillable void in New York hip-hop, reinforcing his perception that the borough had misplaced its best voice too quickly.
Jay-Z: Brother, Mentor, Visionary
For Bleek, Jay-Z was greater than a rap associate — he was an enormous brother and mentor. Although not associated by blood, Bleek stated Jay raised him alongside Dame Sprint, Kareem “Biggs” Burke, Clark Kent, and cousin Bee Excessive.
He described Jay’s childhood residence in Marcy as “royalty,” with luxuries like an air conditioner, a waterbed, and white carpet. From early on, Bleek believed Jay was destined for greatness.
He additionally recalled moments that confirmed Jay-Z’s genius: watching him write “Sunshine” in half-hour, listening to freestyles throughout the Cheap Doubt period, and realizing he had been hand-picked to signify Roc-A-Fella. At simply 17, Bleek purchased his first residence in New Jersey with the cash from Cheap Doubt.
Roc-A-Fella: Rise, Breakup, and Legacy
The dialog turned emotional when Bleek described Roc-A-Fella Data because the “best rap label ever,” rating it above Money Cash, Loss of life Row, No Restrict, Ruff Ryders, and Def Jam. For him, Roc-A-Fella’s rise symbolized risk for youths from the tasks, whereas its breakup marked the darkest day of his profession.
Bleek credited Dame Sprint with saving him from a foul administration deal however admitted Jay-Z won’t ever “save” Dame once more. He defined the label’s collapse as the results of egos, disputes over credit score, and an absence of deal with unity. Watching a household empire crumble damage deeply, however it taught him how fragile success could be.
Even so, he continues to face on loyalty, declaring that Jay-Z has all the time supported him it doesn’t matter what.
Crossing Paths with Icons
Bleek’s profession took him far past Brooklyn. He recalled turning down the beat for Joe Budden’s “Pump It Up” — a call that also haunts him — and laughing about Barbara Streisand quoting his lyrics in a diss to Donald Trump.
He spoke proudly about sharing phases with Nelson Mandela, Michael Jackson, and Future’s Baby. For Bleek, Beyoncé is the closest factor the trendy period has to MJ. He additionally praised Rihanna as an “anomaly” and remembered her earliest days with Roc-A-Fella.
Past music, Bleek marveled at assembly Serena Williams, Meagan Good, and Kevin Hart — whom he known as the funniest man alive, evaluating him to Eddie Murphy.
Reflections on Beef, Household, and Development
Bleek gave his ideas on hip-hop beefs previous and current, from Tupac vs. Biggie to Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake, praising “Not Like Us” as the best diss file he’s ever heard. But he additionally admitted that focusing an excessive amount of on friendships and loyalty generally damage his profession.
He backed Fats Joe’s declare that rappers typically reside paycheck to paycheck, stressing that even artists with hits can face monetary struggles with out sensible planning. At the moment, as a husband and father, Bleek stated his priorities have shifted to stability and constructing a legacy for his household.
Paradoxically, Bleek inadvertently helped begin one in every of hip-hop’s most notorious beefs. His jabs at Nas, within the late Nineties, gave delivery to his high-profile beef with Jay-Z. Shortly, Bleek’s contributions to that beef have been forgotten, as the 2 first launched traditional disses, after which turned good buddies.
As soon as the peace was official, Bleek went from being a foe to being a supporter of Nas.
Conclusion: Classes in Loyalty and Legacy
Memphis Bleek’s look on Membership Shay Shay wasn’t simply one other movie star interview. Moreover, it was a masterclass in reflection. From carrying Jay-Z’s nephews to highschool to standing beside him on world phases, Bleek’s journey embodies each the promise and pitfalls of hip-hop fame.
His story is one in every of survival, loyalty, and progress. The Roc-A-Fella empire’s rise and fall taught him about ego and the fragility of success, however it additionally cemented his perception that brotherhood and mentorship can change lives.
Bleek could by no means be talked about alongside Nas or Jay-Z as one of many best lyricists, however his legacy lives in his loyalty, his contributions to Roc-A-Fella, and his function in bridging Brooklyn’s previous with hip-hop’s future.
For followers of the tradition, Bleek’s reflections supply greater than nostalgia — they remind us that behind the glitz and fame are actual folks, formed by hardship, loyalty, and the pursuit of legacy.
