Memphis Bleek
Memphis Bleek |
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Malik Thuston Cox, better known by his rap persona of Memphis Bleek, is a New York rapper currently signed to Roc-A-Fella Records. Memphis Bleek also runs his own label, Get Low Records, which he founded in 1998.
Roc-A-Fella Records
Memphis Bleek was one of the first artists signed to Roc-A-Fella Records, as protge to long time freind and mentor, Jay-Z. He appeared on the Jay-Z Albums Reasonable Doubt, In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, and Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life.[1] 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 afformentioned 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.[2]
He has released 3 more albums since his debut, ''The Understanding'', ''M.A.D.E.'', and ''534''. His first three albums all recieved Gold Status in record sales, and his latest album, 534, debuted #1 on the Top Rap Albums Billboard Chart. 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.[3] It is to note that on the album 534, which was named after the building number where Memphis and Jay-Z grew up in the Marcy Projects, it was the first release from the "new" Roc-A-Fella Records, referencing to Jay-Z becoming President of Def Jam.[4] It was also the album where Jay-Z released his first song since beginning his brief "retirement". The song was called "Dear Summer", in reference to what he 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 leave "her", Summer.[5]
His singles 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 Elliot 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.[6] 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.
The Process (2008)
In fall 2005, Memphis Bleek told MTV.com that he was recording an album that should be released in early 2006 featuring such artists as upcoming R&B singer Coya. He is thinking of naming his next album The Process, and this would effectively be a make or break album. In an interview for MTV he said: "I want to do an album that's through the roof," he said about his next project. "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. It has to be deep. I want people to pick my album up and learn something." The interview also said that Diddy and singer Gerald Levart both have hits for the rapper. [7]
Filmography
In 2002, Memphis Bleek made his acting debut in the film State Property. He played the role of Blizz. A year later, he was featured in the film, Paper Soldiers.
Discography
Studio albums
- 1999: The Coming of Age
- 2000: The Understanding
- 2003: M.A.D.E.
- 2005: 534
- 2008: The Process
Singles
- "It's Alright" - Released: July, 21, 1998
- "Memphis Bleek Is..." - Released: June, 08, 1999
- "My Hood To Your Hood" - Released: August, 10, 1999
- "What You Think of That" - Released: January, 25, 2000
- "Is That Your Chick?" - Released: September, 12, 2000
- "Do My..." - Released: February, 13, 2001
- "Need Me in Your Life/We Ballin'" - Released: September, 16, 2003
- "Round Here" - Released: November, 25, 2003
- "Like That" - Released: March, 29, 2005
- "Infatuated" - Released: May, 24, 2005
- "One/First, Last and Only/Smoke the Pain Away" - Released: July, 19, 2005
References
- ^ Jay-Z Album Discography | CDNow
- ^ The Boy are back Atop the Top 200
- ^ M.A.D.E. in America | Billboard
- ^ Memphis Bleek Brings It All Back Home
- ^ 'Retired' Jay-Z Releasing New Track Via Memphis Bleek LP
- ^ Artist Chart History - Memphis Bleek | Billboard
- ^ Memphis Bleek Helps Jay-Z Prepare For War - News Story | Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News