FLOWERS/Memphis Bleek
Bleek is often recognized as a protégé and longtime associate of Jay-Z, with whom he collaborated on numerous songs. He appeared on several Jay-Z albums, including "The Blueprint," "The Dynasty: Roc La Familia," and "The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse." Bleek was also a member of the rap group called Get Low, along with rappers Amil and Ja Rule.
He released several albums throughout his career, but one of his most well-regarded albums is "The Understanding."
"The Understanding" is Memphis Bleek's second studio album, released in 2000. The album features production from notable producers such as Just Blaze, Timbaland, and Rick Rock, and includes guest appearances from Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, and others. It showcases Bleek's lyrical abilities and his growth as an artist.
Some standout tracks from "The Understanding" include "Memphis Bleek Is," "Do My..." featuring Jay-Z, "R.O.C.," and "Mind Right" featuring Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel. The album received positive reviews for its production, lyrical content, and the chemistry between Bleek and Jay-Z on their collaborations.
While "The Understanding" is often considered one of Memphis Bleek's strongest albums, it's worth exploring his other projects as well. His debut album "Coming of Age" and the follow-up "The Understanding" are both recognized as significant releases in his discography. However, personal preferences may vary, so it's recommended to listen to a few tracks from different albums to determine which resonate with you the most.
Yes, there was a period of tension and disagreement between Memphis Bleek and Nas in the early 2000s. The feud primarily stemmed from the larger conflict between Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella Records and Nas' Queensbridge-based rap collective, The Firm, which included Nas, Foxy Brown, AZ, and Cormega.
The feud between Nas and Jay-Z was well-known and highly publicized during that time, and Memphis Bleek, being a close associate of Jay-Z, became involved in the feud as well. Bleek released a diss track titled "Mind Right" in 2001, which contained lyrics targeting Nas and other members of The Firm. The track was featured on Bleek's album "The Understanding."
In response, Nas released a scathing diss track called "Ether" later that year on his album "Stillmatic." "Ether" is widely regarded as one of the most impactful diss tracks in hip-hop history and is considered Nas' response to various disses from Jay-Z and his affiliates, including Memphis Bleek.
The feud between Memphis Bleek and Nas was a part of the larger rivalry between Jay-Z and Nas during that era. It was a highly publicized and contentious period in hip-hop, with both artists exchanging diss tracks and engaging in verbal jabs through their music. However, over the years, tensions have subsided, and the artists have moved on from the feud.
In recent years, Memphis Bleek has been relatively less active in the music industry. However, he remains respected for his contributions to the rap scene, his association with Jay-Z, and his affiliation with Roc-A-Fella Records.