Malik Thuston 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.
Memphis Bleek was one of the first artists signed to Roc-A-Fella
Records, 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.[1] 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.[2] 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.[3] 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.[4] 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.[5]
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.[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.
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."[7] 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.[8] 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.[9]
In the summer of 2010, he was on stage with Jay-Z, as a background
singer, on the Swedish festival Peace&Love.
[edit] 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.
[edit] Discography
Main article: Memphis Bleek discography
[edit] Studio albums
1999: Coming of Age
2000: The Understanding
2003: M.A.D.E.
2005: 534
2011: The Process