Memphis Bleek

The Understanding [Explicit]
$5.00
"Don't compare me to Jay-Z..." Memphis Bleeks commands on "They'll Never Play Me", the 11th track on his album "The Understanding". In some sense, that is reasonable request. An artist should stand or fall on his own merits. However, it is inevitable that Bleek would be compared to his mentor, not because of his status as Jigga's one-time understudy, but because Jay-Z is the yardstick by which most MCs in the Mafioso rap sub-genre are measured.

Bleek may as well demand that listeners not compare him to AZ, Nas, the Notorious B.I.G., Raekwon, or any other MC that's ever picked up the mic and spit about pushing weight and bagging broads. In truth, it would be better for him if we didn't. Although Bleek isn't terrible, he comes across as rather average in terms of both concept and flow. His subject matter is mundane (by hip hop standards) and his delivery is all right, but it's nothing special. His lyrics definitely lack complexity, and this is never more evident than when he's rhyming alongside his former mentor (Jigga) who makes appearances on no less than four of this album's tracks.

All in all, Bleek, while competent, fails to stand out from the crowd.

534
$13.98
As someone who has followed Memphis Bleek's career, 534 was a welcome surprise. Simply put, the CD is better than you would think. While M.A.D.E. had a couple of decent songs, it was Bleek's first solo album in years and the rust showed. Jay compensated by throwing guest appearance after guest appearcance on the joint, making the LP seem both forced and cluttered. On 534, however, one begins to appreciate Bleek's potential.

As much as I love it, "Dear Summer" hurts Bleek's cause. Fans want to see Bleek out of Hov's shadow, and while the God-MC's retirement was a welcome sight for Bleek fans, Dear Summer directly negates that progression. "Infatuated" was an over-the-top pop song but when separated from the hook, the lyrics were quite solid. Bleek mimics Jay's style a little bit in Infatuated, but that's representative of the whole LP; the deeper you get in to the track list, the more we see the real Bleek and the less we see Jay's influence. I thought "Like That" and "Oh Baby" were club bangers, but both were representative of the songs artists put out to perpetuate rap's sorry state today.

"First, Last and Only," was when I thought, for the first time, we were on to something. The beat clearly sets the tone while Bleek and MOP spit bonafide BK heat. I thought this was one guest appearance that Bleek hit right on the nose; MOP was PERFECT for this track. "Alright," was my favorite track on the CD. Getting production from 9th Wonder and doing the song by HIMSELF, Bleek for the first time in his career, had me up out of my seat when I heard his delivery. You had a feeling that he really focused and I thought his rhymes were extremely crisp and well-written. I love the symbolism of the second-to-last track "All About Me," because as I said, we really begin see Bleek in his own light by the end of the CD. While 534 is not A classic in the least, Bleek fans have to be encouraged by the improvements since M.A.D.E. and should heavily anticipate his next solo LP. Well done, Memph Man; this was the surprise of 2005.

Coming of Age
$17.98
I have to admit that I do like this LP. It kinda grew on me throughout these years. Lyrically he does have his moments. Overall, this is the only record from him I think you should check out.

Coming Of Age [Explicit]
$9.49
I have to admit that I do like this LP. It kinda grew on me throughout these years. Lyrically he does have his moments. Overall, this is the only record from him I think you should check out.