Memphis Bleek

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Memphis Bleek
Background information
Birth name	Malik Thuston Cox
Origin	Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Genre(s)	Hip hop
Occupation(s)	Rapper Actor Record Producer
Years active	1996–present
Label(s)	Get Low Records Roc-A-Fella Records
Associated acts	Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel, Young Gunz, Freeway, Kanye West
Website	Official website

Malik Thuston Cox (born June 23, 1978), better known by his rap persona of Memphis Bleek or "Memphis Grillz", is a New York rapper who is 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 protege to long time friend, Jay-Z. He appeared on the Jay-Z Albums Reasonable Doubt,In My Lifetime Vol. 1, and Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life.^[1] Bleeks first official appearance was Coming of Age from Reasonable Doubt. Jay-Z actually wrote his verses. 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]

He has released 3 more albums since his debut, The Understanding went Platinum, 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.

The Process

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.

Videogames

Memphis Bleek recently appeared in the videogame Def Jam: Fight For New York for PSP as a fighter.

Discography

Studio albums

• 1999: Coming of Age
• 2000: The Understanding
• 2003: M.A.D.E.
• 2005: 534
• TBA: 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

External links

• Roc-A-Fella Records
• Official MySpace