Early years
Memphis "One Hit Away" Bleek's first mainstream rap vocals appeared on the Clark Kent produced song "Coming of Age", featured on Jay-Z's classic debut LP Reasonable Doubt. Shortly after, Bleek became the first artist signed to Roc-A-Fella Records.
"Coming of Age", ironiclly, was also the title of Memphis' debut LP, which didn't create massive records sales and chart-topping singles as his labelmate and peers' albums had. The same was the case of his second LP, "The Understanding", and third, "M.A.D.E", though the latter spawned his largest amount of sales yet (900,000).
Get Low label and rivalries
In the time between the releases of his second and third albums, Memphis Bleek started his own label, Get Low, which in turn led to the signing of former Junior MAFIA member Lil' Cease. The name of the label has sparked a hip-hop rivalry, or beef, between Memphis Bleek, JT tha Bigga Figga & The Game, the former of which built an independent record label with the same title.
Memphis Bleek was also caught in the middle of the epic Jay-Z and Nas battle, in which Bleek gained a few enemies, most notably Nas and Mobb Deep. Despite boosting Jay-Z and Nas's careers, the beef did little to help Bleek gain any more popularity than he had already attained.
Later years
Remaining one hit away, on May 17, 2005, Bleek released his fourth album titled "534" , in reference to the building he & mentor Jay-Z grew up in, located in the Marcy housing projects of Brooklyn. However, like many of Bleeks previous releases the album suffered in sales, despite decent exposure of the Swizz Beatz produced single 'Like That'.
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."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. 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 is yet.
Albums
1999: The Coming of Age [Certified: Gold]
2001: The Understanding [Certified: Gold]
2003: M.A.D.E. [Certified: Gold]
2005: 534 [Certified: Gold]
In My Life
Memphis Bleek Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lights come on
I'm alone in the dark and I sang final notes from my heart
Times when I write
Late at night in my room
The candles burn and the paper mirrors my choice of words
Every Time I close my eyes and the world ain't on my side
And I'm sure that I can't change a thing
In my life
I am living out my dreams
'Cause you gave me what I need
You're the only air I breathe
Your the only one can count on on and on
I can always count on
On and on
In my life
I've learned to disguise with my eyes
But he can see deep inside
And he shares the feelings I try to hide
Every time I close my eyes
And the world ain't on my side
And I'm sure that I can't change a thing
Then the sweetest man arrives
In my life
I am living out my dreams
'Cause you gave me what I need
You're the only air I breathe
Your the only one can count on on and on
I can always count on
On and on
In my life
Every time I close my eyes
And the world ain't on my side
And I'm sure that I can't change a thing
Then the sweetest man arrives in my life
I am living out my dreams
'Cause you gave me what I need
You're the only air I breathe
Your the only one can count on on and on
I can always count on
On and on
In my life
The lyrics of Memphis Bleek's song "In My Life" showcase the innermost thoughts and feelings of the artist. He sings of times when he is alone at night, writing lyrics with the candles burning and paper mirroring his choice of words. These moments highlight the artist's vulnerability and the challenges he faces as a musician. However, amidst these struggles, the artist finds solace in the knowledge that there is someone who shares his feelings and understands his innermost thoughts. Every time he feels helpless and sure that he can't change anything, the "sweetest man" arrives in his life, providing him with the support and love he needs.
In essence, the lyrics of "In My Life" are about finding comfort and strength in the people who matter the most in our lives. The artist sings of the importance of having someone to count on, someone who gives him what he needs and is the only air he breathes. Although he might face challenges and obstacles in his career, the artist finds the strength to keep going because of the love and support he receives from this person.
Overall, Memphis Bleek's song "In My Life" is a powerful and emotional ballad that showcases the challenges and struggles faced by artists in the music industry. The song highlights the importance of finding comfort and solace in the people who matter the most in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Curtains falls down
The show is over and the audience has left.
Lights come on
The lighting changes revealing the emptiness of the theater.
I'm alone in the dark and I sang final notes from my heart
The artist is experiencing the aftermath of his performance.
Times when I write
The artist reminisces about writing sessions.
Late at night in my room
The artist reveals that his writing typically happens late at night.
The candles burn and the paper mirrors my choice of words
The artist paints the picture of solitude being his ultimate collaborator during his creative writing.
Every Time I close my eyes and the world ain't on my side
The artist is confronted with feelings of inadequacy.
And I'm sure that I can't change a thing
The artist feels helpless.
Then the sweetest man arrives
The artist's supportive loved one arrives.
In my life
The artist realizes that his loved one is his ultimate supporter in life.
I am living out my dreams
The artist is achieving his dreams.
'Cause you gave me what I need
The artist is grateful for the love and support he receives.
You're the only air I breathe
The artist loves and values his supportive loved one
Your the only one can count on on and on
The artist knows that he can rely on his loved one.
I can always count on
The artist can always count on his loved one.
On and on
The cycle of support continues.
Every time I close my eyes
The artist is continuously confronted with self-doubt.
And the world ain't on my side
The external world continues to provide challenges.
And I'm sure that I can't change a thing
The artist feels helpless to change his circumstances.
Then the sweetest man arrives in my life
The artist's loved one is a constant source of support.
I am living out my dreams
The artist is achieving his goals.
'Cause you gave me what I need
The artist expresses gratitude for the unwavering support of his loved one.
You're the only air I breathe
The artist loves and values his supportive loved one
Your the only one can count on on and on
The artist relies on his loved one, who has been a constant source of support.
I can always count on
The artist knows that he can rely on his loved one.
On and on
The cycle of support continues.
In my life
The artist realizes that his loved one is his ultimate supporter in life.
Lyrics ยฉ Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DEBORAH COX, LASCELLES STEPHENS, ROBIN A THICKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kevin Johnson EL
I will always have respect for Memphis Bleek for this Song. He went there. Only the qualified understand.
BigP Z.
Yep only rappers from 90s and 2000s sampled 80s songs that was fire not today's trap rap bullshit I can't listen to that cause it sounds whack asf.
Trent Yates
One of just blaze's best beats ever. In my life, real hip hop like this is what i listen to. Fuck this mumble and trap BS that's on the radio today. This is real music right here for real.
BIG DAME TV
Just didn't produce this track
Antoine Dickerson
Still here 2020!! This takes me bk to my roots!! 1 of the reasons I am who I am today!! Timeless trk!!
kdeezo326
This was my exact thought back when I first heard this๐ฏ
Dustin King
This song was so slept on truly deserving of at least 50 million views
EL Gordo 44
I remember having this song on repeat in 2000 with my crew. It's 2023 and a lot of my friends are dead or doing football numbers. I shed tears hearing this now
NEVER HUNGRY AGAIN
Damn
Deebo Little
Real shit... Playas who ACTUALLY played the game is RARE nowadays... Like you said, we a dying breed.. Ninjas don't last in the fast lane.