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]
N.O.W.
Memphis Bleek Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm on my feet now, shit never was it sweet now
Belly but I'm still starve can I eat now, live complete
Now, told by the older god never put the heat down
Far from reaper humbo meat now fuck with
The winners bitches listen when I speak
Got on some rap shit find it hard to creep
Could clap you but ain't nothing like a beat down
We swept down these streets now like community
Service reach your faith face defeat now we
Hipadument get in your skin niggas want beef now
Bring It on when we born ain't no rebound the war on son
No time for sleep now get your guns no surrender no retreat
Now you violated dog blood got elate your whole life is down hill in type
Deep down its deep now watch and separate
The wolf from the sheep now
May you rest ever last in peace regons compete
This year isare year knowledge
[Chorus]
Hey yo, half Wais is on this crawl thorough
Doing ten miles per on a sneak with no doubt
In for way make the gun peak out just to sent a
Message let for shots sneak out front I don't
Hesitate to reach now you think you nice but
Your dealer, your contract can con preach now
Chicken uses to front but they on my meat now
Catch me in the park after dark with seats down
I was known for enemy layin' your feet down
Now I'm known for shit one hundred degrees
Now my style use to be just sick but its disease
Now take a one on one to this catch ya freeze now
Death to enemy's, life to the family peace to my
Killers up north who ever ran with me I'm still moving
With the canners g for the money there no problem
Pleanin' the ascending
[Chorus]
Yo, Never put the heat down creep without a Three pound
Roll deep now speak with a street sound who fuckin' with bleek
Now Seein' me don't eat how I take from the fradout I'm looking
Pass trial blast out if they ever rush the crack house throw the
Stash out blow the spot pull a path out leave no evedince
Gettin' caught that arellvne sittin' in the system with some drugs I
Can't settle it my belly full now so I went thorough hood now,
Look good now old beef is cook now in other words shook now I
Put my thing down Bleek still aim wild and slang vows I remain brave
Child thorough a bang out smoke and hangout I duck thieves and play
Cops game, hot bubble hard jungle scar them cat moving the cocaine I went
The thug route my eight the snug route ten in my truck out old
Drum I bluff out no gun in curse words got you niggas cause
I heard heard and its first I'm a cat who get my money right
Cause ain't fun in life If you runnin' I'm runnin' lite in the black V
Find a rapper who can match Bleek sent him to the brooks (Brooklyn)
I'm show em where the gats be mothersfucker
The song "N.O.W." by Memphis Bleek is a powerful track that discusses the artist's rise from humble beginnings to a successful rap career. Bleek reflects on his past struggles and the hard work he put in to reach his current position. The chorus serves as a reminder of his journey, with Bleek rapping, "I'm on my feet now, shit never was it sweet now/Belly but I'm still starve can I eat now, live complete/Now, told by the older god never put the heat down."
Throughout the song, Bleek emphasizes his determination to succeed and his willingness to do whatever it takes to get there. He references his past experiences in the streets and the dangers that come with that lifestyle. However, he also acknowledges the lessons he learned from the "older god" and how those lessons shape his current mindset.
Overall, "N.O.W." is a motivational track that encourages listeners to work hard and strive for success, no matter what obstacles they may face.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm on my feet now, shit never was it sweet now
I have overcome difficulties and am in a better position now, but the journey was never easy.
Belly but I'm still starve can I eat now, live complete
Although I am wealthy, I still feel unfulfilled and am searching for true meaning and completeness.
Now, told by the older god never put the heat down
I have been warned by an experienced person to always be on guard and keep my weapon at the ready.
Far from reaper humbo meat now fuck with
I have distanced myself from a life of danger and violence, and am not to be messed with.
The winners bitches listen when I speak
My success has granted me power and respect, and those who desire success pay heed to my words.
Got on some rap shit find it hard to creep
Although I started in the rap game, I find it difficult to move around quietly and unnoticed.
Now I'm on point and move deep more replete
Now, I am alert and aware of my surroundings, moving carefully and with a sense of fulfillment.
Could clap you but ain't nothing like a beat down
While I have the ability to kill, there's a certain satisfaction in physically beating someone down.
We swept down these streets now like community
My crew and I have taken control of the streets like a community service group cleaning up the area.
Service reach your faith face defeat now we
Those who oppose us will suffer defeat at our hands.
Hipadument get in your skin niggas want beef now
My swagger and confidence bothers some people, causing them to challenge me.
Bring It on when we born ain't no rebound the war on son
I am always ready for a fight, knowing there is no second chance in this violent world we live in.
No time for sleep now get your guns no surrender no retreat
We cannot rest or be complacent, always ready to defend ourselves with our weapons.
Now you violated dog blood got elate your whole life is down hill in type
If you disrespect us or cross us, you will suffer greatly, and your life will go downhill quickly.
Deep down its deep now watch and separate
The situation is intense, so keep an eye out and distinguish between friend and foe.
The wolf from the sheep now
Learn to tell the difference between the dangerous predators and the harmless prey.
May you rest ever last in peace regons compete
May the departed rest in peace, while those of us still alive continue to strive and compete.
This year isare year knowledge
This year is the time for us to gain knowledge and move forward.
Hey yo, half Wais is on this crawl thorough
I am on this journey with all I have, determined to succeed.
Doing ten miles per on a sneak with no doubt
I am moving quickly and quietly, confident in myself and my abilities.
In for way make the gun peak out just to sent a
I show my weapons to intimidate and send a message of power.
Message let for shots sneak out front I don't
I don't hesitate to shoot if needed, but prefer to handle situations intelligently and avoid unnecessary violence.
Hesitate to reach now you think you nice but
I am quick to retaliate if threatened, and don't second guess myself.
Your dealer, your contract can con preach now
Don't be fooled by the music industry, as it can sometimes deceive and corrupt those involved.
Chicken uses to front but they on my meat now
People who once rejected me now want to associate with me because of my success.
Catch me in the park after dark with seats down
You can find me in the park at night, listening to music with my car windows down.
I was known for enemy layin' your feet down
In the past, I was known for physically harming those who crossed me.
Now I'm known for shit one hundred degrees
Now, I am known for being hot and on fire in the rap game.
Now my style use to be just sick but its disease
My rap style used to be impressive, but now it's infectious and spreading rapidly.
Now take a one on one to this catch ya freeze now
I challenge anyone to face me one on one and they will be too intimidated to respond.
Death to enemy's, life to the family peace to my
I am fiercely loyal to my family and will do whatever it takes to protect them.
Killers up north who ever ran with me I'm still moving
Despite being successful in the rap game, I still keep in touch with my old violent friends from the north.
With the canners g for the money there no problem
When it comes to making money, there's no challenge or obstacle I can't overcome.
Pleanin' the ascending
I am working hard to raise my status and achieve greater heights.
Never put the heat down creep without a Three pound
I always carry a gun and move cautiously to avoid trouble in dangerous situations.
Roll deep now speak with a street sound who fuckin' with bleek
I have a crew and speak with authority, daring anyone to challenge me.
Now Seein' me don't eat how I take from the fradout I'm looking
Just by seeing me, people are intimidated and won't disrespect me, and I am always on the lookout for opportunities to make money.
Pass trial blast out if they ever rush the crack house throw the
If anyone tries to break into my drug operation, I will use my weapons to defend myself and throw away evidence to avoid getting caught.
Stash out blow the spot pull a path out leave no evedince
I am careful to hide any incriminating evidence and make a quick escape if the authorities come knocking.
Gettin' caught that arellvne sittin' in the system with some drugs I
Getting caught with drugs will land you in jail, and I don't want to be stuck in the system.
Can't settle it my belly full now so I went thorough hood now,
I am hungry for success and will not settle for anything less, so I continue to work hard in my music career.
Look good now old beef is cook now in other words shook now
I am now successful and confident, and those who once opposed me now fear me.
I put my thing down Bleek still aim wild and slang vows I remain brave
I excel in the rap game and continue to be bold and fearless despite my success.
Child thorough a bang out smoke and hangout I duck thieves and play
I still hang out with my old friends from the streets, but am careful to avoid danger and stay out of trouble.
Cops game, hot bubble hard jungle scar them cat moving the cocaine I went
I am involved in the drug trade, aware of the dangers and competing with other dealers.
The thug route my eight the snug route ten in my truck out old
I am used to a life of crime and carry weapons wherever I go, including in my truck.
Drum I bluff out no gun in curse words got you niggas cause
I can intimidate people without needing to use weapons, using my words and my reputation.
I heard heard and its first I'm a cat who get my money right
I am well aware of the dangers and rumors surrounding the music industry, so I focus on making money and being successful.
Cause ain't fun in life If you runnin' I'm runnin' lite in the black V
Life is not worth living without success, so I work hard to achieve my goals and ride in my black V for enjoyment.
Find a rapper who can match Bleek sent him to the brooks (Brooklyn)
No other rapper can compete with me, and I am proud to represent Brooklyn.
I'm show em where the gats be mothersfucker
I am not afraid to show off my weapons and assert my dominance.
Now, shit never was it sweet now
My life has been difficult and full of challenges.
Can I eat now, live complete
Despite my wealth, I still feel unfulfilled and am searching for a deeper meaning.
Told by the older god never put the heat down
I have been warned to always be armed and ready to defend myself.
The winners bitches listen when I speak
My success has earned me power and respect, and people pay attention when I speak.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAWN MICHELE LOTT, JUSTIN COX, GLENN DRENNEN, WENDY DRENNEN, BEN GLOVER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind