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]
The One
Memphis Bleek Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're the fire that remains (turn Rell up a little bit)
We're controllin' the game from now on (huh)
Yeah! It's the world renowned
Internationally connected, locally accepted
Roc-A-Fella Records
Don't get it confused
B. Sig., Rell, Peedi Crakk, Free, Young H-O, Bleek (you understand)
Introducin'
It's Young C (Young C)
Home of Philly, young and hungry
All the girlies wanna fall in lust with me
And every hood in the world discussin' me
I hit it once, when I'm done, give it up to Neef
It's Neef Buck (Neef Buck)
Out the cut (out the cut)
All the haters wanna claim that they fuck with us
It ain't a game, niggas know that they Toys R Us
They can't fuck with us (aww)
I'm the one
Man I'm money, hoes, clothes and shows
To do with your ho all wrapped in one, I'm not done
Man, I'm the shit after its all said and done
Then wanna cop one, come back for another one
Quick fast, like rapid refund
I'm the grrr, mean green out the money machine
I'm not done
I'm Omilio, and interviews thought you could hold Sparks in the hood
And you like it
All them haters talking shit we don't like it
We love it
That black mask, black glove shit
Roll up on him don't budge, bitch
With my MAC and my TEC
And my vest, just like that
For them niggas thinkin' Mack Milli not really from the streets
I'm that gallstone trapped in the belly of the beast
Those seen here we'll lead you forever
And we will not leave you, never
And our voices will ring (ring) together
As one (aww)
It's Young Free'
Move, workin' the wheel, hand jerkin' the V
Busters know if you cross the line
Thinking I'm off my job
But I'm on like Cross when he popped his cuz
Thinking them slugs'll fly
Call me P.C.
Tempers spillin', I peel
Look how I'm killin' the wheel
My fitted tilt to the left
The shirt blend with the sweats
Your girls skirts and veils
She undressin', don't stare
Take a picture, nigga, packin' the bills
I'm the one
Young H-O, a game of none
What you think I'd do to the brain of that dame you brung?
Listen hon', twist up one, this Armi, sip some
It's only 40 proof, it feel like 151
When I'm done, make her run with The Roc
Rock Air Force 1's
Rock a bun, hide shit in her hair when I come
Through customs, cops can't bust him
It's Hov the Hustler, I'm having one hell of a run
And you like it
All them haters talkin' shit we don't like it
No, we love it
I got a mami with a body, don't touch it
You can't fuck wit
Young Easy, up on the Just Blaze production
You get nothin', we get enough spins
Can't stop us from copping bottles while we clubbin'
It's the R-O-C forever, tell the public, huh
Those seen here we'll lead you forever
And we will not leave you, never
And our voices will ring (ring) together
As one (aww)
Memphis Bleek's song The One, features various members of Roc-A-Fella Records, including Beanie Sigel, Rell, Peedi Crakk, Freeway, Young H-O, Bleek, Young Chris, Neef Buck, and Omilio Sparks. The song starts off with Rell's chorus, stating that the members of Roc-A-Fella Records are the ones with the flame and fire that remains. They are controlling the game currently. The song introduces Young C from Philly, who says that every girl wants to be with him and hood discusses him. Neef Buck then comes in and says that people who hate on them can't fuck with them.
Omilio Sparks follows Neef Buck, rapping about him and his experiences in the hood. Free, the next rapper, talks about how he's always working and driving his car. Peedi Crakk follows Free, rapping about his anger and how he is killing the wheel when he drives. Young H-O follows Peedi Crakk, rapping about how he would treat a woman. Young Chris then follows Young H-O, saying that no one can stop them from partying and having a good time. The chorus repeats again with Rell.
Line by Line Meaning
We're the ones with the flame (yeah)
We are the ones who are hot, blazing and on top of our game.
We're the fire that remains (turn Rell up a little bit)
We are the fire that keeps burning and never go out, keep the good music rocking at a high volume.
We're controllin' the game from now on (huh)
We are running the show from now on, taking over the music industry with our talent.
Yeah! It's the world renowned
Yeah! We have a great reputation globally for our music.
Internationally connected, locally accepted
We are popular worldwide, and our music is accepted everywhere we go.
Roc-A-Fella Records
We are a group of artists signed to Roc-A-Fella Records.
Don't get it confused Doin' what we do (it's The Roc, baby)
Do not be mistaken, we are simply doing what we do best, and it is Roc-A-Fella Records that we represent.
B. Sig., Rell, Peedi Crakk, Free, Young H-O, Bleek (you understand) Introducin'
We are introducing ourselves, including Beanie Sigel, Rell, Peedi Crakk, Freeway, Jay-Z, Memphis Bleek as talented musicians.
It's Young C (Young C)
I am Young C, introducing myself to the hip-hop industry.
Home of Philly, young and hungry
I come from Philadelphia, and I am a young, ambitious rapper looking to make a name for myself in the music industry.
All the girlies wanna fall in lust with me
All the girls want to be with me because I am charming and attractive.
And every hood in the world discussin' me
I am popular, and people all over the world are talking about me and my music.
I hit it once, when I'm done, give it up to Neef
I may have one-night stands with girls, but I pass them on to Neef Buck after I am finished with them.
It's Neef Buck (Neef Buck)
I am Neef Buck, another member of this talented hip-hop group.
Out the cut (out the cut)
I came out of nowhere, representing my own unique style of hip-hop.
All the haters wanna claim that they fuck with us
People who do not like us pretend to be associated with us in some way.
It ain't a game, niggas know that they Toys R Us
People know that we are the real deal, and others who oppose us are fake, like a toy store compared to reality.
They can't fuck with us (aww)
Our music and talent are superior, and no one can compete with us.
I'm the one
I am the one who stands out in this group of talented musicians.
Man I'm money, hoes, clothes and shows
I am known for my lavish lifestyle, including wealth, women, fashionable clothing, and exciting performances.
To do with your ho all wrapped in one, I'm not done
I have it all, including the ability to attract and entertain women, and I am not finished yet.
Man, I'm the shit after its all said and done
When all is said and done, everyone will recognize me as the best and most talented musician in this group and in the music industry.
Then wanna cop one, come back for another one
After my audience experiences one of my performances, they will want to come back for more and continue supporting me and my music.
Quick fast, like rapid refund
My performance is impressive and quickly captures the audience's attention.
I'm the grrr, mean green out the money machine
I am fiercely talented and produce a lot of money for the group through my music.
I'm Omilio, and interviews thought you could hold Sparks in the hood
I am Omilio Sparks, and people may have underestimated me because of where I come from, but I am talented and can hold my own in interviews and the music industry.
And you like it
Our audience is enthusiastic about and enjoying our music.
All them haters talking shit we don't like it
People who do not like us are talking negatively about us, but we do not care.
We love it
We get pleasure from knowing that people are talking about us and our music, no matter what they say.
That black mask, black glove shit
My crew dresses in black and wears masks and gloves, representing our fearlessness and determination in the music industry.
Roll up on him don't budge, bitch
We are not afraid to confront our enemies, and we are confident in our ability to succeed in the music industry.
With my MAC and my TEC
We are prepared for any situation, carrying weapons to protect ourselves.
And my vest, just like that
We are protecting ourselves with bulletproof vests, ready to face any opposition.
For them niggas thinkin' Mack Milli not really from the streets
People who doubt Mack Milli's authenticity and realness are mistaken- he comes from the streets.
I'm that gallstone trapped in the belly of the beast
I am the obstacle that makes things difficult for my opponents, like a small stone in the belly of a large animal.
Those seen here we'll lead you forever
We are here to stay, supporting our audience and leading them to success with our music.
And we will not leave you, never
We are committed to our fans and will never abandon them.
And our voices will ring (ring) together
Together, our music and message will resonate with our audience and make a lasting impact.
As one (aww)
We are a unified group, working together to achieve success in the music industry.
It's Young Free'
I am Young Free', introducing myself to the audience.
Move, workin' the wheel, hand jerkin' the V
I am driving the car, using one hand to control the wheel and the other for other matters, such as music or texting.
Busters know if you cross the line
If someone challenges me, they will face the consequences and regret doing so.
Thinking I'm off my job But I'm on like Cross when he popped his cuz
People who think I am not focused on my work are mistaken- I am working hard like Allen Iverson during a basketball game.
Thinking them slugs'll fly
I am ready for any confrontation with my opponents, and bullets may fly as a result.
Call me P.C.
My nickname is P.C.
Tempers spillin', I peel
My emotions are running high, but I remain composed and focused.
Look how I'm killin' the wheel
My driving skills are impressive, and I am controlling the car with ease.
My fitted tilt to the left
My hat is tilted to the left, a stylish choice that represents my unique identity.
The shirt blend with the sweats
My casual and comfortable clothing is complementing my outfit as a whole.
Your girls skirts and veils
The women I associate with are fashionable and dress well.
She undressin', don't stare
A woman is undressing in front of me, but it is inappropriate to stare.
Take a picture, nigga, packin' the bills
I have a lot of money with me, and it is worth taking a photo to document my success.
Young H-O, a game of none
I am Jay-Z, and I do not play any games in the music industry- I am a serious businessman.
What you think I'd do to the brain of that dame you brung?
What will I do to the woman you brought with you? She will be impressed by me and my talent.
Listen hon', twist up one, this Armi, sip some
Listen closely, and I will offer you some of my Armi rum to sip while we enjoy ourselves and relax.
It's only 40 proof, it feel like 151
Armi rum, with only 40% alcohol content, still feels strong and potent like a stronger brand with 151% alcohol content.
When I'm done, make her run with The Roc
After I am finished with this woman, she will be impressed with me and join The Roc's group of admirers and supporters.
Rock Air Force 1's
I wear the popular Air Force 1 sneakers as a symbol of my success and fashionable taste.
Rock a bun, hide shit in her hair when I come
A woman I am involved with will wear her hair in a bun and keep my possessions hidden within it when I visit her.
Through customs, cops can't bust him
Even when going through customs, the police cannot arrest me or stop me- I am too powerful and successful in the music industry.
It's Hov the Hustler, I'm having one hell of a run
I am a successful and ambitious businessman, and I have been on an incredible winning streak in the music industry.
I got a mami with a body, don't touch it
I have a beautiful partner with an attractive body, and others should not try to take her from me.
You can't fuck wit
No one is better than me or more deserving of my partner's affection.
Young Easy, up on the Just Blaze production
I am Young Easy, creating music on a Just Blaze beat.
You get nothin', we get enough spins
While others may not be successful, our music is well-received and popular, getting plenty of radio spins and airtime.
Can't stop us from copping bottles while we clubbin'
We live large and celebrate our success, buying expensive drinks while out at clubs and parties.
It's the R-O-C forever, tell the public, huh
The R-O-C, Roc-A-Fella Records, will continue to be successful and thrive into the future, and the public should know this.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Christopher Ries, Darren Grant, Hanif Muhammad, Kenneth Johnson, Leslie Pridgen, Malik Cox, Maurice White, Shawn Carter, Verdine White, Eddie Del Barrio, Pedro Luis Zayas, Umar Saeed Alwan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind