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]
You A Thug N***a )
Memphis Bleek Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah
M-e-m-p-h-i-s Bleek
Why'all punk ass niggaz
Check it out yo
[Chorus:]
Is you a thug nigga?
It's no love nigga
We true thug niggaz
Streets is mine, One nine double nine, we shine
Niggaz stack one's act and and catch one
You a thug nigga?
Then bust a slug nigga
It's no love nigga
We true thug niggaz
Streets is mine, One nine double nine, we shine
Niggaz stack one's act and and catch one
Yo check it
Shit, I'm here now, where it's at?
I'm there now, when I walk through the club
The real have stare-downs
And I walk by, lil nigga play the short guy
Pockets is grown, when I cock it, it's on
You believe that, all the chickenz be where the treez at
Car hopping bitches be where the V's at
I plot to get mo, stacks and a crib
Sometimes I hear that Ele hold a gat in the crib
Can't relax in the crib
Niggaz did max bids
Niggaz clap shit, ain't no acting in this
You a playa? Well nigga who you working for?
'Cause who coachin' that team that you be otin' for?
When I ride by, I know you looking to spray me
But I got a ghetto bird that go half on a three-eighty
It's the game of life, you it, so play it right
Bitches like you, M-e-m-p-h Bleek, yeah right
[Chorus:]
The lyrics of Memphis Bleek's song "You A Thug N***a" bring forth a strong sense of gangsterism and aggression. Beginning with the chorus, "Is you a thug nigga? Then bust a slug nigga," the song describes the life of a thug, who has no love for anyone but himself and is always ready to take down anyone who challenges him. He asserts his dominance over the streets, claiming that they are his, and that he shines bright in the year 1999.
Memphis Bleek further goes on to describe his life as a gangster, talking about how people stare him down when he walks into a club and how he carries a gun with him at all times. He brags about the money he makes and the cars he drives, as well as the power he wields. He wonders who his enemies are working for, and knows that they always have their eyes on him, looking for a chance to take him down. He ends the verse with a warning to all, saying that life is a game, and he knows how to play it right.
Overall, "You A Thug N***a" is a song that glorifies the life of a gangster, showcasing the power and the aggression that comes with it. It paints a picture of a man who is ready to fight at any given moment, and who will do anything to establish his dominance over others.
Line by Line Meaning
Huh?
Memphis Bleek starts with a questioning sound to grab attention of listeners.
Yeah
He replies affirmatively to his own question, indicating that he's ready to proceed.
M-e-m-p-h-i-s Bleek
He introduces himself by spelling out his name, adding a sense of style and attitude to his persona.
Why'all punk ass niggaz
He addresses a group of people, calling them weak and cowardly.
Check it out yo
He urges listeners to pay attention and listen to what he's about to say.
[Chorus:] Is you a thug nigga? Then bust a slug nigga It's no love nigga We true thug niggaz Streets is mine, One nine double nine, we shine Niggaz stack one's act and and catch one You a thug nigga? Then bust a slug nigga It's no love nigga We true thug niggaz Streets is mine, One nine double nine, we shine Niggaz stack one's act and and catch one
The chorus repeats the phrase 'is you a thug nigga?' several times, emphasizing the question and the violent options associated with the answer. The streets are a hostile environment where only the tough survive, and violence is always present.
Yo check it
He starts a new verse, signaling that he has more to say and that the tone might change.
Shit, I'm here now, where it's at?
He proudly announces his arrival and challenges others to test him.
I'm there now, when I walk through the club The real have stare-downs
He's confident and experienced enough to handle any situation in the club, where people respect him and are intimidated by his presence.
And I walk by, lil nigga play the short guy
He dismisses any attempt to confront him, especially by someone smaller and weaker than him.
Pockets is grown, when I cock it, it's on
He's wealthy and powerful, and he's not afraid to use force to protect his interests.
You believe that, all the chickenz be where the treez at Car hopping bitches be where the V's at
He implies that women are attracted to his money and fame, and that he can easily obtain their company and services.
I plot to get mo, stacks and a crib Sometimes I hear that Ele hold a gat in the crib
He's constantly thinking about how to increase his wealth and status, and he's aware of the danger and violence that surround him even in his own home.
Can't relax in the crib Niggaz did max bids Niggaz clap shit, ain't no acting in this
He can't let his guard down even in his own home, because he knows that other people have gone to prison or died because of their involvement in criminal activities.
You a playa? Well nigga who you working for? 'Cause who coachin' that team that you be otin' for?
He challenges other men who claim to be players, asking who's really in charge of their life and decisions.
When I ride by, I know you looking to spray me But I got a ghetto bird that go half on a three-eighty
He's aware that some people might want to harm him or steal from him, but he's prepared to defend himself and his property with a weapon.
It's the game of life, you it, so play it right Bitches like you, M-e-m-p-h Bleek, yeah right
He acknowledges that life is a competition where only the strongest and smartest survive, and he belittles women who try to use him or impress him with their looks or words.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: IRVING LORENZO, IRVING DOMINGO LORENZO, MALIK COX, MALIK DESHAWN COX, ROBERT MAYS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind