June 30, 2005 @ 10:14 am

Memphis Bleek: Can Someone Turn Off The Popup Blocker?

by: Kevin R. Scott

Memphis Bleek has long been described as Roc-A-Fella’s number one soldier. Some have even called him the lieutenant, a ranking most likely earned for his tenure and loyalty to the Roc rather than any likeness he shares with the man in charge of the army itself, Shawn Carter a.k.a. Jay-Z. To me, the relationship between Jay-Z and Memphis Bleek has always come off as that proud father: Jay-Z, having exceedingly high expectations for his son and wanting him to follow in his own footsteps. Bleek would be the honorable son always stepping up to the plate and each time he swings or releases an album it’s a near miss and never a homerun. Why? Why is it that someone who seemingly has all the necessities to score, has yet to bring one home for the team? In this instance, the homerun would be a platinum plaque. The game itself would be the business of selling records - something Jay-Z has done exceptionally well. Over the years, I’ve listened to Bleek’s records and I’ve watched his videos. Counting the May 2005 release of 534, Bleek is now four albums deep and I’ve yet to be able to discern his style. There is not one song that I can listen to and say without prior knowledge, “Oh that is definitely Memphis Bleek.” Furthermore, there is no one in hip hop since him that I can recognize as stylizing themselves after his flow. With the ambitious titles of his previous albums being Coming of Age, The Understanding and M.A.D.E; one would think they wouldn’t have to ask, “Why has Memphis Bleek yet to pop?” Could it be that we see Memphis Bleek through Jay-Z colored glasses? Think about it. If the one person that you are most closely associated with is more successful at the same game that you play, is it possible for you to be unfairly compared? Are we judging Memphis Bleek by the success of Jay-Z and not based on the merits of his own hustle and flow? On one hand yes, partially because Bleek gives so much reverence and control over his project to Jay-Z. With that being the case, I then almost unfairly expect Bleek to ride a Swizz beat with as little effort and as much grace as Jay-Z does. However, this ‘unfair’ judgment is two-fold. By always deferring to Jay-Z for approval, Bleek has risked losing his own identity. I’ve read in leading magazines that Bleek has given up on songs, that he in his heart thought were big hits, because Jay-Z didn’t approve. Could the platinum single Roc-A-Fella has been waiting for Bleek to bring home be laying somewhere on the cutting room floor? It seems like there may be a lesson for the number one soldier to learn from a fellow member of the Roc, Kanye. Kanye has been criticized for his drive, his ego and ability to assert his identity. He also flourishes not only because he pushes the envelope, but he like Bleek is talented. Bleek, to me just hasn’t figured out how to sign his name. He is missing a signature or at least a distinctive one. He seems to be overshadowed by his membership to the Roc and not catapulted by it. And although many may disagree, I wonder if Memphis Bleek is really like a popup ad, but his affiliation with the Roc is like a popup blocker. Maybe the gift is the curse. Kevin R. Scott is a Harlem resident, freelance writer and music critic with a penchant for the newest, hottest, freshest and dopest. He's a mad man for anything R&B. You can find him blogging at www.kevinrscott.com.

The views expressed by this writer do not represent beliefs held by VIBE.

Article tags: Memphis Bleek, Jay-Z, Roc-A-Fella, Shawn Carter, Kanye, Swizz