Memphis Bleek Reflects on Roc-A-Fella’s Legacy and Its Influence on Today’s Rap Scene
Memphis Bleek, a key figure in the legendary Roc-A-Fella Records, which dominated the Rap industry during its heyday, has expressed his thoughts on a group that almost matched their phenomenal success. His insights reveal not only nostalgia but also a deep appreciation for the evolution of Hip-Hop culture and its significant players. In a recent episode of Fresh Kicks, where he engaged in a thought-provoking discussion with fellow Roc alumni Just Blaze, the conversation turned towards the profound impact that artists from New York City’s iconic housing projects, particularly Queensbridge and Memphis? own Marcy Projects, have had on the genre as a whole. This dialogue sheds light on how foundational these communities have been in shaping the sound and style of modern hip-hop.
?I had no idea we would leave such a lasting impact,? the Brooklyn MC shared, reflecting on his journey in the music industry. ?All I wanted was for people to appreciate the music; that was my only goal. When you create something, you hope it resonates with someone. We were simply doing what we loved, enjoying the process without any thought of legacy.? This sentiment captures the essence of artistic expression?where the act of creation is fueled by passion rather than the pursuit of fame or recognition.
The discussion then transitioned to the surprising realization that, during Roc-A-Fella’s monumental rise in the Hip-Hop world, the members themselves were unaware that they were crafting history. Bleek elaborated: ?Some artists still attempt to recreate that Roc wave. I?ve seen a few groups come close, but the one crew I thought had the potential to truly replicate our success was the A$AP crew. I can?t deny it; they were making waves.? This insight highlights the ongoing influence of Roc-A-Fella and how its legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists striving for greatness.
For those interested, you can catch the complete conversation starting at the 11:37 minute mark in the video below.
In another fascinating segment from the episode, Memphis Bleek shared a personal anecdote revealing how he recognized that JAY-Z?s upbringing might have been quite different from that of other children in Marcy. He recalled, ?I often got into trouble for trying to be around Jay because he was associated with the big-time dope boys.? He described a day when he had to go to Jay?s house while his mother was at work, an experience that opened his eyes to the contrast in their lives. ?Jay was hardly ever home, so there I was, stuck in his house waiting for my mom to return.?
?I was in the house with his nephews, and his door was wide open. It was like stepping into a different world?Hollywood. You could close the door and be back in Newark, and it just didn?t feel right. I?m talking about back in ?91 or ?90.? He vividly described Jay?s living space: ?The room was adorned with white carpet, a sleek white floor-model TV, and everything else was pristine. The air conditioning was running, giving it a mall-like ambiance, reminiscent of walking past Macy?s. That?s how his room felt. From that moment on, I couldn?t help but wonder, ?What is he doing that none of us are doing?? because we were all sweating it out with fans while he was living it up with AC.?
He continued, reminiscing about JAY-Z?s generosity, ?Jay was always a giver. He?d hand me $100 and say, ?Yo, Bleek, go to the store and grab me a Pepsi, and keep the change.? This was back when a Pepsi cost a dollar?not two, just a dollar?so I?d come back with $99 in my pocket, feeling like I had struck gold.? This story not only showcases their friendship but also highlights the different paths they were on even at such a young age, further emphasizing the diverse realities within their community.
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