Memphis Bleek joins Shannon Sharpe at Club Shay Shay to perform a track from his new album Apartment 3D before diving into his journey from the Marcy Projects in Brooklyn to hip-hop history.
Raised by a single mother and stepfather, Bleek recalls growing up watching his mom struggle and his determination to change his family dynamic. He thought basketball, baseball, or even art would be his path, until writing lyrics became his true calling. Growing up in the same building as Jay-Z, his first job was walking Jay’s nephews to school for $100 a week. He shares memories of the projects, losing friends, and respect for older generations who disciplined kids whether related or not.
Bleek also reflects on idolizing Nino Brown before Jay-Z told him to quit hustling and focus on music. Though not blood brothers, he says Jay-Z raised him alongside Dame Dash, Biggs, Clark Kent, and cousin Bee High. He explains why Brooklyn breeds stars like The Notorious B.I.G., Lil’ Kim, Fabolous, Big Daddy Kane, ODB, Joey Bada$$, and Pop Smoke. He remembers meeting Biggie during the “Brooklyn’s Finest” session with Jay-Z and visiting Biggie’s New Jersey mansion with elevators and Land Cruisers, which inspired him to believe success through music was possible. He admits his pen was never as sharp as Jay-Z, Biggie, Nas, or Tupac, and recalls being devastated by Biggie’s death.