Memphis Bleek

Hailing from Brooklyn's Marcy Projects, Memphis Bleek forged a legacy as JAY-Z's first and most loyal disciple. Born Malik Deshawn Cox in 1978, he made his first appearance on "Coming of Age", a compelling come-up story from HOV's 1996 debut album, Reasonable Doubt. Flaunting a vivid, first-person hustler's perspective and rhymes that were immediate and economical, Bleek rode that momentum into Coming of Age, a debut LP that showcased his penchant for sharp raps that could be commercial and street simultaneously. Memphis fortified his reputation with 2000's The Understanding, an album that saw him further refine his rhyme dexterity and his knack for writing singles. On tracks like "My Mind Right", with assists from Ja Rule and DJ Clue, he was particularly infectious and dynamic. Bleek levelled up again with 2003's M.A.D.E. and 2005's 534, albums that reaffirmed his status as a foundational brick in the fortress of Roc-A-Fella Records.