Memphis Bleek - Understanding

As a another year comes to a close and we embark into another stimulating era of music. Rockafella record label, drop another forthcoming release from one of their promising artists. Jay-Z’s protege Memphis Bleek has returned with his sophomore effort entitled The Understanding.

This Macy Projects native gained notoriety and exposure on his various cameo appearances on albums and music videos. As what holds truth, to his fellow counterparts, Bleek’s stature has been brought to the front lines with collabos with Rockafella Kingpin Jay-Z. Last summer’s blazin track Hey Papi, displayed Bleek‘s potential with his smooth flow and potential mainstream savvy.

The Understanding is definite progression from Bleek’s previous release Coming Of Age.Bleek follows another release, working with high profile producers and guest appearances with affiliated label mates. The cameo spots propels this album and Bleek‘s potential. The appearances include Amil, Beanie Siegel, Missy and Carl Thomas. The tracks to lock into would be I Get High, Is That Your Chick and In My Life. In My Life delivers haunting sample of one of Foreigner‘s classic I Want To Know What Love Is.This tracks describe Bleek‘s and other rap artist’s lifestyle and upbringing. Fatherless household, poverty-stricken adolescents and drug-infested streets. The album’s beats throughout are solid and production is another positive virtue.

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Unfortunately this album, does not elevate Memphis Bleek into the Urban Music elite, due to his lyrically content. Bleek‘s juvenile and shallow tendencies in his lyrics is the main downside to his release. Tracks like Bounce Bitch and Hustlers sounds like ego-trippin and played-out anthems which run rampant throughout Hip Hop industry. The album does not evolve him to be a respected rapper in the East Coast region, or an industry heavyweight for the Rockafella Dynasty. Well, it is definitely clear that there wasn’t any true Understanding done on this album. However, as while Memphis Bleek struggles with his consistency of his lyrics. Bleek‘s talent and realism of the streets will only propel his succession and recognition in the music industry. So If all the heads, sleep on this album, just remember Memphis Bleek is a street wise version of Jay-Z.

I would give this album 3 1/2 out of 5 albums.