Hip Roc Soul

1. P in the Funk

2. Witness

3. Knockin'

4. I Just Wanna

5. Hey Little Girl

6. Cry 4 You

7. Maybe I

8. Who Knew

9. Back in the Day

10. No Reason

11. Keep It Hot

12. No Substitute

13. Singing in the Rain

14. Hip No Ties

15. 3 Years 4 Months

16. P in the Funk [Remix]

Tracks:

Wake Up Mr. West - Kanye West
Heard 'Em Say - Adam Levine, Kanye West
Touch the Sky - Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West
Gold Digger - Jamie Foxx, Kanye West
Drive Slow - GLC, Paul Wall, Kanye West
My Way Home - Kanye West
Crack Music - Common, Kanye West
Roses - The Game, Kanye West
Bring Me Down - Kanye West
Addiction - Brandy, Kanye West
Diamonds from Sierra Leone [Remix] - Kanye West
We Major [Remix] - Jay-Z, , Kanye West
Hey Mama - Nas, Really Doe, Kanye West
Celebration - Kanye West
Gone - Kanye West
Diamonds from Sierra Leone [*} - Cam'ron, Consequence, Kanye West
Late [*] - Kanye West

Customer Reviews:

Wild Card.......2007-02-20

Kanye West proves one thing if nothing else: Not all rap is created equal. Like many other achievements in popular music, West takes elements from soul, jazz, and pop, to mix with his bright, witty lyrics. Fun but also formidable, Kanye takes on the trappings of American material culture and understandably finds much to mock. With different meters and measures, Kanye West makes all other efforts seem stale. Giving snatches of wit, his rapping inspires some real laughs. While inserting the soundtrack of a seductive siren voice singing "Diamonds Are Forever," he tears off about the divide between American dreams and their (too often) unattainment. On 'Late Registration' the joker's wild--and often wise.

The Truth must be told........2006-01-02

When this album first came out, I almost felt obligated to rant and rave about how good it was because of all the hype. There was, and still is, so much hype about it and to be completely honest, it's not what they say it to be.

His debut album, College Dropout was excellent, and he deserved all of the acclaim for it, but this here is something different. This is so lackluster and boring. Seems like he gave his best beats away, because Late Registration's production is very lazy. Jon Brion might have done miracles for Fiona Apple, but Kanye, no.

To all reading this, I'm not even trying to hate. I was a big Kanye fan, but this album is definitely his worst material and a sophmore slump. So as you see it on the "Top Albums of 2005" and the fact that it's two times platinum, just know that this, in my opinion, is not worth any of the hype. Get a better album, of his first one, as an alternative gift to Late Registration this season.

-Nathaniel

Just average (3 Stars).......2005-11-13

Before you click that "not helpful" button, you should know that I own Late Registration. I've given the album dozens of repeat listens. I'm here to review the album; don't let the "oh my goodness, only three stars?!?!" factor convince you that I'm here to call Kanye names and question comments of his about a certain president. This page is meant for reviews of the album. This is not a message board, people.

With all that said, on to the review. After Kanye's near-classic College Dropout album, and with all the media buzz he`s generated, obviously the expectations for Late Registration were sky high. Kanye is, by all means, a great producer. Tracks such as Scarface's "Guess Who's Back," Jay-Z's "Encore," and more recently The Game's "Dreams" all show Kanye's prowess behind the boards. He showed people on College Dropout that he wasn't half-bad on the mic either. Pretty excited, I hit up a local record store the day this came out, dishing out fifteen bucks for Kanye's sophomore release.

After sitting through the seventy-minute duration of the album, I sat dumbfounded. Maybe I was expecting College Dropout part two, because I was shocked to hear minimal usage of Kanye's tried-tested-and-true sped-up soul samples. Instead, the majority of the album is filled with bland, overproduced, and orchestral music that can hardly be labelled as "rap beats." I don't know if Kanye's arrogance has finally caught up with his ability to produce music, but the "beats" on Late Registration scream sheer arrogance. The entire album sounds like Kanye amusing himself with myriads of unnecessary instrumental arrangements, and most of the time, it's just not very listenable. While this method of overproduction succeeds to certain degrees on tracks like the lead single "Diamonds From Sierra Leone" (remix included), over-the-top tracks like "Roses," "Hey Mama," and "Celebration" suffer. But the worst offender is easily the horrid Brandy-K. West duet "Bring Me Down," a track that sounds like it was left in the recording studio washroom circa Brandy's last album. While I applaud Kanye for being somewhat experimental, some of these tracks are simply not very enjoyable to listen to. It also hurts when one of the best beats on the album, "Touch The Sky," isn't even produced by Kanye West - it's produced by Just Blaze.

The best musical moments on this album happen when the production is a little more straightforward, as displayed on tracks like "Drive Slow," "Crack Music," and "Gone." On the feel-good single "Gold Digger," Kanye strips down the beat. The result? A number one pop chart single and one of the better rap songs of 2005. Another problem on Late Registration has to do with wasted time. College Dropout suffered from back-to-back skits, but Late Registration suffers from songs that unnecessarily drag ON and ON and ON. "We Major" could've been a great song, with a nice beat and an excellent guest verse from Nas, but the song is about three minutes too long. There is absolutely no reason not to skip to the next track after Nas finishes his verse. "Hey Mama" is about two minutes too long as well. Take away two minutes of "Mamama-ma-mama-ma, mama-mama-ma" and the song might've been decent. Maybe. Wasted time HURTS this album. The skits littered across the CD are slightly amusing at best, but they interrupt the flow of the album, unlike the skits on College Dropout that were incorporated into the album nicely.

The only real reason to purchase Late Registration is that the CD contains guest appearances from some of the best in the business. In fact, the strongest tracks on the album all contain guests. Cam'ron makes a welcome appearance on "Gone," Paul Wall on "Drive Slow," and Common shines on his brief solo, "My Way Home." The Game makes an appearance on "Crack Music," but a verse from him would've been a lot better than just hearing him on half of the hook. Also, this album would be the first time anyone could've witnessed Jay-Z and Nas appearing on back-to-back tracks, but it's only a matter of time before they actually collaborate now, considering their beef was officially squashed just last month. The potent guest appearances are the only thing that saves Late Registration from sheer mediocrity.

After a stellar CD like College Dropout, Late Registration comes as a great disappointment to me. And believe me, I was VERY excited about this album coming out. The strongest point of College Dropout - the beats - happens to be the weakest point of Late Registration, and that hinders this album a ton, considering Kanye's still somewhat-questionable mic skills. If you do buy this, make sure that the fast-forward button on your CD player is in perfect working condition. One last note - expect this album to win 56 Grammy Awards next year.

Best Moments: Diamonds From Sierra Leone (Remix) feat. Jay-Z (my favourite), Touch The Sky, Gold Digger feat. Jamie Foxx, Drive Slow feat. Paul Wall & GLC, Crack Music feat. The Game, Gone feat. Cam'ron & Consequence, and Diamonds From Sierra Leone.

Rap's Mainstream Maverick.......2005-09-28

After hearing excerpts from this album on NPR, I was itching to pick it up. Being a man of class, I opted for the clean version instead of the explicit version, but that's a whole other story entirely. Kanye West is no stranger to music fans, or even current events buffs for that matter. He's wowed the music fans, and is scoffed by the current events buffs for his dubious political accusations and his annoying diva tantrums he's been employing since the success of his first album "The College Dropout". You're probably asking why I even picked up this album. Well, the answer is quite simple: as long as the music is great, that's all that matters.

I haven't heard "The College Dropout" in its entirety, but I have heard Kanye (or Ye as he's called) beats and production stylings for Alicia Keys, Common, and John Legend. AK's sophomore album is a winner, and from what I've heard of "Be" (Common's album) and "Get Lifted" (Legend's), they seem like winners, too. Well, for my first taste of Ye, I have to say that it's a keeper.

Kanye West is daring, for lack of a better word. His fashion (I gotta get Pastel when it's out), his wordplay, and his music may be mainstream rap's anti-bacterial soap for a disgusting cesspool of similarity. His sense of humor is charming and chuckle-worthy on the opening skit featuring Bernie Mac, "Wake Up Mr. West". That transitions intriguingly into the beautiful "Heard 'Em Say", featuring the fascinating Adam Levine of Pop-&-B band Maroon 5. Levine adds a welcoming diverse touch to West's music, his Stevie Wonder-ish vocals proving that some white people do have a lot of soul. It's refreshing to hear Ye rap about middle-class angst, but the sex aspect of that angst gets in the way too much, like on the hit single "Gold Digger" and on the exquisitely melodic but profanely satirical "Celebration".

However, these good-but-could-be-better tracks and filler tracks like "Drive Slow" come far and few between. The brilliance of "Late Registration" lies in Ye's love for old-school soul music, and his samples add a sublime touch to both his rhymes and producer Jon Brion's alternative touch, particularly on "Touch the Sky" feat. Lupe Fiasco". When Ye is rapping about something other than how great he is, we realize that he's great, especially with the "Diamonds from Sierra Leone (Remix) feat. Jay-Z", which absolutely roadkills the original version, an exercise in trite, ego-driven rap.

Love him or hate him (I have mixed feelings myself), Kanye West has released a near-masterpiece that has completed his transformation into a pop superstar. At its best, it's one of the most contradicting, interesting, fresh, and entertaining rap albums I've heard in recent years, and let's hope that Ye can churn out more great music, and keep his diva tantrums in check. Oh, BTW, the skits are pretty good. You'll get a kick out of them. If you don't, you don't care about black people.

n3ur010g1c gives Kanye West's "Late Registration (Clean)" a 10....out of 12.

Better late then never....1st week....860,000 sold!...nuff said.......2005-09-09

To be honest I wasn't the biggest Kanye West fan. His last album spawned a few hits that caught my attention but I never was feelin' him enough to go out and buy the cd. Well I been hearing alot of hype about this album all over the internet....so I was like let me just give it a try, check it out, and see what I think........

As I began to listen to the album I was blown away, The whole style and vibe of the album is unlike anything you really hear, it's crazy. To me it's kind of like hip-hopera, you got the hip-hop with an opera like melody arrangements. It truly does something to the music that many artist lack...it creates an atmosphere. It's not just music but an experience. The lyrics are on point covering topics from addicitons to money, women, weed...to the aids epidemic and many other things. My favorite tracks are addiction, crack music, touch the sky, and hey mama (to anyone who has a mom that had to struggle you'll love this one). If you are the type of person that likes music with a meaning, message, and purpose then you'll like this album.

I must say I am a true Kanye fan now, this album has totally changed my mind about him, and it definitely lives up to the hype it is creating. This is one for the history books, and I predict great things for this album. If you get nothing else out of this review, just remember to get this cd, it is well worth the money and then some.

This is for all the Kanye haters out there who constantly try to downgrade him by saying he is not a good rapper, but yet you turn around and talk about people like young jeezy and boyz-n-da hood....come on now! Are you serious! I must come to the conclusion that you are deaf because you lack any taste or integrity when it comes to music. Ok, if your a wanna-b thug like most people try to be these days, then I can see why you would think these sorry excuses for music artist (who lack all criteria for artistry) are the least bit good at what they do. If you want to understand what real music is supposed to be like, you need to pop in that Miss Education of Lauryn Hill and listen to "Superstar". A prime example of this album in which music should be used as a tool to elevate the people which listen to it.

For the other haters who are now focusing on the whole Bush comment ordeal...lol...like Kanye said "you may not be feelin' him but atleast you feel something about him" which is a good point since he doesn't even know who you are or could probably careless, yet your focusing your free time on him. It takes much more of an effort to hate on someone then to simply let it go. Back to the subject though. So what he bashed Bush! We as African-Americans should feel and most do feel the same way. We have been saying it for years, and we know Bush does not care about us, because if he truly did, there is no possible way people in America would have suffered like that. We have too many resources to go help others, but neglect to help our own. It's a shame. If he used that opportunity to be a voice for a community that so often gets shunned away, then more power to you man.

And last but not least just the plain ol' haters, "First week 860,000 sold" speaks for itself. The album is HOT...by far the best of the year, no he may not be the best rapper but he's better than 90% of the other c-rappers out there...and this album is so far advanced musically 10 years from now people will still be trying to immulate it. Thanks Kanye for blessing us with real music. If you haven't already, get this album, it is a classic!

Average customer rating:

Recognize Da Real
Radio Featuring Darq & Roc Chill
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

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Blowin Big Mafia Melodies
44 Ways
Ghostt
Chastisement (Deez Days)
Worldwide

ASIN: B000008NGB
Release Date: 1995-03-14

Tracks:

Radio Intro
Groovin'
Niggaz Get Clowned
Psychotic
Bitch
Trust No Bitch
Come and Get It
Jump Over the Moon
Let's Fly
Why Do They Try?
You Gets None
Recognize da Real
Back off Mine
Ghetto Swing
Gangsta 'P' Funk
Can You Hear My Cry?
Where Iz da Luv?
6 Feet Deep

Average customer rating:

Very weak album
The Mis-Understanding (Rating 5 out of 10- -2.5 stars)
The Understanding of Memphis Bleek
No Diss My View
Memphis Bleek - The Understanding

The Understanding
Memphis Bleek
Manufacturer: Roc-a-Fella
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Coming of Age
M.A.D.E.
534
The Reason
The Truth

ASIN: B00004YWGB
Release Date: 2000-12-05

Tracks:

Intro - U Know Bleek
Do My...
I Get High
We Get Low
Change Up
My Mind Right (Remix)
Hustlers
All Types Of S***
PYT
Bounce B****
They'll Never Play Me
Everyday
Is That Your Chick (The Lost Verses)
In My Life

Amazon.com

The Roc-A-Fella platinum formula strikes again. All the usual suspects are present: honcho Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel, Amil, and the record's featured artist, Memphis Bleek. Lyrically light-years ahead of his debut album, Coming of Age, Bleek returns with an effort that easily avoids the sophomore jinx. The strings and pattering snares on the "My Mind Right" remix make it better than the original, particularly with the added vocal talents of Jigga, H. Money Baggs, and Sigel. Carl Thomas returns to his hook-crooning roots on the female-targeted "Everyday," an attempt to show Bleek's sensitive side. Twista brings an added dimension to the alternate version of "That Your Chick," the first single; however, things get a little too sappy on "In My Life," which samples Foreigner's classic, "I Want to Know What Love Is." You don't have to be a brain surgeon to understand this brand of Understanding. It's the patented Roc blend of drinking and smoking, guns and glory. Love it or leave it. --Kenji Jasper

Customer Reviews:

Very weak album.......2007-02-23

Bleek cant hold an album down by himself. His debut album and this is proof. Some decent beats but he doesn't do anything with them. The best tracks are the features. I only like 2 tracks. My mind right remix and Is that your chick. I say burn those 2 tracks and forget the rest of this album.

The Mis-Understanding (Rating 5 out of 10- -2.5 stars).......2006-10-23

Question: When has Memphis Bleek delivered a top notch album? Maybe his recent "534" album, thats it. As of 2006, he's four albums deep and seems to haven't acquired the status of some [former] Roc-A-Fella artists (i.e. Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Kanye West, etc.) As being Jay-Z's close friend, Jay always says he's one hit away. But giving him the benefit of the doubt, I decided to check out this album for only one reason. The hit song "Is That Your (Chick)" with Jay-Z, Missy Eliott, and Twista. It's ironic because the song was origonally Jay's and was supposed to be on the "Vol. 3: Life And Times Of S. Carter" album, Bleek was just thrown in there...thats why it's subtitled "The Lost Verses".

Anyway there are many other songs on the album too that are below expectations. "We Get Low" is one of these tracks. "Bounce B****" will make you laugh, because of how horrible it sounds, along with the production. And "Everyday" with Carl Thomas, is a prime example of how wack Bleek is. And his good friend Jay-Z doesn't make anything better either on some tracks. "Do My" is one of those tracks that are below both Jay's and Bleek's expectations. But Jay, Beanie Sigel and H. Money Bags will outshine Bleek on the track "My Mind Right".

There are some good songs here thought that I have a feel for. "I Get High" is a laid back track about smoking weed while driving. Bleek and Beans will do a decent job on the song "Change Up" (I wouldn't credit Jay-Z on what he does though). "They'll Never Play Me" Bleek actually flips his word play and makes it a good song. The album's closer "In My Life" is a real good emotional track that I like very much.

As you can hear, Bleek can pull some tracks on his own on this album, but he fails to do on others. In most songs that he makes with a guest, he is outshined (see next album M.A.D.E.). I won't lie though, Bleek has had a somewhat successful career, because he stood in Jay-Z's shadow. Trust me, if he was on his own, he would have fallen off real fast, and would have never have made it to "534". I guess if you're a Bleek fan or want to hear one of his albums, go ahead and cop this. Otherwise, save your money.

Lyrics: C
Production: C+
Guest Appearances: B-
Musical Vibes: C-
Overall: C

Fav Tracks: I Get High, My Mind Right (Remix), They'll Never Play Me, Is That Your (Chick) [The Lost Verses], In My Life

Peace Everyone!

The Understanding of Memphis Bleek .......2006-02-03

Bleek returns with a much larger improved LP, The Understanding shows the maturity of young Memphis Bleek. Great collaboration with great production work. Roc-A-Fella strike with a formula that worked for Bleek, along with the entire Roc-A-Fella team showing their support for Bleek. However, this album does start to get a little bland and start to lose it's touch, but with cuts like "I Get High" and My Mind Right(Remix)" it shows that Bleek has a shot at Jay's title when he retires.

No Diss My View.......2005-11-28

I dont see what all the hype is about I mean Memphis is OK Lyrically but his beats are garbage no disrespect but why does Jay-Z get all the hot beats and they give the others garbage I gave it 3 stars because lyrically Memph is Hot but it would be 5 stars if this was an accapella CD I mean I like the songs Mind Right and My favorite I get High but the rest accapella and I 4got is that your chick but it gets 3 stars from me.

Memphis Bleek - The Understanding.......2005-03-30

Following up his gold certified debut, "Coming of Age", Memphis Bleek returned a year later with his sophomore album, "The Understanding."

1. Intro - U Know Bleek

2. Do My... (Featuring Jay-Z) - Pretty good beat, Bleek spits good, Jay-Z's and Bleek's hook is good - 4.5/5

3. I Get H*** - Good beat, Bleek spits good, hook is good - 4.5/5

4. We Get Low - Alright beat, Bleek spits pretty nice, hook isn't bad - 3.5/5

5. Change Up (Featuring Jay-Z & Beanie Sigel) - Pretty good beat, Beanie and Bleek rip it, Jay-Z just talks on the end...its pointless, no hook - 2.5/5

6. My Mind Right [Remix] (Featuring Jay-Z, Money Bags, & Beanie Sigel) - Pretty good beat, everyone spits good, Bleeks hook is good - 4/5

7. Hustlers (Featuring Beanie Sigel) - Not feeling the beat, Bleek and Beans spit good, Bleek's hook is good - 3.5/5

8. All Types of S*** - Good beat, Bleek spits hard, hook is good - 4.5/5

9. Pyt (Featuring Jay-Z & Amil) - WACKKKKKK beat, Bleek spits good...not really feeling Amil cause her voice sounds pretty bad, Jay-Z spits a pretty good hook - 2/5

10. Bounce B**** - Pretty good beat, Bleek spits good, hook is so-so, 3.5/5

11. They'll Never Play Me - Good beat, Bleek comes real hardcore, hook is real hard as well - 5/5

12. Everyday (Featuring Carl Thomas) - Not feeling the beat, Bleek spits good, Carl sings a good hook - 3.5/5

13. Is That Your Chick (The Lost Verses) (Featuring Jay-Z, Twista, & Missy Elliot) - Good beat, Jay spits 3 verses, Bleek spits 2, and Twista spits 1, they're all good, Missy spits a good hook - 4/5

14. In My Life - Great beat, Bleek spits great, good sampled hook - 5/5

Overall: 50/65

3.5 Stars

Memphis Bleek is just another artist to catch "the sophomore curse." This album had a couple good tracks but there were more average ones than anything else. Only pick it up if you're a big fan of Roc-A-Fella, if not just stay away.

Average customer rating:

534 - Finally getting there???
Another one from Bleek.
Its not as bad as you think...
534
It's straight (but Dear Summer should've been a bonustrack)

534
Memphis Bleek
Manufacturer: Roc-a-Fella
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

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M.A.D.E.
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ASIN: B0009A401G
Release Date: 2005-05-17

Tracks:

534
Interlude
Dear Summer - Jay-Z, , Memphis Bleek
Like That
Infatuated
One - Memphis Bleek, Rihanna
First, Last and Only - M.O.P., Memphis Bleek
Get Low - Livin' Proof, Memphis Bleek
Oh Baby - Memphis Bleek, Young Gunz
Smoke the Pain Away
Hater Free
Alright
All About Me
Straight Path

Customer Reviews:

534 - Finally getting there???.......2006-12-18

As someone who has followed Memphis Bleek's career, 534 was a welcome surprise. Simply put, the CD is better than you would think. While M.A.D.E. had a couple of decent songs, it was Bleek's first solo album in years and the rust showed. Jay compensated by throwing guest appearance after guest appearcance on the joint, making the LP seem both forced and cluttered. On 534, however, one begins to appreciate Bleek's potential.

As much as I love it, "Dear Summer" hurts Bleek's cause. Fans want to see Bleek out of Hov's shadow, and while the God-MC's retirement was a welcome sight for Bleek fans, Dear Summer directly negates that progression. "Infatuated" was an over-the-top pop song but when separated from the hook, the lyrics were quite solid. Bleek mimics Jay's style a little bit in Infatuated, but that's representative of the whole LP; the deeper you get in to the track list, the more we see the real Bleek and the less we see Jay's influence. I thought "Like That" and "Oh Baby" were club bangers, but both were representative of the songs artists put out to perpetuate rap's sorry state today.

"First, Last and Only," was when I thought, for the first time, we were on to something. The beat clearly sets the tone while Bleek and MOP spit bonafide BK heat. I thought this was one guest appearance that Bleek hit right on the nose; MOP was PERFECT for this track. "Alright," was my favorite track on the CD. Getting production from 9th Wonder and doing the song by HIMSELF, Bleek for the first time in his career, had me up out of my seat when I heard his delivery. You had a feeling that he really focused and I thought his rhymes were extremely crisp and well-written. I love the symbolism of the second-to-last track "All About Me," because as I said, we really begin see Bleek in his own light by the end of the CD. While 534 is not A classic in the least, Bleek fans have to be encouraged by the improvements since M.A.D.E. and should heavily anticipate his next solo LP. Well done, Memph Man; this was the surprise of 2005.

Another one from Bleek........2006-11-20

Memphis Bleek is an emcee who is very consistent - too consistent for his own good. While Memphis has certainly never been a weak emcee, he's also never exactly reached any pinnacle of dopeness either. Poised as the heir to Jay-Z's throne has been a gift and a curse for Memphis; while his name is far more known to heads than if he was a struggling cat with no promotion, he's also been met with nearly impossible expectations. He will never be wack, but if you're comparing him to Hova, you've made a large mistake.

The first track of this album gets things off to a very flimsy start with the title-track. When Bleek mentions the term 'no homo,' you maybe expecting Cam'ron or Juelz Santana to pop up at any moment. The next interlude is almost a break from the borderline-wack intro; a somber, soulful simple taken from a folk singer, which leads into the album's largest highlight; Dear Summer. Unfortunately for Bleek, the best track on the album doesn't show a trace of him anywhere. Produced by Just Blaze, Jay-Z, the mentor of Bleek, kicks some smooth rhymes over the jazzy music Blaze provides, and although this track is butter, it's a shame that Bleek once again got overshadowed by Jigga.

Another thing, going back to the intro; Bleek often likes to utilize other rappers' catch-phrases, and even parts of their choruses. Throughout the album, he throws not-so-subtle references to songs by Juvenile, Notorious B.I.G., and even 50 Cent. It's really quite embarrassing to see Bleek even think about borrowing from 50.

There honestly are some bad spots on this album, such as the aforementioned title-track, Infatuated, The One, Oh Baby, and Hater Free. The good cuts are decent or better, and although this is a eight-to-five ratio, it's still enough to warrant this a purchase. In a world where bling-bling rappers rule the charts, Memphis Bleek is a fresh of breath air in the mainstream; however, he doesn't really set himself enough from the Dipset crowd to stand out any further.

Bleek has the potential to release a near-classic; he promises he will on his next release. I can only hope so, because even though I support Bleek, and would like to see him walk out of Jay-Z's shadow, he hasn't done anything to prove he ever will - let's just hope he does before he retire, or fades even further into obscurity.

Its not as bad as you think..........2006-10-15

Honestly, when I got my hands on this the only reason I wanted to hear it was for Jay-Z. For the longest time I only listened to Dear Summer and just skipped over the rest. Recently, I patiently listened to the entire record and to my surprise it wasn't terrible at all. As a fan of Bleek, I feel like you should own this--for real. The material on this is everything you can expect from his best and then some. Is he well on his way of making people listen again? Record sells show this release wasn't helpfull in that. Give it another chance like I did, you might be surprised. Peace

534 .......2006-05-23

It's been over a year since Jay's departure, which means more opportunities for other Roc-A-Fella artists to come through, mainly "Memphis Bleek". Due to the fact that "Memphis Bleek" has always been considered as Jay's sidekick. Even though this album doesn't break through as a bonified classic, the album is still a step-up from "Bleek's" other releases. Most notibly, his most impressive works, since ("The Understanding") LP. The leading single ("Like That"), produced by "Swizz Beatz" is a real club banger and is an obvious choice to help push the album for more exposure. ("Dear Summer") has Jay-Z on a solo-tip where he addresses his fans about his retirement - once again (will he ever retire?). Don't let this album throw you off, because "Memphis Bleek" certainly holds it on his own with cuts like ("Smoke The Pain Away") and ("Alright"), both produced by "9th Wonder". "Just Blaze" also shows up for the ever-emotional cut ("Straight Path"). This album really shows that "Bleek" has grown and his maturity has been displayed.

It's straight (but Dear Summer should've been a bonustrack).......2006-04-03

What's weird about this album is having another rapper (Jay-Z) rapping the second song of the album when Bleek himself isn't involved with the song at all, not producing not rapping not even in as a background vocalist... they definitly should have made Dear Summer a bonus track or sumthing becouse having it in a Memphis Bleek album makes no sense what so ever...

Besides that this album is straight... not the best rocafella release by a longshot by Bleek lazed it no doubt... I don't think I skipped a single track (except for a lovesong)... from 534 to the last song it's pretty much good all the way through...

Thumbs Up!

Average customer rating:

It's About Time (3.5 Stars)

534
Memphis Bleek
Manufacturer: Roc-a-Fella
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0009A401Q
Release Date: 2005-05-17

Tracks:

534
Interlude
Dear Summer
Like That
Infatuated
The One
First, Last And Only
Get Low
Oh Baby
Smoke The Pain Away
Hater Free
Alright
All About Me
Straight Path

Customer Reviews:

It's About Time (3.5 Stars).......2005-05-24

Is it just me, or does anyone else feel like this is the kind of stuff Bleek should've been dropping in the first place? I mean, he's never been all that amazing as far as lyrical skills are concerned, but this album is easily his most well rounded. Beats, rhymes, and flow -- it's all there this time around. The production is on point. Joints like "Get Low", "Like That", and "Oh Baby" are all sure to keep heads nodding. "Dear Summer" is a pretty good joint which features some decent work from Jay Z. Jay has slipped lyrically, but he still manages to do a decent job here. Also, 9th Wonder laces Bleek with a killer beat on "Alright" (hurry up with that new Little Brother album, dammit!). In my mind, this is the best song on the album because Bleek is actually saying something and the beat is dope (his verse on Dear Summer is suspect). Also, "Straight Path" is pretty tight and Bleek comes through on the lyrical side again.

There are a few cuts on the album that should've been sent straight to the trash bin. "Infatuated" and "The One" are sort of generic and they have a "been there done that" feel to them. "Smoke The Pain Away" is the obligatory "weed" song. It's decent, but it suffers from a suspect hook. "All About Me" is pretty boring and "Hater Free" is straight up wack.

With all things considered, this is a solid release from Bleek. It's not neccesarily out of this world, but you won't be disappointed that you bought it either. It's worth checking out. I'd also reccomend picking up Beanie's new joint. And look out for the Young Gunz too.

Standout Tracks: Alright (My Favorite), Oh Baby feat. Young Gunz, Like That, Get Low, Dear Summer, First Last & Only feat. M.O.P., Straight Path, and 534

Average customer rating:

Not for everyone...
Is he the new and improved Jay-Z?
Lyrics need some work
Memphis Bleek - Coming of Age
Classic Debut - possibly 4.5 stars

Coming of Age
Memphis Bleek
Manufacturer: Roc-a-Fella
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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534
The Truth
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ASIN: B00000K26Y
Release Date: 1999-08-03

Tracks:

Pain In Da A*s Intro
Who's Sleeping
Memphis Bleek Is...
What You Think Of That
M***a For Life
You're All Welcome (Pain Interlude)
Stay Alive In NYC
You A Thug N***a
N.O.W.
Everybody
I Won't Stop
My Hood To Your Hood
Why You Wanna Hate For
Regular Cat

Album Details

The Debut Album from the Artist who Describes Himself as 'a New Improved Jay-Z'/.

Customer Reviews:

Not for everyone..........2006-09-17

I have to admit that I do like this LP. It kinda grew on me throughout these years. Lyrically he does have his moments. Overall, this is the only record from him I think you should check out.

Is he the new and improved Jay-Z? .......2006-02-03

Memphis Bleek looks at himself as the new and improved Jay-Z. As far as the general fans are concerned, he has the potential to be, but as far as this album goes, it doesn't seem he be will anytime soon. Unfortunetly, this album lacks the same presence that Jay-Z gives us with his records. Memphis Bleek does possess the same swager and infactuation with drugs, money, women and guns, but unfortuntely it lacks substance. No real standouts in this one, but the gems on this LP do keep the record spinning and have you listening to what this young man's all about, with some decent production work. Sorry Bleek, better luck next time!

Lyrics need some work.......2006-01-03

Memphis Bleek has a lot to offer but he doesn't show it when he limits his lyrics to only a few things, Women, Money, and all the other flashy stuff people crave. Now he does open his mind up on some tracks letting you know his potential. Besides that this album has some great production and that's where Bleek unleashes the real Bleek. Tracks like Stay alive in NYC, You a thug, and Regular cat. After hearing this album you start to realize in his more recent albums Bleek relies on his production to much but not on this he was hungrier and more aggressive than he is now. This is a nice album to have it's got mediocre lyrics nothing that stands out like his verse on Jay z's coming of age. Some songs wear on you and some start to get on your nerves but all together this is a decent debut.

Memphis Bleek - Coming of Age.......2005-02-24

After appearing on Jay-Z's 1998 multiplatinum album, "Vol. 2: A Hard Knock Life", the first rapper signed to the ROC, Memphis Bleek released his first album, "Coming of Age" in 1999.

1. Pain in da A** Intro

2. Who's Sleeping (Featuring Reb) - Nice beat, Bleek has a real nice flow, Reb comes good on the hook - 4/5

3. Memphis Bleek Is... - Not feeling the beat, Bleek comes good, hook is good - 4/5

4. What You Think of That (Featuring Jay-Z) - Good beat, Bleek and Jay rip it, hook is good - 4.5/5

5. Murda 4 Life (Featuring Ja Rule) - Good beat, Bleek and Ja come nice, Ja has a good hook - 4.5/5

6. You're All Welcome [Pain Interlude]

7. Stay Alive in NYC - Nice beat, Bleek comes real hard and grimey, hook is good...really bangin track - 5/5

8. You a Thug N**** - Good beat, Bleek comes hard again, hooks pretty good - 4/5

9. N.O.W. (Featuring Da Ranjahz) - Good beat, Dark Half and Wais got the first 2 verses then Bleek comes last...they all sound nice over the beat, hook is good...another good track - 5/5

10. Everybody - Nice beat, Bleek comes good, hook is alright - 4/5

11. I Won't Stop (Featuring Dark Half) - Nice beat, Bleek is tight on his verses, Dark Half does the hook which is also good - 4/5

12. My Hood to Your Hood (Featuring Beanie Sigel) - Good beat, Beans and Bleek go back and worth and both come nice, hook is good - 4.5/5

13. Why You Wanna Hate For (Featuring Noreaga) - Real hard beat, Bleek and N.O.R.E. come pretty nice, not feeling N.O.R.E.'s hook at all - 4/5

14. Regular Cat - Another hard beat, Bleek doesn't disappoint on his verses, the hook could have been more energetic and faster... - 4.5/5

Overall: 53/60

4.5 Stars

Bleek really impressed me with this album. He's not as talented as Jay-Z but he's definitely got a great flow and voice to match up with the beats. His hooks aren't bad either. It always puzzles me how people hate on Bleek so much...people just need to kick back and give him another try!

Classic Debut - possibly 4.5 stars.......2004-12-17

With almost 4 years in the rap game under his belt, at the time labeled as the future of the ROC, Bleek, displays the lyrics of an old head, and he just turned 21 a month and a half before this debut album dropped. With 12 solid songs (none on here that I skip), it has 3 classics, 5 to 7 good or great songs, and 2 to 4 average ones. Half the songs have guests on them. Production is handled by 10 different producers. Irv Gotti does 3 (2 w/ Mr. Fingers & 1 w/ Lil rob), J_Runnah does 2, and Pat Viala, Buvkwild, Swizz Beats, Haph, Omen, Big Demi, Burn Unit all do 1. Amust have rap album and one of the best of 1999.

#2 - 8.5 (f/ Reb)
#3 - 10 (classic w/ great beat)
#4 - 10 (another classic w/ a great faster beat -- f/ Jay-Z)
#5 - 9 (f/ Ja Rule --- also on Ja's "Venni Vetti Vecci")
#7 - 10 (CLASSIC -- great beat and story -- one of my all time favorite songs)
#8 - 7
#9 - 8.5 (f/ Da Ranjahz)
#10 - 8
#11 - 8 (f/ Da Ranjahz)
#12 - 8.5 (f/ Beanie Sigel)
#13 - 9.5 (f/ Noreaga -- great song)
#14 - 6.5 (slower/deeper song)

Malik Cox -- b. 6/23/78 -- Marcy, Brooklyn, NY
check all my reviews

Average customer rating:

True Dawgs
D-Roc and the 2 Tight Click
Manufacturer: Wrap Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000000MBA
Release Date: 1997-06-17

Tracks:

True Dawgs
Beef
Just Dance
Midst Of Some Ballerz
Dawgstyle
Nigga'z Can't Come Real
Ridin' Down 20
Business Call
F.U.C.K. At Yo Own Risk
Phi Head
Freak Somethin' Pt. 2
Booty Drop
Drop'Em
Sittin' On Dem Thangz

Average customer rating:

Champion Sounds
Grandmaster Roc Raida
Manufacturer: Razor & Tie
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000CF2XV
Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

Intro (Skit) - Roc Raida
Hip Hop Shit - Roc Raida
On The Cut - Roc Raida
Bang Bang - FCM
Hit Em Off - Triple Threat
Hip Hop On Wax - Rob Swift
All Hail To My Hands - The Allies
Scratch Break (Skit) - Roc Raida
I Got You - Roc Raida
Shout Out (Skit) - Roc Raida
Raida's Theme - The X-ecutioners
The Murder Faktory - D-Styles
The Funky Beat - Roc Raida
The Cipha - Triple Threat
Burn That Ass - Roc Raida
Love It - Daily Planet
Sub Level - Rob Swift
What More Can I Say - Scram Jones

Average customer rating:

Hard Knock Life
Great song, bad remixes
Hard Knock life
GREAT SONG
HOT STUFF!

Hard Knock Life
Jay-Z , Beanie Siegel , Memphis Bleek , and DMX
Manufacturer: Roc-a-Fella
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000ICMQ
Release Date: 1999-03-02

Tracks:

Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) (Radio Edit)
Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) (Remix) (Radio Edit)
Money, Cash, Hoes (Remix) (Radio Edit)

Customer Reviews:

Hard Knock Life.......2004-04-23

Hard Knock Life was the song back in 98/99 and it still bangs today. This song was as much street as it was commercial. The Hard Knock Life remix was wack. The beat sounded like some R&B rubbish and didn't appeal to me at all. Jay should have let someone like DJ Premier remix it for him. The Money Cash Hoes Remix I have to say though is great. Jay adds his new proteges Memphis Bleek and Beanie Sigel on this one. Beans even outshines Jigga himself on this one. The only downside is that DMX didn't have a verse. Now he's only on the hook. Overall this is pretty good if you're into buying singles. If not then just buy the Hard Knock Life album and download the Money, Cash, Hoes Remix. That Hard Knock Life Remix is a waste of time. Don't even download it.

Great song, bad remixes.......2002-04-29

"Hard Knock Life" was the bomb then in 1998, and it still is now. But the remix, with its R&B-ish music, sounds like a watered-down version that they would only play on easy listening stations during the daytime. And the only good thing about the "Money, Cash" remix (otherwise known as "More Money, More Cash, More...") is Memphis Bleek's line when he says, "No need to dress warm, I brought plenty of heat." Otherwise, this remix shouldn't have been made. DMX isn't even in this version.

Hard Knock life.......2001-03-08

This song rocks, get it if you don't have it.

GREAT SONG.......2000-06-11

This is an awesome song. If you like this you might like Jay-Z's cd, Volume 2...Hard Knock Life. I just wish this cd came with an unedited version so it wasn't so choppy. If you like this I also reccomend Dr. Dre, Eminem, Redman, Method Man, or Busta Rhymes. Overall I suggest you buy this because it is a really great song by one of tha best rappers out there.

HOT STUFF!.......2000-05-26

This CD is the bomb. I love the song Hard Knock Life and the remix. I also like the remix of Money,Cash,H**S. The original version of Money Cash... is much better, but the remix aims to please. I also reccomend the single of Missy Elliot's Hot Boyz.