Club Shay Shay – Memphis Bleek Part 1: Summary
Podcast: Club Shay Shay
Host: Shannon Sharpe
Guest: Memphis Bleek
Release Date: September 17, 2025
Episode Overview
In this dynamic and candid episode, NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe welcomes Brooklyn's own hip-hop heavyweight, Memphis Bleek, for an in-depth discussion spanning Bleek's upbringing in the Marcy Projects, his close relationship with Jay-Z, the culture of Brooklyn, the realities of sudden success, navigating the music industry, the break-up of Roc-A-Fella, and lessons for rising stars. Bleek and Sharpe explore themes of ambition, loyalty, adversity, and the inner workings of hip-hop’s legendary past.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Early Life in Marcy Projects & Family Dynamics
Timestamps: 10:02–12:10
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Bleek grew up with a single mother, a "great stepfather," and an early sense of responsibility:
"Mother was the backbone... Watching mom struggle, I just knew, like, it's not the way life going and it gotta be another side to this. So I just knew, I'm gonna change our aspect of life in this household." — Memphis Bleek (10:05)
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Fond memories included a sense of community and respect among families in the projects, and his first job was taking Jay-Z's nephews to school for $100 a week.
2. Journey into Music
Timestamps: 13:07–14:41
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Bleek tried various paths (athlete, art, gymnastics), but found magic when he "put pen to paper."
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Was deterred from street life by Jay-Z:
“He took [my pack] and threw it... and he was like, man, don’t be out... He gave me a thousand dollars pocket and was like, I better not catch you in the building selling drug. You got a better future than this.” — Memphis Bleek (13:19)
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Jay-Z, Dame Dash, and others from Roc-A-Fella were essential mentors.
3. Brooklyn’s Influence & Hip-Hop Legacy
Timestamps: 14:41–15:45
- Brooklyn described as a melting pot:
"Brooklyn is so diverse... all them coaches come together and you get different styles that breed from that." — Memphis Bleek (14:56)
- Bleek asserts Brooklyn is the best borough, with an independent spirit (15:37).
4. Meeting Legendary Figures: Biggie & Jay-Z
Timestamps: 15:45–22:33
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First met Biggie during the "Brooklyn’s Finest" session, then more personally at an Apollo show (15:59–16:09).
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Recounts aspiration and awe watching Biggie and Jay’s ascent:
"Watching them, they're legends, man... it gets no better than Biggie, Jay Z, Tupac, Nas... I just wanted to be a part of the history." — Memphis Bleek (20:30)
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On losing Biggie:
“I was just heartbroken, devastated. I couldn’t believe it... That’s what really broke my heart because we was trying to get away from that.” — Memphis Bleek (21:17)
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Jay-Z’s success was visible even in the projects—a “waterbed, air conditioner, white carpet”—and fueled Bleek’s ambition (22:03–22:34).
5. Dealing with Success, Envy, and Resentment
Timestamps: 23:03–23:32; 32:04–36:16
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Early on, Bleek's confidence sometimes bordered on cockiness:
"In school, I used to tell my teachers, I'm gonna make more money than you. So these lessons don't mean nothing, teach. I don't need this test today. I'm gonna be richer than you." — Memphis Bleek (23:03)
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Most resentment came from close friends and family; “Success changes everything.”
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Discusses family expecting handouts and the lesson that saying “no” often changes relationships:
“50 yeses, one no, and you're the biggest enemy in the world.” — Memphis Bleek (36:12)
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On learning to manage money and responsibility (“people don’t know they asking for a bill”) (35:46).
6. Relationship with Jay-Z & Roc-A-Fella Family
Timestamps: 13:58–14:41; 24:50–28:28
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Bleek and Jay-Z’s family bond comes from their mothers’ friendship.
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Jay-Z’s business focus is highlighted; motivation was always to be a mogul, not just a superstar.
“Jay always been the businessman... music is the backbone, but his business is his personality.” — Memphis Bleek (24:50)
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The legendary “opportunity meets preparation” moment when Bleek ended up on Jay’s “Reasonable Doubt” after freestyling for Jay-Z and DJ Clark Kent.
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Shares how Jay-Z’s work ethic and prodigious talent was clear early on:
“He was handpicked by the angels, man. Like, his path was... so easy for him.” — Memphis Bleek (30:49)
7. Navigating the Music Industry & Learning Lessons
Timestamps: 31:23–44:39
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First major purchase: Buying a house in New Jersey for his mom and himself at 17 (31:34).
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Early mistakes from youthful arrogance led to missing the Biggie tour and other opportunities.
“Becoming too big headed after Reasonable Doubt. I thought I was a superstar... I made it. This is the peak of success.” — Memphis Bleek (36:48)
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Jay-Z’s tough love helped steer Bleek back on track.
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Candid admission about not always foreseeing Jay-Z’s global success:
“I knew he was gonna be one of the greats, but the greatest, I didn’t know. I couldn't see this.” — Memphis Bleek (44:39)
8. Advice for Young Artists
Timestamps: 44:48–46:16
- Prioritize long-term success and financial stability:
"Leave the girls... don't chase the girls, chase the money 'cause the girls chase the men with the money." — Memphis Bleek (45:13)
- Warns young artists against chasing “the street life” after financial success.
"You don't become a millionaire to be gang... That's the whole purpose, is that why you doing it legit, is to leave that culture." — Memphis Bleek (45:37)
9. Business Mistakes, Dame Dash, and Roc-A-Fella’s Fall
Timestamps: 46:29–54:47
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Dame Dash saved Bleek from a predatory management contract:
"Don't just pay somebody to read something. Pay somebody to teach you something. You know, learn the business." — Memphis Bleek (47:30)
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On the breakup of Roc-A-Fella:
"Worst day of my life... I tried and there was nothing I can do, man." — Memphis Bleek (52:38)
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Attributing the split to ego and the quest for credit:
“People want the credit. They want to be the man... I think that old me, me, me attitude is what destroyed it.” — Memphis Bleek (53:42)
10. Enduring Legacy: Hip-Hop Labels, Kanye, Rihanna, & More
Timestamps: 54:58–59:51
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Bleek’s personal top five labels: Roc-A-Fella, Cash Money, Death Row, No Limit, Rough Riders, and Def Jam as foundational (55:24–56:23).
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On Kanye:
“Kanye is a musical genius... His sure endurance and perseverance to grind and make people believe, like forever etched in stone.” — Memphis Bleek (56:35)
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On Rihanna:
“I had no clue who she was. ...Rihanna was one of the most beautiful women... I knew once she get her face on camera... she’s grown.” — Memphis Bleek (58:29)
11. On Rap Beef and Hip-Hop’s Competitive Nature
Timestamps: 60:10–62:17
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Rap battles are foundational: “Rap started out as battling… it's a competitive sport, like, number one. It's like trying to be friends in basketball, football. After the game, we could. But when we get on them lines, it's war.” — Memphis Bleek (60:45)
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Reflects on legendary beefs (LL vs. Kool Moe Dee, Nas vs. Jay-Z, Tupac vs. Biggie, Ice Cube vs. NWA).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Jay-Z Mentorship:
“The man I am sitting here today is because of those men.” — Memphis Bleek (14:14)
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On Facing Resentment:
“Success changes everything… from loved ones, from friends, family...The one time you say no, you’re the biggest enemy in the world.” — Memphis Bleek (36:12)
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On Preparation:
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” — Shannon Sharpe (27:50)
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On Jay-Z’s Destiny:
“He was handpicked by the angels, man.” — Memphis Bleek (30:49)
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Advice to Youth:
“Don’t chase the girls, chase the money because the girls chase the men with the money.” — Memphis Bleek (45:13)
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On Dame Dash:
“Dame saved my life, man. …I don’t feel good about talking about anybody I once called brother in a negative light.” — Memphis Bleek (46:35)
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On Roc-A-Fella's Demise:
“I think that old ‘me, me, me’ attitude is what destroyed it.” — Memphis Bleek (53:42)
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On the Nature of Rap:
“Rap started out as battling… it’s a competitive sport.” — Memphis Bleek (60:45)
Important Segment Timestamps
| Segment | Timestamps | |----------------------------|---------------------| | Upbringing & Marcy Projects| 10:02–12:10 | | Industry Mentorship | 13:58–14:41 | | Brooklyn’s Artistic Diversity| 14:41–15:45 | | Meeting Biggie | 15:52–16:52 | | Loss of Biggie | 21:17–22:03 | | First Big Payday | 31:23–31:52 | | Resentment from Success | 32:04–36:16 | | Missing Big Opportunities | 36:48–37:57 | | Dame Dash and Business | 46:29–47:23 | | Roc-A-Fella’s Breakup | 52:38–54:47 | | Hip-Hop Label Top 5 | 54:58–56:23 | | On Kanye & Rihanna | 56:35–59:32 | | Rap Beef & Competition | 60:10–62:30 |
Tone
The episode is lively, reflective, and authentic, guided by Sharpe’s laid-back but probing approach and Bleek’s Brooklyn candor. Both weave humor, nostalgia, and hard-earned wisdom throughout their conversation, offering insight for both hip-hop fans and anyone interested in stories of ambition and loyalty.