ROC Solid w/ Memphis Bleek – Episode Summary

Guest: Brother Hahz
Released: September 30, 2025

Overview

This episode of ROC Solid hosted by Memphis Bleek features a deep, raw, and inspiring conversation with Brother Hahz (aka Haas the Ripper), an underground legend with Roc-A-Fella history and a unique journey from hard-hitting hip-hop stages to gospel artistry. The conversation dives into untold Roc-A-Fella stories, Brother Hahz's near-death experience, his transition to gospel music, and the broader meaning of purpose, impact, and legacy in the culture. The vibe is unfiltered, genuine, and often hilarious, carrying that classic ROC camaraderie and banter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Brother Hahz’s Roc-A-Fella Days and Early Encounters

• Memphis Bleek’s Introduction
  • Bleek opens with high praise: “To me, he’s a fucking legend. Been shutting down clubs with some of the greats, doing things you wouldn’t even imagine.” (02:19)
• First Meeting with Jay-Z & ROC
  • Hahz clarifies he met Jay through Clark Kent, not from opening, but being brought out mid-set to perform:

    “Jay never let me open up for him. Jay brought me out in the middle of his set.” (04:42)

  • His first performance came unexpectedly at UConn, where nerves got the best of him:

    “I froze, my nigga. Got on stage and fumbled over my rhymes, and him and Dame, like, rolled me the whole ride back.” (05:10)

  • Quickly rebounded, earning a spot on tour after lighting up Millersville, PA.

2. Claiming the Name “Haas the Ripper”

• Name was given by KG of Naughty by Nature, inspired by a rhyme and a nod to LL Cool J:

  “He took that...‘Haas the Ripper.’ He start calling me that, and it stuck. That’s my name.” (09:42)

3. Why No Roc-A-Fella Album?

• Hahz’s formidable live presence led to plenty of shows but no formal deal:

  “Jay never literally signed me to a contract. I never signed.” (12:54)

• On feedback from fans:

  “Dude was like, his problem was he didn’t know how to make songs. He could rap...but he didn’t know how to make songs back then.” (12:41)

• Bleek and Hahz reflect that some on Roc (and their A&Rs) simply prioritized others.

4. A Near-Death Experience That Changed His Path

• Hahz recounts being shot in a drive-by in 2003, mistaking the shots for a tire blowout:

  “I was conscious, but I was shot...The bullet went in and out. But...somebody else got shot the same night and died. That’s when I was like, wow...I just broke down crying right there in the hospital room.” (16:56 - 18:15)

• Reflects on the spiritual reckoning and true wake-up call:

  “My father was shot in the chest and died. I got shot in the chest and the bullet missed my heart by 2 inches...In that moment, God kept me. I knew he had kept me for a reason.” (21:21)

5. Transitioning to Gospel & Purpose-Driven Music

• Hahz pivots to gospel rap, releases six albums since 2005:

  “I started this 20 years ago. ...I just had an epiphany moment at a high school talent show. ...I said I’m not doing regular rap no more. I’m gonna start doing positive music and...glorifying God from here on out.” (19:26)

• Describes the difference in approach:

  “It’s more strategically done because you’re dealing with souls...I’m giving people hope.” (20:14)

6. On Purpose vs. Chasing Money

• Hahz and Bleek discuss how the next generation is motivated:

  “Doing what you doing is all about purpose.” (21:09 - Bleek) “A lot of people feel they don’t have nobody...if you believe in God and...know that He loves you, you’ll be all right.” (23:54 - Hahz)

7. Mental Health, Persistence, and Overcoming Self-Doubt

• Hahz admits to wrestling with depression, rejection, and self-doubt, even considering quitting entirely:

  “A lot of times I felt like I gave up on myself...dealt with rejection, went through depression...So many emotional roller coasters...But the gift never, never subsided.” (25:39)

• Bleek’s message: “Whether it’s 1 or 1 million, the job was done, bro...Don’t ever think it wasn’t.” (29:11)
• Advice for young artists:

  “Don’t ever doubt yourself. Take the risk. The worst thing could happen is it not happen.” (30:17 - Hahz)

8. Behind-the-Scenes Stories & Hip-Hop Realness

• Hahz reveals writing Roy Jones Jr.’s “Y’all Musta Forgot” and working on an album for Bill Cosby (with humor and inside references, 31:05–33:11).
• Lively recollections of early ROC days, club fights (“bottle wars”), and the roles personalities played in their careers.

9. Authenticity, Lyrics, & Cultural Impact

• Hahz: “Just expressing your true self, who you are. ...Not trying to portray yourself to be something you’re not.” (33:30)
• Bleek & Hahz talk about the power of words and impact:

  “Life and death is in the power of the tongue.” (34:28 - Hahz)

10. Advice on Performance and Craft

• On winning a talent show:

  “You have to say things that are impactful...Have presence, pull on the heartstrings.” (36:51)

• Both critique new artists who perform over mp3s and their own vocals rather than live rapping:

  “[They] rap over their own vocals…That’s so crazy. That irks me.” (37:52)

11. Legacy, Success, and Personal Fulfillment

• Hahz wants to be remembered for overall impact, not just bars:

  “I want to be remembered for how I touched your life…the impact that I had on you...All the testimonies that came into my inbox.” (42:33)

• Defines success as personal—seeing his daughter graduate, healthy relationships, not just music accolades.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Jay never let me open up...he brought me out in the middle of his set.” (04:58 - Brother Hahz)
• “The bullet missed my heart by 2 inches, bro. The generational curse was broken in my life because my father was shot in the chest and died.” (21:21 - Brother Hahz)
• “Doing what you doing is all about purpose.” (21:09 - Memphis Bleek)
• “Don’t ever doubt yourself. Take the risk. The worst thing could happen is it not happen.” (30:17 - Brother Hahz)
• “Whether it’s 1 or 1 million, the job was done, bro...Don’t ever think it wasn’t.” (29:11 - Memphis Bleek)
• “I want to be remembered for the impact I had on people’s lives.” (43:43 - Brother Hahz)
• “Life and death is in the power of the tongue.” (34:28 - Brother Hahz)

Important Timestamps

• 01:36 – Memphis Bleek introduces Brother Hahz (Haas the Ripper)
• 04:42 – Hahz recalls joining Jay-Z’s set, UConn performance
• 09:42 – How KG (Naughty by Nature) gave him his name
• 12:41–13:15 – Why he never released an album with Roc-A-Fella
• 16:55–18:15 – The drive-by shooting, spiritual turning point
• 19:26 – Deciding to switch to gospel rap
• 25:39–29:11 – Depression, self-doubt, and Bleek’s encouragement
• 31:05 – Writing Roy Jones Jr.’s “Y’all Musta Forgot”
• 33:30 – Defining authenticity in hip-hop
• 36:51 – Crafting performance advice for young artists
• 42:33 – Reflection on legacy and wanting to be remembered for impact

Tone & Style

The episode is dynamic, genuine, and unfiltered—mixing streetwise humor, ROC nostalgia, and motivational energy. Both Bleek and Haas riff, reminisce, debate, and drop wisdom without losing their authenticity or the feeling of brotherhood.

Closing Thoughts

This ROC Solid episode celebrates unsung hip-hop artistry, resilience, and the spiritual dimensions of culture, through tales never broadcast and honest reflections. Brother Hahz’s journey and impact—voiced here with humor and soul—are a testament to the power of purpose over popularity, and the lasting bonds forged in the ROC era.