ROC Solid with Memphis Bleek – Episode 2 Featuring Young Guru

Release Date: June 17, 2025

In the second episode of ROC Solid, hosted by Memphis Bleek and featuring his close collaborator Young Guru, listeners are treated to an in-depth exploration of their intertwined careers, the inner workings of the Roc-A-Fella empire, and personal anecdotes that highlight their enduring brotherhood in the hip-hop industry.

1. Introduction and The Roc Nation School Partnership

The episode kicks off with Memphis Bleek welcoming Young Guru to the show, emphasizing their deep-rooted connection within the Roc-A-Fella family. Bleek introduces the Roc Nation School, a collaborative initiative with Long Island University (LIU), aimed at fostering education in music, technology, entrepreneurship, and production.

• Memphis Bleek [02:00]: "Yo, you already know. We back with another exclusive live episode of Rock Solid."

Young Guru elaborates on his role as the director of the school, ensuring that the programs remain under the Roc Nation banner while granting students a legitimate bachelor's degree from LIU.

• Young Guru [02:03]: "So we put three different majors in there, you know what I'm saying? So I'm in charge of music, technology, entrepreneurship, production."

This partnership not only solidifies Roc Nation's commitment to education but also paves the way for the next generation of hip-hop talent.

2. Formation of Brotherhood and Early Collaboration

Memphis reflects on how their bond strengthened over time, crediting various individuals who played pivotal roles in their partnership, particularly L'Oreal and engineer B. Stanley. These connections were instrumental in shaping the trajectory of their careers and the pivotal projects they undertook together.

• Memphis Bleek [03:05]: "If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't even know my brother right here."

Young Guru reciprocates the sentiment, acknowledging the life-changing impact Memphis had on him.

• Young Guru [03:05]: "Like l' Oreal, you know what I'm saying? Changed my life like crazy, bro."

3. Touring Tales and Studio Dynamics in Miami

A significant portion of the conversation delves into their experiences touring, especially in Miami. They recount lavish parties, recording sessions, and the challenges of managing budgets. The duo reminisces about their time recording at GOO House, juggling studio work with personal responsibilities.

• Memphis Bleek [06:25]: "We done recorded everywhere. My G, like. But just think, we gave them a free album, bro."

They narrate the story of an all-white party in Miami, highlighting their camaraderie and the lengths they went to secure outfits and manage expenses.

• Young Guru [07:11]: "Cause Chronic eclectic, they was like, yo, we having an all white party tonight."

The narrative takes a dramatic turn as they discuss an incident on September 11th, where unexpected events unfolded during their Miami tour, intertwining personal stories with broader cultural moments.

4. The Evolution of Studio Practices and Production Philosophy

Young Guru and Memphis delve into the intricacies of studio work, contrasting their meticulous production methods with the "good enough" approaches prevalent today. They stress the importance of quality equipment, a well-designed studio environment, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

• Memphis Bleek [26:54]: "Everything is off. Everything is wrong. It's just like how pain are walking. And no, the pain is not right, bro."

Young Guru echoes this sentiment, lamenting the decline in craftsmanship and the rush to produce without honing the craft.

• Young Guru [27:46]: "It's like in the 65 on the test. Yeah, I passed."

This discussion underscores their commitment to preserving the legacy of Roc-A-Fella’s golden era through disciplined production techniques.

5. Influential Figures in Hip-Hop: J Dilla and MF Doom

The conversation shifts to honoring legendary producers like J Dilla and MF Doom. Young Guru shares personal stories about his interactions with them, emphasizing their unique contributions to the music industry.

• Memphis Bleek [30:14]: "Every producer pays homage to J Dilla."

Young Guru recounts his memorable session with J Dilla, highlighting the producer's unparalleled talent and influence.

• Young Guru [30:35]: "I sat there with Dilla, and me and him just rolled up all day, smoke you know what I'm saying? He was making joints and I was just like, yo, this dude nice. Like, dumb nice."

They also discuss MF Doom's innovative rhyme patterns and his distinct style, showcasing his impact on their own artistry.

6. Navigating Relationships and Conflicts within Roc-A-Fella

Memphis and Young Guru address misconceptions about internal conflicts within Roc-A-Fella, particularly the perceived rivalry between producers Bink and Justin.

• Memphis Bleek [32:00]: "I know somebody kept it a stupid."

Young Guru emphasizes his efforts to mend relationships, advocating for unity over conflict.

• Young Guru [33:13]: "It don't play the right no, not even that, not even that."

They advocate for collaborative efforts, suggesting a hypothetical "A versus B" scenario to celebrate both producers’ talents without fostering grudges.

7. Personal Anecdotes: Near-Death Experience and Global Tours

The duo shares intense personal stories from their global tours, including a harrowing near-death experience in Gabon and unforgettable culinary adventures in Japan.

• Memphis Bleek [66:43]: "Yo, I died in Korea. Yo, I died in Korea."

Young Guru recounts the chaos during a performance in Taipei, highlighting the unpredictability of life on tour.

• Young Guru [74:32]: "They locked us in the club that day."

These stories not only provide a glimpse into the high-stakes environment of a hip-hop tour but also reinforce their resilience and deep trust in each other.

8. Mentoring the Next Generation and Preserving Hip-Hop Culture

Towards the end of the episode, Memphis and Young Guru discuss the importance of mentoring young artists and maintaining the integrity of hip-hop culture. They emphasize staying true to oneself, fostering loyalty, and the significance of a cohesive team in creating authentic music.

• Memphis Bleek [80:16]: "Culture, integrity. Staying true, you know, and believe what you believe."

Young Guru adds that culture transcends mere music, highlighting its role in shaping societal norms and personal identities.

• Young Guru [80:26]: "It's about culture. That's it. That's it. That's all you gotta do."

They express optimism about the future, hinting at the possibility of a Roc-A-Fella reunion tour.

• Memphis Bleek [86:18]: "Oh, you heard it here first, baby. Rock solid. You know what it is? We remain absolutely boom."

9. Concluding Thoughts: Legacy and Future Aspirations

As the episode wraps up, Memphis and Young Guru reflect on their legacy, the enduring impact of Roc-A-Fella Records, and their aspirations to continue influencing the hip-hop landscape. They encourage listeners to stay true to themselves, uphold integrity, and actively participate in shaping the culture.

• Young Guru [80:35]: "You let them be them. Please. Because that's the advice."

The episode concludes on a high note, reaffirming their commitment to the hip-hop community and the values that have sustained their careers.

Notable Quotes

• Memphis Bleek [05:00]: "We gotta tighten up. So we moved the session everything to GOO House."

• Young Guru [13:00]: "Free came back with them smokers. Cause only record me and Beans did was hypnotic."

• Memphis Bleek [26:54]: "Everything is off. Everything is wrong. It's just like how pain are walking."

• Young Guru [80:26]: "It's about culture. That's it. That's it. That's all you gotta do."

Final Thoughts

Episode 2 of ROC Solid offers a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and reflections from two stalwarts of the hip-hop industry. Memphis Bleek and Young Guru not only shed light on their personal journeys and the evolution of Roc-A-Fella Records but also impart valuable lessons on maintaining authenticity, fostering loyalty, and nurturing the next generation of artists. For fans and newcomers alike, this episode serves as a compelling testament to the enduring spirit of hip-hop culture.

Stay solid. Stay Roc. 🎙🔥