Episode 6 w/ Freeway

Summary

ROC Solid Episode 6 with Freeway: A Deep Dive into Hip-Hop Legacy, Personal Struggles, and Future Aspirations

Released on July 15, 2025

Hosted by Memphis Bleek and produced by The Black Effect in partnership with iHeartPodcasts, ROC Solid Episode 6 features an in-depth conversation with renowned hip-hop artist Freeway. This episode navigates through their shared history in the hip-hop industry, personal challenges, collaborative efforts, and visions for the future of hip-hop. Below is a comprehensive summary highlighting the key discussions, insights, and notable quotes from the episode.

---

1. Reunion and Mutual Respect

The episode kicks off with a heartfelt reunion between Memphis Bleek and Freeway, emphasizing their enduring brotherhood and mutual respect within the Roc-A-Fella legacy.

Freeway [03:09]:

"You already know when we had the deal to after the deal to now. This ain't no new shit. This is solid shit right here."

Memphis Bleek [03:10]:

"Every day, man."

Freeway lauds Memphis as one of the best "spitters" and acknowledges their close relationship on the label, setting a tone of camaraderie and solidarity.

---

2. Early Days and Experiences in the Music Industry

The duo reminisces about their initial forays into the music scene, sharing anecdotes from recording sessions, performances, and interactions with influential artists like Jay-Z and Beans.

Freeway [05:17]:

"What was going through your mind doing that record, bro?"

Memphis Bleek [05:17]:

"I'm like, this my shot, you know? So I gave it all I got."

Memphis recounts his first performance in Philadelphia, highlighting the transformative moment that solidified his commitment to hip-hop.

Memphis Bleek [05:32]:

"I went to the front of the crowd. First things first. Watch what you say out your mouth."

They discuss the creation and impact of iconic tracks such as "Rock the Mic" and "Hypnotic," emphasizing their timeless appeal.

---

3. Personal Struggles and Overcoming Adversity

A significant portion of the conversation delves into Memphis's battle with kidney failure and the rigorous dialysis treatments he underwent while maintaining his music career.

Freeway [34:10]:

"You documented the whole way, man. Like, you know everything on the gram."

Memphis Bleek [34:21]:

"I appreciate you, man. Everybody always. People always be like, you're the strongest person I know."

Memphis attributes his resilience to his faith and determination, sharing how he leveraged his struggles to fuel his philanthropic efforts.

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4. Charitable Work and Education Initiatives

Memphis introduces his foundation, Freedom Thinkers Academy, which focuses on music, health, education, and culture. The academy offers STEM programs and vocational training, aiming to provide opportunities for underprivileged youth in Philadelphia.

Memphis Bleek [35:28]:

"We provide them with these opportunities. They could take this certificate, they could take this course, get a certification, and we assist them in getting jobs."

Freeway commends Memphis for his philanthropic endeavors, highlighting the positive impact of his work on the community.

---

5. Discussing Their Music and Collaborations

The conversation shifts to their collaborative projects, studio experiences, and the dynamic nature of creating music together.

Freeway [16:44]:

"That's why I would love to have Dame stop by the show one day."

Memphis Bleek [16:44]:

"He got the movie studio in the studio in Florida."

They reflect on their creative processes, touching upon the incorporation of AI in music production and maintaining authenticity in their artistry.

---

6. Touring Memories and International Experiences

Memphis and Freeway share vivid memories from international tours, including Japan, Finland, Bali, and Dubai, highlighting cultural exchanges and the universal language of hip-hop.

Freeway [28:07]:

"They got the man with the machine gun, and then they got the other guy dying. Like, so, yo, so, right?"

Memphis Bleek [28:24]:

"I didn't get Japan before we even got here."

These stories underscore the challenges and unique experiences of touring globally, reinforcing their dedication to spreading hip-hop's influence.

---

7. Potential Rock-A-Fella Reunion and Reconnecting with Past Crew

As the conversation unfolds, both artists express hope for a possible Roc-A-Fella reunion, stressing the importance of punctuality and unity among former labelmates.

Freeway [73:20]:

"Do you ever think it's gonna mean? I'm praying for it. I want to know your opinion. You ever think it's going to be a Rockefeller reunion tour? Anything?"

Memphis Bleek [73:28]:

"We just need to have like, everybody, get everybody together and have a conversation. Like a real serious conversation."

They discuss overcoming past tensions and the necessity of collective commitment to reignite the Roc-A-Fella spirit.

---

8. Industry Changes and the Evolution of Hip-Hop

The duo reflects on the transformation of the music industry, comparing old platforms like Hot 97 to current digital avenues. They debate the role of technology, such as AI, in shaping modern hip-hop.

Freeway [70:24]:

"Beans is using AI. Like, he will lay a verse and then they will send it through like this AI program that make him sound like the old Beans."

Memphis Bleek [70:59]:

"Ain't nobody writing his restaurant."

Their dialogue emphasizes the balance between embracing technological advancements and preserving the authentic essence of hip-hop.

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9. Legacy and the Future of Hip-Hop

In the concluding segments, Freeway and Memphis contemplate their legacies, the enduring impact of their music, and the future direction of hip-hop. They stress the importance of hard work, loyalty, and evolving with the times.

Memphis Bleek [63:09]:

"So naturally, like, probably felt like I felt. Like, you know what I'm saying?"

Freeway [73:27]:

"Inshallah. I mean, I hope so. Who would be dope for hip hop?"

They advocate for mentorship, community engagement, and fostering new talent to sustain hip-hop's vibrant culture.

---

Conclusion

ROC Solid Episode 6 with Freeway offers a rich tapestry of stories, reflections, and forward-looking insights from two stalwarts of the hip-hop community. Through their candid conversation, Memphis Bleek and Freeway not only celebrate their shared history but also illuminate the path for future generations in the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop.

Notable Moments:

• Memphis on Resilience [34:21]:

  "I think I was put here to save souls by getting people out of prison."

• Freeway on Supporting Memphis [04:21]:

  "You're one of the strongest guys I know, bro."

• Discussing AI in Music [70:24]:

  "Beans is using AI. Like, he will lay a verse and then they will send it through like this AI program that make him sound like the old Beans."

---

For those who missed the episode, ROC Solid Episode 6 encapsulates the essence of hip-hop's past, present, and future through the lens of two influential artists who continue to shape the genre with their passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the culture.

Transcript

[Memphis Bleak]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Freeway]

The girlfriends is back with a new season, and this time I'm telling you the story of Kelly Harnett. Kelly spent over a decade in prison for a murder she says she didn't commit. As she fought for her freedom, she taught herself the law.

[Memphis Bleak]

He goes, oh, God. Harnett, jailhouse lawyer.

[Freeway]

And became a beacon of hope for the women locked up alongside her. You're supposed to have your faith in.

[Memphis Bleak]

God, but I had nothing but faith in her. I think I was putting here to save souls by getting people out of prison.

[Freeway]

The Girlfriends, jailhouse lawyer listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Bob Crawford, host of American History Hotline, a different type of podcast. You, the listener, ask the questions.

[Memphis Bleak]

Did George Washington really cut down a cherry tree? Were JFK and Marilyn Monroe having an affair?

[Freeway]

And I find the answers. I am so glad you asked me this question.

[Memphis Bleak]

This is such a ridiculous.

[Freeway]

You can listen to American History Hotline on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Memphis Bleak]

I knew I wanted to obey and submit, but I didn't fully grasp for.

[Freeway]

The rest of my life what that.

[Memphis Bleak]

Meant for my heart. Podcasts and Rococo Punch. This is the Turning River Road. In the woods of Minnesota, a cult leader married himself to 10 girls and forced them into a secret life of abuse.

[Freeway]

But in 2014, 14, the youngest escaped. Listen to the Turning river road on.

[Memphis Bleak]

The iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Freeway]

Just like great shoes, great books take you places through unforgettable love stories and into conversations with characters you'll never forget.

[Memphis Bleak]

I think any good romance, it gives me this feeling of like butterflies.

[Freeway]

I'm Danielle Robaix and this is bookmarked by Reese's Book Club. The new podcast from hello Sunshine and I Heart Podcast, where we dive into the stories that shape us on the page and off. Each week, I'm joined by authors, celebs, book talk stars, and more for conversations that will make you laugh, cry, and add way too many books to your TBR pile. Listen to Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. What up, y'?

[Memphis Bleak]

All?

[Freeway]

This your main man? Memphis Bleak right here. Welcome to Rock Solid, a production of iHeartRadio and the Black Effect Network partnership with my gods over at Drink Champs. Big whipping. Yeah, Memphis, I'm back at it. Notice the difference. Just more grown Prey no stones. Yeah, you already know what it is. Back at it. Another episode of Rock Solid. And you know I'm here with my brother. Listen, when it come to the rock, I'm cool with everybody. HOV is my bro. That's the og. But when it come down to all the artists on the rock, I can honestly say me and Free, probably the closest on the label. I speak to my brother every day.

[Memphis Bleak]

Every day, man.

[Freeway]

You already know when we had the deal to after the deal to now. This ain't no new shit. This is solid shit right here. Everybody that you see on this platform is solid. And my brother definitely deserve his flowers. One of the best Spitters loyalist motherfucker I ever met. Like, he just don't know how to tell. Niggas, get outta here. Welcome Freeway, to the building. You know what? It is Rock solid. We here, man. Freeway, the. You know what I'm saying?

[Memphis Bleak]

Appreciate you. Appreciate you.

[Freeway]

So how you been, my brother?

[Memphis Bleak]

I'm good, man. Just grinding one day at a time, man.

[Freeway]

Yeah, man. One thing I want to get out the way, man. I definitely want the people to know you're one of the strongest people I know. Like. And I mean that from the bottom of my heart, bro. I told you this before, but I wanted to make sure I say this on camera. So, you know, going through your situation, just showing the faith, the humility, like, you know, just being a standup guy and being able to stand up through it. Not many can do that. And I just want to pay homage to you for that. I know it's a lot on you. We ain't going to get into that, but you one of the strongest guys I know, bro.

[Memphis Bleak]

I appreciate you, man. Everybody always. People always be like, you're the strongest person I know. But, you know, I got a relationship with God. And I had a relationship with God before all these things started happening to me. So when these things started happening to me, I was able to lean on God. And it got me through. That's why I'm here to this day.

[Freeway]

Definitely, man. Definitely. That's real shit, man. I appreciate that. Amen, you know. Yo, but let's turn it up free, man. Let's get to it, man. Let's go back to the beginning, though. Freeway studio, baseline. I remember. Come through. Young, young, fresh off the block. We got 900 hustler cooking up.

[Memphis Bleak]

One foot in, one foot in.

[Freeway]

Straight up. We cooking.

[Memphis Bleak]

I probably came straight from the block.

[Freeway]

Straight up. We. A lot of times 900 hustlers playing whole verse. You got beans on the chorus, I'm going second. And they said, free, you gotta end this. What was going through your mind doing that record, bro?

[Memphis Bleak]

I'm like, this my shot, you know? So I gave it all I got.

[Freeway]

You know what I'm saying? You know.

[Memphis Bleak]

You know what's crazy? I remember the first time I performed it. We was in Philly. You and Beans had a show. I think the club was called Pegasus. It was on, like, 38th and Chestnut.

[Freeway]

That's back in the day.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, yeah, like this one, y', all. You know, yo, before I was even on, like, the dynasty was out. But people didn't know what nobody looked like. Cause we ain't had social media. So after y' all finished, Cousin E passed me to mic, and he's like, spit your verse with 1 900, hustler. So I went to the front of the crowd. First things first. Watch what you say out your mouth. And the whole crowd was like, when you talking on the phone, a hustler? I was like, oh, shit, yo, it's going down. I ain't never looked back since then.

[Freeway]

That's a fact, bro. Like, snigger, you stay on the road. I told you that when I seen you this morning. My G, Free stuff, stay on the road. But then we gotta fast forward to me and Beans was supposed to do an album. They flew us to Miami, right? They said, everybody go to Miami. Me, I ain't have none of my artists with me. But Bean said I'm bringing Freeway with me. Cause he ain't even have a budget. Free ain't have nothing. So they like, yo, y' all do the album, we bullshitting in the studio. We get back to New York. Jay like, yo, what did y' all do? So me and Beans looking like we ain't got nothing. We ain't do nothing. So he like, yo, y' all blew 300, 000 just in the studio. Like, what y' all do? So then, like, Guru was like, but Freeway got some records, and my Free. You came with the two monster records, bro. You made. If I Believe, I know what we do is Wrong is one of them.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, we did what we do in New York, but we did rock the mic in Miami. In Miami, yeah.

[Freeway]

And I remember Guru playing those two records. And I remember sitting there like, yo, hold on, man. This Free really about to come and take this. This thing about to go.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's all. That's when I started developing my relationship with. Just, like, wanted to go to the club. And we hear me. I'm like, man, the that I'm in the stew, yo.

[Freeway]

And that's exactly how you got all the records. Flip side, all the records. Only record I came back with was around here. At least I had one. You know what I'm saying? At least I had one around here.

[Memphis Bleak]

Was that work.

[Freeway]

Y' all came back with Rock the mic, flip side. And then you did what we do in New York, like, bro, come on, man. Just to record those three records in itself is just classic, timeless. You still on the road doing flip side, Rock the mic. And what we do to this day, like, as if they came out yesterday.

[Memphis Bleak]

Most definitely.

[Freeway]

Just for the people, like, the artists out there that. That want to know what it take. What was the mindset of even recording those records, man?

[Memphis Bleak]

Just fresh off the block. And this is what I. This is really what I wanted to do since I was little. You know, when you're in school and they ask you what you want to be when you grow up.

[Freeway]

That's a fact.

[Memphis Bleak]

I wanted to be a rap star and an airline pilot, Joe. For real. And now I'm a rap star. I fly as much as the airline pilot.

[Freeway]

So that's crazy. And that. That's crazy to say that because, you know, I never wanted to be a rapper.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, I really.

[Freeway]

I wanted to be an artist. Drawing, like, that was my thing, you know? I mean, I didn't get accepted to a certain high school. I picked up the pen for another reason. It's shitted on the school. Here we go.

[Memphis Bleak]

When the opportunities came, I had to take full advantage of it, you know, I feel like records, like, what we do, I catch it. The feeling, like, you know, no matter 20 years from now, people gonna know what it feel like to hustle and get up and have to go get it, like. And that's what that song is about, you know, we still hustle till the sun come up. Correct. 40 when the sun go down. Like, you know, no matter what your hustle is, if you a doctor, if you a hustler, if you fucking run one of the best podcasts, like, whatever you do, you know what it feel like to get up and have to go get it.

[Freeway]

That's right.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's why people can relate to that joint.

[Freeway]

That's a fact, man. Like, those records, bro. Timeless. And, man, just know, B, you always had one hater in your crew, man. Me. I just want you to know that. Me, no, you know what's crazy?

[Memphis Bleak]

Mack told me the same thing. Mack was like, man. Cause at one point, Mack ain't like, when I was finishing Philadelphia Freeway. Mac ain't come to the stool, like, hoving them at the car that tell him to come up. And he was. He told me, like, man, Free, I was here.

[Freeway]

Now, I ain't gonna lie. Philadelphia Free is one of the best albums off Rockefeller.

[Memphis Bleak]

But Mac ain't want to be a rapper, neither. So, you know it's different when this is what you really wanted to do.

[Freeway]

Yeah. No, like, this wasn't in my cards. I knew hov and them just was them niggas, and I just seen them coming through. Yo, bro, I want to roll, nigga. Like, all right, come on. And here we are. So. But, yeah, but this about you, my nigga. Niggas know the bleak story. This about the Free story. Like, they don't know that the history of everything you've been through just getting to where you are today. You know what I'm saying? And that's the picture I want to paint to everybody. Like, yo, I remember when we first went on tour. Hard Knock. You was on the Hard. No, you ain't. Come on Hard Knock. You was on the Liquid Sprite Talk.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, I was on the Sprite. So.

[Freeway]

The Sprite Liquid Mix tour. Yeah. That's when we went out with G Unit today. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, man. Yo, that tour was crazy. I ain't gonna front.

[Memphis Bleak]

We had a. Y' all was bodying them joints every night.

[Freeway]

Every night what we do? Every night what we do. That's why I said, that record is timeless, bro. From that day. It still sound like it came out.

[Memphis Bleak]

Today, but I remember one day, right? So, you know, we used to have a stylist to get his dress and all that.

[Freeway]

Yeah.

[Memphis Bleak]

So one of them joints was cute. She had a little fat ass and all that. So I used to be flirting with her. So I told her, yeah, tonight I'm gonna go out here and do this for you. Tonight, I'm gonna kill it for you, Man, I went out there and forgot what we like. Like, the crowd didn't catch it, but, like, Jay and Beans was looking at me like, yo, what's wrong with you? But they caught it. I caught back up.

[Freeway]

Yeah.

[Memphis Bleak]

After that, I was shook for the rest of the tour. Yeah, that's probably how a boxer feel when they get knocked out.

[Freeway]

Yeah, you can't show off. You know, when you try to show off, shit go wrong, baby.

[Memphis Bleak]

God damn. Like, I was telling everybody to hold me down.

[Freeway]

Yeah, as soon as you try to show off, shit go bad.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, I learned that lesson.

[Freeway]

Shit go real bad. Yo, talk about she Talk about G Unit on tour. Shout out, my nigga Maino. We gotta have some kitchen talk. It was a lot of rumors. Remember, this is during the Rockefeller breakup. Now this is when hov called to me and N was like, yo, niggas was in the kitchen rhyming. Who was in the kitchen rhyming? Free?

[Memphis Bleak]

Wasn't nobody in the kitchen rhyming, dawg. If it was, I don't remember.

[Freeway]

So we got the word back wrong. Cause niggas was like, yo, these in Long island and Sun Kitchen rhyming. I'm like, who?

[Memphis Bleak]

I don't know by any kitchen ramen, man. Come on, man, Whoever said that out of pocket, yo.

[Freeway]

Nah, but word. Cause remember, HOV was like, remember he called the meeting with everybody, was like, yo, what doing over there next? Somebody like, what the. I thought we clicked up over here and was like, nah, man, I forgot who was there. I ain't gonna say no names.

[Memphis Bleak]

Cause remember, everybody gotta come up with, I fuck with Sif. Like, me and Fifth, we was on the road together a lot. Like before shit took off.

[Freeway]

A lot of people don't know. You got a smoker with him.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, that's my nigga. I remember when he dropped this shit. I dropped like a couple weeks after. He like, yeah, I know your shit gonna be crazy. You gonna do probably just as much as I did, you know, so we already had a relationship. And I'm a real nigga. Like, you know, that was my nigga. So I always showed him love.

[Freeway]

Definitely. Definitely. For New Yorker, man, fuck, you gotta show love. Be a icon. And then you got a lot of records that just came out of the cut that I always wondered how the 50 get that. How the free get that record. The 50 cent record number one. Then you had a record with Faith Evans. Like, how that happened. That's what I'm telling you. You had a hater. I was hating.

[Memphis Bleak]

Just. Just. Just facilitated that.

[Freeway]

Like, I'm looking like that Mariah.

[Memphis Bleak]

The Mariah record. Just.

[Freeway]

Dude, I was going to that the Mariah record on my playlist. You seen, you jumped in the car at the state prop playlist going. You know what I'm saying? The Mariah record. How that even come about?

[Memphis Bleak]

Just Blaze, man. You know, that relationship with. Just did a lot for my career. Like, he facilitated both of them joints for me.

[Freeway]

Shout out. Just Blaze.

[Memphis Bleak]

You know what's crazy? Shout out, Tata. You know, I'm fresh off the block and, like, I want to make music for the streets. Like, I'm like, this all my shit Is for the hood. Tata was like, yo, if you make that your single and you shoot the video, you gonna be out of here. I couldn't even comprehend. I couldn't even understand at the time. I'm trying to make music for the streets. I want my hood, you know what I'm saying? Shout out to Tata. That was some valuable, you know what I mean? If I'd have took that route, things might have been a little different.

[Freeway]

I've been there before, bro. Not listening, you know, Loving the hood, loving the block. Making wrong decisions. Cause you like. Nah. What the hood gonna say?

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, I wasn't, man.

[Freeway]

You know they gonna say the same thing. They say it now. That's my. That fire. So I gotta tell people, man, it's only two kinds of music in the world, Hot and not. And I thank God we made a lot of hot music in that. In that studio baseline. And we just. I just was in Circle House the other day, and I'm like, damn, man. There's so many memories in the studio. Like, we done ran through that halls, putting in work.

[Memphis Bleak]

Niggas got thrown in the swimming pool, all kinds of.

[Freeway]

Yo. Yeah, yo, chill, yo. I forgot. Beans threw deep. He threw deef Buck in the pool. For what? He missed the studio session, right?

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, I think he missed the session.

[Freeway]

Yup. He came to the session later. Beans threw him in the pool. Yo, Beans are so bullshit. Beans was foul. Yo. Beans was on some major bullshit back in the day. Like, speaking of just blaze, I think I told you this back in the day, but I'm gonna tell you this now. That record free. I don't know if you know, I had a long conversation with Just after you. You recorded the record. This is before it came out. I came to the studio and heard it. I ain't seen nothing, anybody in the studio. You know, I'm like, this back there hating, like, yeah, all right. Call just. Yo, just the is wrong with you? Why would you give him that record? Why you just couldn't make this shit single?

[Memphis Bleak]

He was like, man, why you get these Philly niggas this record?

[Freeway]

Like, yo, you just can't make this say bleed. Like. Like, I could have did my thing on this. He was like, nah, man, that was for free. The record, the sample was perfect. It's everything. Then after the shoot came out at.

[Memphis Bleak]

That joint, when the joint came was on it, because it sound like it called me Freeway.

[Freeway]

What, the Just Fire joint?

[Memphis Bleak]

No, the joint that they did for. I think it was like one of them joint the mixtapes. That dame did, and he had, like, cam and a bunch of on there, and the people, like, call me free.

[Freeway]

Oh, you wanted that one?

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, I wanted. I might start to run down on.

[Freeway]

It, but definitely that joint just produced. That's one of my favorite records of yours all time. And I always say, yo, bro, the verses you put on that State Property 1 and 2 project, I don't. I like, you was in another zone on that album, bro. Like, seriously, like, you was giving Beans a run for his money on that album. I don't think the state property clique get the props it deserve. Nah, you know what I mean?

[Memphis Bleak]

My clique is crazy. Like, everybody got different styles, and everybody brings something different to the table. That's fire.

[Freeway]

That's a fact. Like, you know, when n think of Cruz, of course, you gonna always think of boot camp clique. You gonna think of Mop. You gonna think of Mobb Deep. You gonna think G Unit. You're gonna think a dipset. But I seem like for some reason, niggas try to leave State p off that map. And it's like, y' all niggas would give all them niggas a run for their money, in my opinion. Because when y' all came through, I was like, who the these niggas think they are? They think they gonna come take over my New York strip. Like, I had to go so hard, and I felt like I went so hard. There's people still out there that ask me, yo, Bleak, yo, you from Philly with state property, right? And it's like, huh, Damn. I hung with them that much, I think is think I'm from Philly.

[Memphis Bleak]

You always in Philly. Might as well be.

[Freeway]

That's a fact. I was out there all the time, man. I used to pull up with Free. Fuck with Beans, definitely Chris and Nef. I was on when you're hocking all the time, fucking with my G's out there, you know what I mean? Germantown, yo, but you, man, we gonna keep it on you free because you had a lot of classic joints, man, and I think they get overlooked. Like, let's talk about the joint with Rest in Peace, man. One of my favorite joints again. Joint with Nate Dog.

[Memphis Bleak]

Oh, man.

[Freeway]

You know what I mean?

[Memphis Bleak]

That Jones crazy. So we on the west coast. Shout out to Bink. He produced that John.

[Freeway]

Yep, yep. Bink the Monster.

[Memphis Bleak]

So we in the studio, we waiting for. We waiting for bro to come to the studio. So bro come to the studio. We put the beat on. He. It was like a piano in the room. So he walk up to the piano. He leaned on the piano. He pulled the sister Henny out. He go back on the sister henny. Then he start going. I was like, yo, this.

[Freeway]

This is it.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right. Was like my second time in college, and I'm doing a record with Nate Dog. Then we went to Snoop. The record I did on my album with Snoop, we went to Snoop crib to the doghouse. So at that time, that's like when the beef was still going on. So, yeah, Snoop had his whole block locked down, like. Yeah, at the top of the block, bottom of the block. And we went in there. Snoop was rolling two blunts together here. Roll two blunts together, spark it, pass it. He did that like 10 times. Everybody in there was sleep. I had to stay up because I had to do the song. Everybody else in that drone was knotted.

[Freeway]

That's how Snoop do is smoke you out the building.

[Memphis Bleak]

He put everybod.

[Freeway]

I had two sessions with Snoop, and I quit. Tapped out. Listen, I'm done. I can't smoke no more out of here.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, Snoop ain't no. He don't play too much.

[Freeway]

That's a fact. Like, don't know, man. And I always wanted to know. You know, we was down here doing around here when we met Rick Ross. Ross hollered at me, you know, things, you know. But how you got on the album Port of Miami? I remember buying the Port of Miami album, listening to it.

[Memphis Bleak]

No, I did a joint with him was on the album.

[Freeway]

But Ross. Yes, it was.

[Memphis Bleak]

It was.

[Freeway]

Yes, it was on the album. You kidding me? You the only damn near from Rockefeller on that album.

[Memphis Bleak]

I know, man. Ross like, I with Ross from coming to Miami. Yeah, like, he always showed me love. And I had came. I had came out here and did a verse with Jackie O. And I stayed out here for like a month. And I just was fucking with niggas. And Ross, he just was always solid, always showed me love.

[Freeway]

That's what's up, man.

[Memphis Bleak]

He was on my second album too. We did a joint together produced by Cool and Dre.

[Freeway]

Yup, yup.

[Memphis Bleak]

Shot a video for Dre.

[Freeway]

Definitely. They got that heat. But you and Ross, definitely. I remember hearing you on that album, and I'm like, when the freeway did.

[Memphis Bleak]

I shot cross out on the second time we went to Hot 97, I was like, fuck with Rick Ross out in Florida, drop a brick off some grands up. He put it on. He put that, like, on beginning one of his songs on the mix on one of his mixtapes before he really started cracking.

[Freeway]

American history is full of wise people.

[Memphis Bleak]

Walt Whitman said something like, you know, 99.99 of war is diarrhea and 1% is glory. Those founding fathers were gossipy AF and they love to cut each other down.

[Freeway]

I'm Bob Crawford, host of American History Hotline, the show where you send us your questions about American history. And I find the answers, including the nuggets of wisdom our history has to offer.

[Memphis Bleak]

Hamilton pauses and then he says, the greatest man that ever lived was Julius Caesar. And Jefferson writes in his diary, this proves that Hamilton is for a dictator based on corruption. My favorite line was what Neil Armstrong said. It would have been harder to fake it than to do it.

[Freeway]

Listen to American History Hotline on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. The summer of 1993 was one of the best of my life. I'm journalist Jeff Perlman and this is Rick Jervis.

[Memphis Bleak]

We were interns at the Nashville Tennesse Inn. But the most unforgettable part, our roommate, Reggie Payne from Oakland, sports editor and aspiring rapper and his stage name, Sexy Sweat.

[Freeway]

In 2020, I had a simple idea. Let's find Reggie.

[Memphis Bleak]

We searched everywhere, but Reggie was gone. In February 2020, Reggie was having a diabetic episode. His mom called 911. Police cuffed him face down. He slipped into a coma and died.

[Freeway]

I'm like thanking you, but then I see my son's not moving. No headlines, no outrage, just silence.

[Memphis Bleak]

So we started digging and uncovered city officials bent on protecting their own.

[Freeway]

Listen to finding Sexy Sweat on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Memphis Bleak]

Check out behind the Flow, a podcast.

[Freeway]

Documentary series following the launch of San Diego Football Club.

[Memphis Bleak]

We go behind the scenes and explore.

[Freeway]

The stories of those involved.

[Memphis Bleak]

San Diego coming to MLS is going to be a game changer because this region has been hungry for a men's professional soccer team. We need veteran players and we need young players. Like you're building a team from scratch. And so the succession plan of long term success needs to be defined. We need to embrace this community. When I was 13, my uncle took me to a qualifier and we watched Paraguay against Chile. Pouring rain, Just watching the fans jumping up and down. I think that was definitely a watershed moment for me. Not only was that going to be my game, but it was going to be my life.

[Freeway]

Listen to San Diego FC behind the.

[Memphis Bleak]

Flow now on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast. What's up Guys, welcome to Agusto Papa, the go to spot for everything Musica Mexicana. We're proud Mexican Americans who live and breeze this music. We started this podcast to share and discuss our views on musica mexicana.

[Freeway]

Whether you like Peso Pluma, Los Al.

[Memphis Bleak]

Barranco, Ariel Camacho or Ivan Cornejo, when you get in your feels, then this.

[Freeway]

Podcast is for you.

[Memphis Bleak]

We deep dive into music reviews. First blue my show last year, everything.

[Freeway]

Was a 10 out of 10.

[Memphis Bleak]

Fashion and lifestyle inspired by the roots of musica mexicana, the craziest controversies and cheesemans. I don't have nothing against Puerto, you.

[Freeway]

Know, and I don't think Jo should.

[Memphis Bleak]

Be mad at me. Song and artist comparisons, competition in the scene. There is competition, there is sides to this, there's special pluma, Double P and there's J O P Street mob. I think at the end of the.

[Freeway]

Day, it's business, it's all competition and.

[Memphis Bleak]

Of course, our personal stories and opinions along the way. This isn't just a podcast.

[Freeway]

It's a movement for fans who live.

[Memphis Bleak]

Musica Mexicana every single day. Listen to Augusto Papa as part of the Michael Tura podcast Network on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Freeway]

Don't know. Let's talk about you talking about the freestyle Hot 97, man. Got that call from the big homie. Yo, we going to high 97 at night. Flex. Everybody had your together. Yo, bro, did you think that night was going to turn into what it is now? 20 years later, they still saying, yo, most iconic freestyles ever took place on high 97. They say that damn near the rock went up there and destroyed it.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, man, I didn't know. I didn't know it was gonna be like that, right? I just, when I got, when we got the call, I think it was probably like a week before. And they love you going to Hot 97 next week. Had your bars ready? I had my bars ready. And I told myself, whenever nobody's rapping, I'm rapping. And that's what I did. That's what I monstered that jones. If you look at that joint, as soon as somebody ain't rapper talking, I'm rapping like, you know, I knew what the platform was like. I didn't, I didn't understand that it was gonna be this big, but I understood the platform and I knew I had to make a name for myself.

[Freeway]

These kids don't understand, man, that back in them days, man, you only had two platforms to really showcase your talent. It was Cosmic Cav or Funk Master Flex. And that's it. Like today, you know, you still got Cosmic shout out Cosmic doing this thing. He still got the platform shout out to Flex. Still got the platform shout out Flex the OG Then you got the ultimate OG Sway. But I feel like today the artists got it a little bit easy. Cause they could go live and just showcase right from the crib, spitting. If we would have had IG in.

[Memphis Bleak]

Our day, it would have been crazy.

[Freeway]

Yo, Free, come on, man. Dame had a crib in London that was made of all glass. Remember, you can look from the first floor to the sixth floor, straight up, all glass. Like, niggas would have been able to show shit like that. Come on, baby. It would have been like.

[Memphis Bleak]

It would have been crazy, bro.

[Freeway]

Then the V's, we was. I remember trading cars with y' all niggas. Driving down 95, be like, yo, Free, let me hold that for this weekend, huh? Take this. Or Beans, let me hold this. This weekend, you take this. Niggas don't know that we used to really be on 95. Meeting up Lincoln, making shows happen. Me and my man up in.

[Memphis Bleak]

She ain't had no license. He pulled over on the turnpike here, showing the source, like, look, this is me on the COVID That shit worked a couple times.

[Freeway]

Hell, yeah. I got out of major, major situations. I had the CD in the car. Listen, this me right here. You heard? I got on a flight one time, bro, I ain't have my id, And I showed the nigga my album cover. Like, my name on the album cover, my picture and everything. And they like, aight, that's id. Go ahead.

[Memphis Bleak]

Ain't none of that going down.

[Freeway]

Ain't happening. Now they booking you. Now they booking you. So, yo, I remember me and my man Free, we done been on some major trips together. My G. We done did shows in Japan together.

[Memphis Bleak]

Oh, yeah, we did that. Japan. That was crazy.

[Freeway]

Yo, we body.

[Memphis Bleak]

That was like. I'm gonna tell you, that was like some of the most amazing thing things that I've seen in my life in Japan. Yeah, like, they can't hold a conversation with you, but they singing every word.

[Freeway]

Of our song, yo.

[Memphis Bleak]

Crazy.

[Freeway]

Soon as the song go off, everything.

[Memphis Bleak]

Back to Konichi Gotti. Say, every bar, they were singing.

[Freeway]

Every bar, every word, man.

[Memphis Bleak]

Then you try to go hold a conversation with them. They got nothing.

[Freeway]

Nothing. Then we was in Finland.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah.

[Freeway]

Freezing our ass off.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yo, that was a crazy joint, too. Because that's when Michael Gabriel, I think we went over there twice. But one of the times we was over there was when the sun didn't set all the way, so it was like daylight. Two in the morning, but it's still daylight.

[Freeway]

Yep, yep. Yo, Finland was freezing, but I don't think these niggas understand how cold we was in a hotel room smoking. You know how you could go on the balcony, you couldn't smoke in the room. So if you could picture this, you had to open the door. Remember, we was all standing by the door. You would blow the smoke out and just hold your hand out there with the L. They would not go outside.

[Memphis Bleak]

I ain't gonna say no names, but when we landed in Japan and my man pulled that tree off, niggas was his best friend in there.

[Freeway]

Listen, that changed my life. I was gonna bring that up, but I ain't wanna say his name. That's why I was bringing up. That changed my life, bro. Listen, to land in Japan, first of all, I got my homie out there, shout out. My partner Nick in Japan. That's my dog, road dog, holding it down. So we was good. But it would have took an hour or two to get good to land in Japan.

[Memphis Bleak]

I didn't get Japan before we even got here. A day or two that flew with.

[Freeway]

You from the States. And he pulled that pack out, like, in Japan, like, my nigga, you got the Jonas Brothers. I got balls, nigga. You got all those swartzer Japan with.

[Memphis Bleak]

The pack and Dubai and all that. Like, Japan was the only place I ever landed. And it said, do you have marijuana on him, yo? Like on the thing on a customs joint. Yo, listen, I knew he had it on him. Everybody kept their game face. Bull. When we got in that car and.

[Freeway]

He pulled that pack out, changed my life. I was looking at that guy like, like. Like an angel sent from heaven. Like, yo, you my brother. For, like, that could call me right now and be in the anywhere and he'll get a favor. I owe a favor for life just for saving my life in Japan. But speaking about traveling with the bud, listen, China, they got a sign. And I remember taking a picture of this, but this is back in the day, so of course, I don't got the picture, but they got a sign in the airport of China trafficking any drugs? Not just this, no. Any drugs in the roc. The Republic of China, subject to death. And they got the man with the machine gun, and then they got the other guy dying. Like, so, yo, so, right? So when I get to China in the airport, I'm like, oh, they not playing here. So then I'm gonna tell you then. Bali. I go to Bali. They like, yeah, Bleak don't bring no weed. It's nothing. So we get to the airport, the customs agent guy, he like, yo, do you have any narcotics, anything illegal on you? So I'm like, no. He was like, are you sure? And I'm like, I'm positive. You can search everything, whatever you want to do. He was like, because if they catch anything on you here.

[Memphis Bleak]

Hey, I am. Hey.

[Freeway]

So I'm like, what? Oh, I'm looking at my wife like, babe, why you keep booking these places? We gotta get out of here, yo. And. And no, not for nothing. I found the spot in Bali. A had mad tree in the back, a little pizza shop. How everybody chilling here just like, yo, how. You was just like, yo, let's go get some food. I'm talking to wifey Leo. It's a pizza shop down the block. Let's go check it out. We walking on mommy right here in the gar. Kill me dead. The pizza shop is playing hip hop. So now I'm in Bali in my mind, like, playing mute, like rap in Bali. We going there. They got a mural. Everybody. Biggie, Jay, Diddy, Fat Joe, Snoop Pop, everybody on the wall. So now I'm like, oh, I love this pizza shop. It's hip hop. The knew who I was. They were bleak. You in Bali. Oh, my God. They want to take pictures and like, Bleak. I got that pack for you. So he was another angel. So you ever go to Bali? I got an angel for you out there. Dubai. I haven't found the angel yet.

[Memphis Bleak]

Oh, no, they killed.

[Freeway]

They. They banned you from there. You can't even tweet about it. Like, you know, if you in Dubai and you tweet, Instagram, Facebook, anything, anything negative about the country, anything, looking for any narcotics, anything, they g. They geo track your location and deport you. Like, come get you and get you up out of there, like 100. So you can't even be online searching for nothing in Dubai. You getting booked.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, they ain't playing. They ain't playing at all.

[Freeway]

Straight up. Now let's fast forward. My G Free doing big things. The school, man. Like, before we even get into that, man, you survived kidney transplant, man. Kidney failure, you know, I remember talking to you and you like, yo, Bleak, man, I'm get through this. I like free. I'm praying for you. Whatever you need, man. I remember you saying you need me to come down there and see if my good like. And Free, like, nah, Bleak, I'm Gonna be good, man.

[Memphis Bleak]

So when you in that position, like, a few people that I care about was like, yeah, let me. But you don't want, like. You know what I mean? You don't want to burden nobody with that. Even though a person can live with one kidney, like a person donate their kidney. I know a bunch of people that donated their kidney. Like Scarface's son donated his kidney to him. And you see face back, moving around, and his son is good. But, like, when you're in that position, you don't really want to burden your people. Because I like being on dialysis, actually. Ain't no joke. I was on dialysis from September 15, 2015 to February 5, 2019, three times a week, four hours a day. No matter where I'm at, if I'm on tour, I gotta set the dates up ahead of time. So I land in Atlanta, go to dialysis, do the show, go to Miami, do the show, go to dialysis. You know what I'm saying?

[Freeway]

You documented the whole way, man. Like, you know everything on the gram. I seen everything you was going through. That's why I say, man, when people say you wanted the strongest people they know, trust me, they not just saying that. Free people witnessed it. Like, they've seen what you've been through. And the man you came out, you coming out even stronger on top. You're doing major things with the FTA Freedom Thinkers Academy. You opened your own school doing major thing. We could tell the people about that. You know what I'm saying?

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah. So when I was. When I was diagnosed with kidney failure, instead of running from it and hiding from it, and you'd be surprised, like, the few people that we know is in the industry, when I came out with my story, they came to me like, free, don't say nothing to nobody. But I'm on dialysis, too. There's a few different ways you could do it dialysis. And some people do it at home, and when you do it at home, you have to do it every day. And he was doing it like that, you know, and he ain't want nobody to know, you know, and it's serious, man. Like. Like being on dialysis, a lot of people ashamed of it, or they think it's something to be embarrassed about. So we stood in front of it. I work with the National Kidney Foundation. I work with Gift of Life. I work with Donate Life. You know, I partner with these. With these different companies, and I go around the world spreading awareness about kidney health.

[Freeway]

Yes.

[Memphis Bleak]

You know, and then I started my Own foundation, Freedom Thinkers Academy, which is music, health, education and culture. And on the education side, we have some STEM workforce development programs. The other day in Philly, I was honored by oic. I received the esteem.

[Freeway]

Seen that. You know, Seen that. My draft. Seen that. I mean, dripping. You know what I'm saying?

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah. The Workforce Innovator Award. And since I partner with with oic, I think we probably graduated, like, three cohorts of phlebotomy students. We just graduated a music, audio and Visual Engineering 101 class. We have another Audio and Visual Engineering 101 class starting February 5th. We have a phlebotomy and a medical billing and cooling class starting March 5th. You know, so in my city, Philly, it's a lot of violence, negativity, young carjacking, people hitting upside their head. And I feel like the main reason why they doing these things is because they don't have an opportunity.

[Freeway]

They don't have an outlet. They don't know what else to do, bro. You know what I'm saying?

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah. So we provide them with these opportunities. They could take this certificate, they could take this course, get a certification, and we assist them in getting jobs. A few months back, we graduated some. Some mothers, 13 mothers. Because we don't. We don't only do it for young folks. We do it for adults, too. So we graduated 13 mothers, and before they graduated, each and every one of them had a job, man.

[Freeway]

That's what's up, man. God bless, bro. God bless. Doing major things for, you know, like I said, man, I'm always tapping in. I love my brother. Anytime he called me like, yo, Bleak, I need you to do this. But my G set me up one day, you know what I'm saying? And call me like, bleak, I need you to talk with the people. We doing the school board thing. You won't get down, like, free. Anything for the school. Let's lock in whatever. We jump on the call. I think I said, but I forgot to tell you, Dame, Dad's gonna be on this joint, too.

[Memphis Bleak]

I ain't saying like that. I told you straight up.

[Freeway]

Ain't like, yo, Dave, you cool with it? I'm like, yeah, man. I ain't got no beef with Damon Dame my brother, bro. So I'm like, yeah, we jump on the call, you know, chop it up. I ain't seen Damon. Yeah, so that was a, you know, a good thing. You linked it up with the bro to even chop it up with him, and we got that off. I remember hanging up the car call. Free. You're free. You want some? I gotta watch you. My Name Next time, FaceTime. I gotta be on deck with you. And then I'm looking, right, Shouting out, dang, my Freeway came out with the rock and roll joint. How you get into that one? Me and my was in the crib. You know, I follow everything you do. I'm telling you, I watch it. And I'm sitting in the crib, and all I hear is 365 my cheech. Like, yo, you heard this Freeway? I'm like, what that? What's this? And we check it out. I'm like, I even called you about that.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, we got some fire. We got some heat on that joint, too.

[Freeway]

Of course, y' all ain't gonna make no corn.

[Memphis Bleak]

We ain't corny.

[Freeway]

We'll never do nothing corny.

[Memphis Bleak]

You know, I reconnected with Dame myself, messing with OSG and OSG. You know, I'm a part of OSG. It consists of two to 300 principals and educators. We do a call every Thursday trying to figure out ways to better educate the young folks and make it cool at the same time.

[Freeway]

That's right.

[Memphis Bleak]

You know, before I even got plugged in with him, Dane was with him. He, like, did their logo, and he, like, helped them a lot and what they was going on. So, same way I got on the call, he's like, you cool if Dame get on the car? I'm like, yeah. Like, I ain't got no problem with Dame. So, you know, we reconnected, and then they had a. They do something every year at Columbia University, so they had it last year, and Dane was there, and, you know, we spoke at the conference, and I wound up doing Rock the Mic. And Dame got up, started dancing. It was a movie, you know.

[Freeway]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Memphis Bleak]

So he was like, free.

[Freeway]

I always make a movie.

[Memphis Bleak]

He got the movie studio in the studio in Florida. And he was like, fly down here, Fuck with me.

[Freeway]

I'm.

[Memphis Bleak]

I flew down there. We did like, 10 songs in, like, five days. Rock and roll project. Like, they start playing instruments, put the beat on, and I just start going in off the top.

[Freeway]

I seen y' all killing them shits on the road, man.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, it was dope. We just did, like, three shows together. Yeah, it was dope.

[Freeway]

I've seen that, man. That's what's up, man. Definitely, man.

[Memphis Bleak]

And he got the American New Network, too. He got his own TV network. So a lot of the artists that he mess with, they get their own content on his TV network. He got regular streaming movies and stuff. It's dope.

[Freeway]

That's what's up, man. I definitely would love to have Dame stop by the show one day.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, but he definitely. You gotta have that.

[Freeway]

We just, we. We just gotta. You know how they be like, you know how usually you gotta ask guests, yo, what you don't want me to ask you? I gotta tell him. We just not talking about him. We just gotta leave that alone. We gonna talk about this, us and where we at. You heard, like, that's it. Cause it's like, homie, he go. He up there. That is on the 24 hour flight getting to that major nicket. He don't even. Probably even gonna hear this. You know what I'm saying? So we got to get off that man. Like, you see how you're doing super thing. You. You come on free.

[Memphis Bleak]

You ain't you.

[Freeway]

It's no time to look in the room. You got a song, rear view mirror, you know what I'm saying? Just speaking even about.

[Memphis Bleak]

I agree with you on that.

[Freeway]

You know what I'm saying? Like, we gotta move forward and leave it alone. That's my only thing. But other than that, Dame is my brother.

[Memphis Bleak]

I don't know. I don't know all the inner workings or what happened. Like, I know what everybody else know.

[Freeway]

That's right.

[Memphis Bleak]

So I mind my business.

[Freeway]

We wasn't in them offices. We ain't read that kind. We don't know what happened there. That's not for us to discuss. So that's why I wouldn't want him to come here and discuss that.

[Memphis Bleak]

So. Exactly.

[Freeway]

But I would love my brother to come here. The whole Rock is welcome here. Everybody. I don't care. You interned at the Rock. You welcome that rock solid. Long as you kept it solid. If you stole, come please, so we can find you. Now I'm saying you came at the Rock. We. We was aiming at you.

[Memphis Bleak]

We used to be drawing like we. They come pick us up. Like, what you got today? I got what you got.

[Freeway]

That's right. We was in baseline like drivers.

[Memphis Bleak]

Ain't anyone driver. So they like, man, we ain't driving property, yo.

[Freeway]

We was in baseline like a minute any army. I remember the first time going, that's why I gotta have my niece buck up here. Cause I remember the first time going to Neef crib. And Neith was like, yo, bleep. When you're hiding, we out here doing this. Yo, which one of these you want? He opened the closet and this got hanging up, lined up like the movie. Everything stacked up And I'm actually. I just closed the door. Neat. Who you got beef with out here? My. He like, nah, just crazy out here in Philly. And I'm like, you gotta move like this. Oh, nah, real crazy. Well, I took one, though. But we was outside chilling, bucking gunner to my man. I had gun up here. I gotta have Neve come through for sure, man. I definitely the whole state prop, man. You know what I'm saying? Y' all definitely carved a major part and played a major part in Rockefeller.

[Memphis Bleak]

You gotta get everybody up here.

[Freeway]

Y' all definitely help me become a better artist just by hating on all y'. All. Cause I hated all y'. All. Y' all was nice. And I was like, who the these niggas think they are like that? Marcy, we helped each other, man. That's a fact.

[Memphis Bleak]

You know, it's a blessing, man. You know, still sharp and still so all the time. Being around some so many dope MCs, you ain't got no choice but to step your game up.

[Freeway]

We definitely didn't elaborate about Beans. How was it working with Beans? Because Beans is an aggressive artist, and he always. I like, work me working with him. I always felt like, yo, my man, chill out, yo. I got my verse. Stop rushing me, yo.

[Memphis Bleak]

Nah, Me and Beans always work good together. Like, you know, we always click good together. We was doing. At the time of baseline, we was doing like three, four songs a night.

[Freeway]

Yeah.

[Memphis Bleak]

You know what I mean? We got so much.

[Freeway]

I got a lot of back and forth flows, too, together. Little freestyles. Y' all always spit on them smack DVDs and all them shits. Back in the day, y' all was going in hard.

[Memphis Bleak]

Like, a lot of the Hot 97 was that we just had loaded up.

[Freeway]

Already, like, you know, definitely. Definitely free. Damn. You wasn't in State Property 1? No, I was using state property, too.

[Memphis Bleak]

I was in state. I was state property when y' all did state property.

[Freeway]

Yeah, I was state property when. Yeah, I did state property. My free. You was a state property, too, though.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Freeway]

How did you like the filming, man? Cause me filming for me, I was nervous, bro. I always felt like I look weird. I always thought, yo, I look crazy. I know they looking at me like, bleak. Look crazy right now.

[Memphis Bleak]

No, I loved it, you know, especially the role I had in State Property, too. They told me just be myself, so it was natural. I just was being myself and it came on good.

[Freeway]

That's a fact. But how does. What does Beans think of you working with Dame now? Cause I know what Beans, you know, he felt Dame did them wrong and, you know, things wasn't right. How does he feel about your relationship with Beans?

[Memphis Bleak]

He cool. He got on the phone with Dame a couple times. Like, I was like, on FaceTime with beans and Dane was there. They chopped it up a couple times. Like, you know, he cool. He ain't say nothing to me about it. Like, he ain't tell me. Like, he had a problem with it. And he talked to him a couple times.

[Freeway]

So yo, and I.

[Memphis Bleak]

But Beans, like, Beans really love me. So he might. If he do feel some type of way about something, he might not even say nothing to me. Me.

[Freeway]

But that's the kind of dude me.

[Memphis Bleak]

Judging how he was on the phone, I don't think he had a problem with it.

[Freeway]

Man, I can't wait to get Seagull up here, man. A lot of people I know, they want to know. I know already, man. You know what I'm saying? My had the beard cream. They don't know. Tried to say, yo, Free, you got something in your beard. Niggas ain't no telling me that's a 5 carrot there, baby.

[Memphis Bleak]

Oh, yeah, I got a business. Philadelphia Beard Diamond Company. And I got a beard cream business. That's beardcream.com. you can get your all natural, you bear crack.

[Freeway]

Let them know, man. Free businessman, yo, you know I had to get Free. This is how cool we are. Let's just so y' all know some off camera. I had to get my man this flight. I'm like, yo, I got your flight. Don't worry about it. So the like, yo, bleep, what time you leaving? So I said, y' all leaving like nine? He said, damn, man, my flight too. Why you do me like that? Bleak. Why I gotta leave at 2:30? Why I ain't on the first day smoking?

[Memphis Bleak]

I thought you was about to tell him how you really did me what you.

[Freeway]

Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah. Don't do that, yo. Don't do that. Yo, this is crazy. Yo, Free is crazy.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yo.

[Freeway]

I' ma tell him. Cause I love my. So listen, it's. Of course, I've been hitting my man forever. Yo, Free, when we doing it? When we doing it? He like, bleep. This day I got this dick. Then he changed it again. Then I'm like, all right. Then I, you know, I gotta make sure the team is ready. Everybody, you know, I gotta send it on the wire. Yo, Free said, this day. So I'm looking at the fright, the flight. Free like, yo, bleep. Don't book me a coach, though. So you know, I'm on the farm. Like, we ain't platinum no more. Like, let me look at these first class flights. So I go, you know, I'm like, all right, Free, I'm gonna check it out for you, baby. Go look. You know that comfort plus said six Hondo round trip. That first class said 15 was like, it's my bro. He got leg room. Comfort plus for my never. And I know my man been flying around like me. And unlike me, Free is the gadget, man. This got all his frequent flyer mouths, probably from high school school. He don't play when it come to this digital, cuz I send him the flight, right? He ain't even say nothing. He ain't say nothing about coach. I call him, yo, Free, you got your flight information? Like, yeah, man, you did me dirty though. But good thing I was able to upgrade, you know, I got my mouths and I said, I.

[Memphis Bleak]

No, I ain't say that. I paid for it. I got two receipts for you. I got two receipts for you.

[Freeway]

I said, we get off camera and.

[Memphis Bleak]

You said, I'mma take care of it.

[Freeway]

I got you. Come on, bro, you know you my.

[Memphis Bleak]

No, but listen, I. I just don't fly coach, bro. Like, I. I'm not bougie or nothing, but I. I don't fly coach myself.

[Freeway]

Listen, I do. I fly. Get me there that check clear.

[Memphis Bleak]

I get me there kidney transplants and all. Like, my body different. So I got, you know, I gotta be. Plus, I don't really like flying anyway, so I at least got to be comfortable.

[Freeway]

American history is full of wise people.

[Memphis Bleak]

Walt Whitman said something like, 99.99% of.

[Freeway]

War is diarrhea and 1% is glory.

[Memphis Bleak]

Those founding fathers were gossipy AF and they loved to cut each other down.

[Freeway]

I'm Bob Crawford, host of American History Hotline, the show where you send us your questions about American history. And I find the answers, including the nuggets of wisdom our history has to offer.

[Memphis Bleak]

Hamilton pauses, and then he says, the greatest man that ever lived was Julius Caesar. And Jefferson writes in his diary, this proves that Hamilton is for a dictator based on corruption. My favorite line was what Neil Armstrong said. It would have been harder to fake it than to do it.

[Freeway]

Listen to American History Hotline on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. The summer of 1993 was one of the best of my life. I'm journalist Jeff Perlman and this is Rick Jervis.

[Memphis Bleak]

We were interns at the Nashville Tennessean. But the most unforgettable part, our roommate, Reggie Payne from Oakland, sports editor and aspiring rapper and his stage name, Sexy Sweat.

[Freeway]

In 2020, I had a simple idea. Let's find Reggie.

[Memphis Bleak]

We searched everywhere, but Reggie was gone. In February 2020, Reggie was having a diabetic episode. His mom called 911. Police cuffed him face down. He slipped into a coma and died.

[Freeway]

I'm like thanking you, but then I see my son's not moving. No headlines, no outrage, just silence.

[Memphis Bleak]

So we started digging and uncovered city officials bent on protecting their own.

[Freeway]

Listen to finding Sexy Sweat on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Memphis Bleak]

Check out behind the Flow, a podcast.

[Freeway]

Documentary series following the launch of San Diego Football Club.

[Memphis Bleak]

We go behind the scenes and explore.

[Freeway]

The stories of those involved.

[Memphis Bleak]

San Diego coming to MLS is going to be a game changer because this region has been hungry for a men's professional soccer team. We need veteran players and we need young players. Like you're building a team from scratch and so the succession plan of long term success needs to be defined. We need to embrace this community. When I was 13, my uncle took me to a qualifier and we watched Paraguay against Chile pouring rain. Just watching the fans jumping up and down, I think that was definitely a watershed moment for me. Not only was that going to be my game, but it was going to be my life. Listen to San Diego FC behind the flow now on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Freeway]

What's up guys?

[Memphis Bleak]

Welcome to Agusto Papa, the go to spot for everything. Musica Mexicana. We're proud Mexican Americans who live and breathe this music. We started this podcast to share and discuss our views on musica Mexicana.

[Freeway]

Whether you like Peso, Pluma, Los Al.

[Memphis Bleak]

Barranco, Ariel Camacho or Ivan Cornejo, when you get in your fields, then this.

[Freeway]

Podcast is for you.

[Memphis Bleak]

We deep dive Into Music Reviews first blew my show last year. Everything was a 10 out of 10. Fashion and lifestyle inspired by the roots of musica Mexicana, the craziest controversies and Cheesemans. I don't have nothing against Puerto and I don't think Joe beach should be mad at me. Song and artist comparisons, competition in the scene. There is competition, there is sides to this.

[Freeway]

There's special pluma, Double P and there's.

[Memphis Bleak]

J O P Street mob. I think at the end of the.

[Freeway]

Day it's business, it's all competition and.

[Memphis Bleak]

Of course our personal stories and opinions along the way this isn't just a podcast.

[Freeway]

It's a movement for fans to live.

[Memphis Bleak]

Music every single day. Listen to Augusto Papa as part of the Michael Tura Podcast Network on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Freeway]

You want to drive everywhere?

[Memphis Bleak]

No, man, to tell you the truth, I'm Muslim. And you know, when you not like when you not really doing everything you're supposed to do, you be nervous. So, you know, when I'm in, when I'm in the sky, a lot I reflect on that, you know, and it's, you know, it made me want to get myself together. Because when you in the air, you really understand that you're not in control.

[Freeway]

That's a fact.

[Memphis Bleak]

You know, anything can happen. You. That's. That's why for Muslims, when do wise, when you offer supplication to God and you ask him to help you with certain things and stuff like that. And Muslims, when you travel, your duas is accepted. And I feel like that's probably one of the reasons why, because you really see the mercy of Allah. Like when you up in the air traveling period. However, when you're moving around this world because like back in the days, in the days of Prophet, peace be upon them, they might not make it back because they had camels and like they was going on caravans where they was walking to get to another city, take like three months and people really wasn't getting back. Like people kiss their wife and might not make it back. You know, that's a fact.

[Freeway]

That's a fact. You don't know what lies upon the whole the road ahead. Man, I always. Me, I'm always. I most definitely believe in man. I pray before every flight. I pray before. I pray every day just before I leave my house. Because it's not a guarantee to make it back home. Some people don't know how much of a blessing it is just to even make it back home. Every day.

[Memphis Bleak]

Definitely I pray five times a day.

[Freeway]

You know what I'm saying?

[Memphis Bleak]

And I think about that every time I leave. That's a fact about that every time I leave. You're not guaranteed to make it back.

[Freeway]

Let's go back on me bringing up how much my man is the Gadget man because he gassed me up one day. I thought I was becoming the Gadget Man. This is early in the career too. This is before iPhones. This is when BlackBerry just got lit and they came out with the new. I don't know what kind of phone it was, but it had. It was the first phone with the style P1000.

[Memphis Bleak]

The P1000.

[Freeway]

My man had them Jones Bond movie 3 on the bottom bus. Like this. Yeah, with the pen. And I'm like, yo, what's that for? You like the new phone? Bleak. Yo, you should check it out. Go to the store the next day. That was a thousand dollars. I'm like, let me get it. We getting money over here. It's the rock. We don't care. It I get the phone, I lose the pen. Now the phone. I. It. I look at free. Free. I waste my money. Free. Like, yo, you bullshitting. My still rocking. This was doing all kind of on this phone.

[Memphis Bleak]

That joint had apps like an app store. You couldn't even. It's so new. You ain't even. I don't even know what to do with it.

[Freeway]

Yo, that's. You was on this way ahead of time. Pro Tools on the laptop, moving around. Mbox, whole studio set up, recording in the room, doing everything. Way before that became the it thing. I remember when we started doing that, HOV looked at us like, yo, y' all bugging. Who want to record in the crib? You get the vibe in the studio? Nobody catch a vibe in the crib now. Everybody record in the crib. Niggas don't even go to studio. Some of these studios don't even exist no more.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, for sure.

[Freeway]

I was shocked to see Circle House still there.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's a. I'm still like, I gotta. I got a whole set up in the crib, and I work on that Joan when I gotta do stuff, but I definitely, like, feel like I get my best vibes in the studio.

[Freeway]

Yeah, me too. I like, like, me this time I'm working, you know, for those who don't know, I've been working on a project. No name.

[Memphis Bleak]

He got some heat, too. Just play me some joints.

[Freeway]

Appreciate it, man. With my grown man shit, this vibe, man, I feel like us. Us 40 and up, 35 and up. I feel like we don't have no music to really listen to. Cause you niggas know you ain't. You ain't. Stop it. You ain't outside trapping no more. You. You. You taking that daughter to dance and your son to karate or basketball. Because I'll be there, too. Stop it. So with that being said, the thought process with the music now for me is like. I remember being in the studio back in the day. All of us, we were just straight off the top. Whatever we felt we were thinking, we go in the booth and Spit. Now I've been really, like, taking my time, like, listening to the beats, going home, you know, on the notepad, on phone, like, literally writing everything down. Like, you know what I'm saying is, like, what kind of.

[Memphis Bleak]

You be using the voice notes? No, no, I got hits on my voice notes.

[Freeway]

Yeah. I never used the voice notes before.

[Memphis Bleak]

Because I don't write. So I might be somewhere and catch a vibe. And I just put in my voice notes.

[Freeway]

I can say, see, that's one thing about me. I never had that. I was gonna ask you that too. That was gonna be my question. Like, what's your thought Press. When making a song, do you usually catch the vibe before the beat or the beat give you the vibe?

[Memphis Bleak]

The beat gave me the vibe.

[Freeway]

Yeah. I'm the same way.

[Memphis Bleak]

Like, every once in a while, I might have an idea, then I find a beat for it. Yeah, I usually. I just get the beat first and then just start vibing to it.

[Freeway]

That's me. Like, I only seen two people able to tell a producer, yo, I wrote the record this way. I need you to make the beat like this. And that's beans and HOV, bro, they only 2N. That's how a lot of people don't know. That's how I got the record Hypnotic. That's another record came out of shit Circle House, cuz. Beans was in there telling just how to do the beat. And I'm like, yo, what's this for? He like, yo, this song called Hypnotic. And he played it, and I'm like, man, what you doing with this record? He like, I don't know. Like, I'm putting this on my album. I'mma put a verse on it. So then it was just supposed to be me and Beans, and then hov heard it, he like, yo, now I need to put a verse on this. And that's how all of us got on it. But originally, that's Bean's whole concept. He told. Told just everybody in the stool, light the candles, turn the lights low. I want y' all to play the music like this. I need the horns to come here. That was literally in the student directing the whole vibe.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, yeah, and.

[Freeway]

And. And that's how we made the record. Like, seriously, that's dope.

[Memphis Bleak]

Let's do it.

[Freeway]

So, like, your thought process now, like, you just doing voice notes and just be going back, doubling back over them?

[Memphis Bleak]

No, I just do that sometimes. Like, if I'm in the studio vibing to a beat, or if I'm, like, riding in the car or something. When I just catch something come to my mind, I'll throw it in the voice notes. Yeah, it's a bunch of stuff here. Like, it's hits in that john that I ain't even get to lay down.

[Freeway]

Yeah, yeah, I'm trying. I never use the voice notes, man. My son, he even be on that. Doing voice notes, everybody. I hate when send you a text and it's a voice note text. I don't like it. I want to read like, I can read. You know what I'm saying? I might be on the phone. I ain't got time to hang up to hear you say, yo, my G, I'm on my way.

[Memphis Bleak]

Like, that's people. That's in voice notes is people that don't like the text.

[Freeway]

Yeah, can't hear. Cause they don't got auto. You know what I mean? They need that auto text. They don't know how to spell. So they like. It's easy to be like, yo, I'm around the corner, you know, Write that out, baby. It's kind. You know, it's easy, you know. Write that out, baby. Flashcards, let's go. But, yo, before anything, and I always want to ask everybody, especially from our time, what did you think about the rock even breaking up, bro? Cause I. I never seen it coming. And it was one of the saddest days of my life.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, what's that, man? We was in the studio when we got the news, Lenny S came down, was like, yo, everybody dropped. I always say that joint, it was crazy. So, like, I was distraught. Like, what? Like, huh? I couldn't understand it, but it took me like a couple months. And then I just told myself, like, the hard work is done already. Like, I'm already a household name. And I just went back to what got me there in the first place. And that's hard work.

[Freeway]

That's right.

[Memphis Bleak]

I dropped mixtapes. I did this thing called Month of Madness where I dropped a record every day. On the 31st day, I dropped two records. I did the stimulus package, you know, I did a bunch of other critical, acclaimed projects. I did this Broken Ankles with Girl Talk. And I did every festival that year. Like, I did. I think. Where was I? I was like in Boston calling or something. And Girl Talk like a big deal. So Nas was performing, and he was performing after Nas. So Nas got off stage. I'm like, damn, what's up, Nas? He like, what's up, Free? What you doing here? I'm like, I'm about to go on stage. He's like, after Me, I was like, yeah, with Girl Talk. I did every festival that year. I wasn't even in tune to the festivals, like, you know what I'm saying? So it opened up my eyes when I did this stuff with rhymesayers. That's the first time I toured overseas. And you know the crazy thing about that is by mistake I left my jury home. So at this point I feel like I'm a rapper. I need change, I need watches and all that stuff. I had one ring. I left everything home by mistake. So I'm sick. I'll go to the Louis store, try to buy some bracelets and all this stuff. But I learned a valuable lesson. You don't need none of that shit to be a dope rapper. I was over there killing them jones with no jury, like, you know what I'm saying, bro? Really catching the essence of hip hop.

[Freeway]

I think about it. One of the greatest MCs, man. God bless DMX. War a dog chain.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, yeah.

[Freeway]

He never have no jury.

[Memphis Bleak]

But you know, coming from where we.

[Freeway]

Come from, that it just is the dope boys did that wasn't the rappers, it's the dope boys on the block. That's what I mean. So. But it was the, you know, that's what it was. It was the love of the block, the money. That's what made us want to be flashy and all. That wasn't what we saw on tv. Cause we saw on the block was shining way more than what we saw on TV. Come on, bro. Like that's not 100%, definitely.

[Memphis Bleak]

Like it was way more thorough, you.

[Freeway]

Know what I'm saying? So like it wasn't until a lot of people say, like I would ever really let the streets in the music business. Like the real niggas really being in there. Not just some fucking studio made up rapper, like some real off the block that went to school with you. Really on, you know what I'm saying? Like, like how you felt when Beans was going at the big homie, bro, Like, I know you never. That's why I said in the beginning, one of the most loyal artists ever. Cause Free never got in the middle of no tension. When it was tension with any side, Free was always neutral. And I always respected that about you.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah. You know, Beans and Jay had their own relationship. Like, you know, and I had a relationship with. I mean, I still got a relationship with Jay, but back then I had a relationship with Jay, but I didn't look at my relationship with Jay as deep as Bean's relationship with Jay. Was because Bean's the one that brought me to the table. So even though I didn't feel how. How Beans felt about the situation, I love Beans. That's my brother. So, you know, I never turn my back on him. I'll never be on no with him, no matter what. I'm a ride to the end with him, you know? But I got a lot of love for Big Homie, too, because he changed my life. Like, you know, I mean, put me in position. I'm still eating, still feeding my family off of this music, you know what I'm saying? So I just minding my business when it happened. When. Cause I was on the radio with Beans when he was. When he was dissing J. I'm like.

[Freeway]

Oh.

[Memphis Bleak]

So naturally, like, probably felt like I felt. I felt the same way. Like, you know what I'm saying? So I think Jay had a show in Baltimore or some shit. I went to that joint by myself, and I was like, in the audience. I had the rock chain on this shit. Niggas like, yo, what you doing out here? You supposed to. Was supposed to be back there. I felt crazy. Like, it was so crazy. But I already know how Lay how this is laid out, because I just got off tour with y', all, so I knew where to go. And I seen Jay when he was walking to the car, and I had a conversation with him and told him how I felt.

[Freeway]

Right?

[Memphis Bleak]

You know what I'm saying?

[Freeway]

So I remember Free, you was one of the only ones, man. Like, you the gunners. Like, when the rock broke up, you know, out of everybody. Everybody gonna feel their own way. But I think out of everybody that reached out, I think y' all were the main ones that reached out, you know what I'm saying? Especially Chris. You. And we always had our relationship before the rap broke up. We was touring together. We had shows together. I don't know. We. Bro, we had a song, one of my favorite songs that we did together, and it never even got cleared to make the album. Night Shift.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's my.

[Freeway]

You kidding me? I. I still hear about that record. Yo, why y' all never put this on Philadelphia Freeway? People think that we held that record back. Like, we didn't want that record to come out.

[Memphis Bleak]

I never had the block people be like, why that joint wasn't on your album? We couldn't clear the samples.

[Freeway]

Like, yeah, man, them sample clearances back then was. Was the problem, bro. A lot of people don't know. A lot of records was held back because we couldn't get the samples. Cleared all of that.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, yeah.

[Freeway]

Like I remember Petey even. I gotta get Petey. I gotta have everybody from the prop up here. Cause Petey even had, you know, harsh words towards the big homie. And I remember warning Petey. Cause I remember when.

[Memphis Bleak]

I don't know why Crack did that.

[Freeway]

Yeah, Crack just was on screen.

[Memphis Bleak]

I was with crack last night. We shot a video in Atlantic City.

[Freeway]

Dude, I seen that. I seen that. Yup. Crack, my dude, he always been my guy.

[Memphis Bleak]

Cause crack not even like crack. Crack is a good.

[Freeway]

Yeah, you kidding me?

[Memphis Bleak]

I love cracking. That's like my brother, like, you know what I'm saying?

[Freeway]

We.

[Memphis Bleak]

We was a rap group. And when we was young, Crack always been fly, right? He always was a hot ass rapper since high school. You know what I'm saying?

[Freeway]

Yeah. No, Crack is my dude.

[Memphis Bleak]

He's a good guy.

[Freeway]

Hell yeah.

[Memphis Bleak]

I didn't understand that one myself.

[Freeway]

I remember telling him.

[Memphis Bleak]

I really didn't understand why you did that. I love you though.

[Freeway]

I remember telling him when was going down, you, your crack, stay safe, man. Stay on. You know, you gotta stay clear the of the smoke. You on that side a lot like it. That side gets bubbling, you gotta get on this side for it get cool. He looking at me, yo, M don't care, man. I'm making hot music, man. Trust me. And we got this. And then she started going down was like, yo, bleak, man. I should have listened to you, man. You should have told me harder, man. This sucks, man. What the going bad now. And I remember, you know, calling Crack. Every time I used to do little mixtapes, I always call you and Crack. Y' all niggas was on every single mixtape. I damn near dropped. Like, literally, you and Crack. And I could say fucking Neef. Buck was on damn near everything. Like, Neef my bro too, man. I fuck with Neef hard body. For some reason. I don't know how me lie.

[Memphis Bleak]

You know, Neef Muslim, he just made Umrah.

[Freeway]

I know. He just went. Yeah, that's why he told me he couldn't come. He like, bleak, I'm going to Saudi Arabia. I'm like, okay, I feel you. He's like, when I get back, I'm gonna make sure I stop by Rock Solid. So Buck, you owe. You know what I mean, Yo, Nah, nah. Like, and then me, I know they just sent this question in, but this is a question. I wanted to know when the dipset drama was going on. Like I said, Free never was in none of that. Like, he always was cool. If you pick up Jewel Santana album. Free was on it. They pick up Cam album. Was you on Cam album? I think yeah, now. And I remember always saying that I couldn't even get mad at you because it's like, man, Free a. He looking like, man, hey, by cool, y' all is tripping. Get the. Why y' all bugging? Stop bugging. Let's get this money.

[Memphis Bleak]

I with Elves was my. You know, I used to go to Harlem, and with him, I, like, had a lot of respect for him. Cause, like, back even back then, he had, like, his own store. And, like, he was doing that, you know, regularly doing. So I had a lot of respect for him. And I definitely. That record was hot. So I had to jump on. I ain't even really know y' all niggas was beefing.

[Freeway]

It wasn't no beef. My, like, think about it. We was in the studio with each other every day. Nobody got swung on.

[Memphis Bleak]

Exactly. So.

[Freeway]

So how was it beef?

[Memphis Bleak]

So what you talking about?

[Freeway]

No, but, you know, the industry said we had beef, so it's beef. But, you know, it wasn't no beef.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's what I'm saying.

[Freeway]

You went there every day. You was in the sessions. You was in the studio.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's why I was on the record.

[Freeway]

Yeah, but still, it was tension. The tension was there for you. Can't ignore it.

[Memphis Bleak]

I remember. I remember when Cat, after. When I was going through that with Cassidy and Gunners, got on the album cover with him.

[Freeway]

I was mad as, yo, listen, yo, yo. Yeah.

[Memphis Bleak]

It was on, like, a magazine cover. I'm like, the yo.

[Freeway]

I remember, right? Telling the Gunners, yo, shout out, gang, man. Right? This is the game. He was dissing me. Crazy. I still, to this day, don't even know why. But I remember telling the Gunners they was going to la. So I'm telling them, yo, it's some rapper out there in la, native in the game, dissing me. Yo, you see that Be on point. Like, you know my. They come back from LA like, yo, bleed, man. We was with Gabe last night chilling. We in the club doing all this chilling, popping bottles. He that cool. He said, ain't no beef with you. So I'm like, how he tell you that? And he got nine songs dissing me. So I'm looking at these niggas like, all right, cool. That night game dropped the diss with Cat Williams to the Young guns. And I'm looking at these. I told y', all, he just sent y' all up for the kill, man. Yo, it used to be so much going on in the Crew. The way you're telling something gonna happen. And they look at you and be like, damn, bro, I should have listened to you. My. But the hell. Then the gunners went crazy.

[Memphis Bleak]

Damn, you got young. Especially Chris and me there's a little younger than us.

[Freeway]

They was babies, man. Like, they was the real youngins, man. But at that time, Gabe was shooting at everybody. He was on some word up. He was gutting at everybody, man. Chris and Neith went back at him. They did their thing, man. But that was good times, man. Rockefeller, man. We had our little wars that a lot of people probably don't even know was wars. And then we'd be in the studio looking at each other like, I told you, don't go with this. Oh, I think it's a good idea me. What you think? You think Bean's really gonna use AI?

[Memphis Bleak]

I got some in my phone right now. New that he did with the AI. Crazy.

[Freeway]

I. I think I. I want him to me because, you know, I always.

[Memphis Bleak]

Feel like sound crazy.

[Freeway]

Out of everything you can take, why take his voice? You know what I'm saying? Like, it's a lot of things. Things you can lose lose. But like, the one thing that we use to get our money is like, I. I felt so. I always felt bad, you know, for my bro about that.

[Memphis Bleak]

So he's still able to move around and, you know, still.

[Freeway]

Still doing shows, killing it, like.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, but that AI, he really hit something with that.

[Freeway]

Yeah, I. I want him to do it.

[Memphis Bleak]

He doing it. He own it.

[Freeway]

Because he ain't like, he gonna let AI write his verse. Beans are right. AI verse.

[Memphis Bleak]

No. Yeah.

[Freeway]

For the people that are getting AI verse. That's how nice.

[Memphis Bleak]

For the people that don't understand what Bleak saying. Beans is using AI. Like, he will lay a verse and then they will send it through like this AI program that make him sound like the old Beans.

[Freeway]

Yes, that's it. He's not going.

[Memphis Bleak]

Ain't nobody writing his restaurant.

[Freeway]

Exactly. Ain't no artificial intelligence writing no verse for Beans. He'll write a verse for artificial intelligence.

[Memphis Bleak]

Sure.

[Freeway]

If they didn't understand what I meant the first.

[Memphis Bleak]

No, he's definitely one of the most. One of the craziest with the pen.

[Freeway]

Definitely, man. Beans, I used to met yo. I never forget when I first met Beans. The first day he came, he was with. With Sadiq in the studio. I was in there. Jay was in there doing the joint with Jazzo. I forgot the name of the record, but it was the joint with Jazzo. And. And then they was like, yo, Bean spit for Jay and all that. And I remember saying, damn, son. Nice. Then they was like, all right. Bleak AD go do a record with them the same day. So I'm like, all right, cool. The record turned out to be crew love. Everybody loves this record but me back then, I hated it free like I used to. I knew when he spit his verse, I was like, why they want me to rhyme after that? I'm not supposed to rhyme after that. That's why I made them put my verse first, cuz I was like, hell, no, he not spitting that first. And then I rhyme. No, no way. Like, I used to be so mad at son. Like, nah, this nigga's too nice. I gotta get my up.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, a little bit.

[Freeway]

Nah, he did. He did, bro. I ain't gonna front. Like I told Chris, y' all had my get low gang. Y' all ain't had him under pressure. But them was mad. Y' all was taking car service from Philly to Manhattan. And they was mad that they had to take the train from Brooklyn to. Man.

[Memphis Bleak]

See, everybody be having their own little issues that are doing like.

[Freeway]

I used to look at them and be like, yo, money, are y' all serious? Yeah. They coming two, three hours away. Y' all is riding three stops. How. Why you need a car for that? But that was the. We used to beef about. Just wanted that, you know, Everybody else was getting. That's the one thing. See somebody else with it, they wanted it.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's how the only thing that gets you. Only thing that gets you. That is hard work.

[Freeway]

Exactly. And my thing is, do you ever think it's gonna mean? I'm praying for it. I want to know your opinion. You ever think it's going to be a Rockefeller reunion tour? Anything?

[Memphis Bleak]

Inshallah. I mean, I hope so. Who would be dope for hip hop?

[Freeway]

Definitely.

[Memphis Bleak]

I don't know.

[Freeway]

One thing. I know one thing. For it to happen, niggas got to be on time, B. N can't be late. Not you with no name, no blame. You know, Niggas can't be late, B. Cause HOV will look at it like first time. It's one minute past showtime. Everything canceled. Everybody send everybody home. You fucking kidding me? We. We 59 seconds late. It's over. Straight up. So that's the one thing I say we gotta definitely fix before we go back to the homie. I'm like, yo, we got our shit together. We gotta make sure some other members know we gotta get them two hour before showtime time. You know what I'm saying, I think.

[Memphis Bleak]

We just need to have like, everybody, get everybody together and have a conversation. Like a real serious conversation. Like, if want it, that's what we gotta do. If not, don't even waste the time.

[Freeway]

That's a fact, bro. That's a super fact. So definitely. Yo, and one thing, you know, of course, people always want to ask, man like me, I don't give a. I remember saying when I heard the homie talking about it so much, I like Free. What we gonna do? You wanna ride down? And then I got cool with the homie. It's like, damn, Free. We can't even jump him no more. But, yo, how's your relationship with Cassidy, man?

[Memphis Bleak]

Oh, man, Cat's tight. That's my man.

[Freeway]

Definitely basketball, bro.

[Memphis Bleak]

We just together at sobs probably like about a month ago.

[Freeway]

Do you ever.

[Memphis Bleak]

No. Speaking of Hot 97, I'm gonna give you some game. Like when we. The night I battle Cassidy was right after Hot 97. Yeah, a lot of people don't know that.

[Freeway]

Yeah, a lot of people don't know you went straight from Hot 97 to battle and Cass and then tried to hate on you. Cause you said, yo, put a beat on. And it's like any rapper that, especially with your kind of flow, he knew he couldn't. He couldn't have.

[Memphis Bleak]

With you on no beat, I'm gonna tell you some. Some real shit. So throughout my life, like, since I've been little, like I told you about this relationship that I got with Allah and he never let me go too far to either side, like, you know what I'm saying? Like a night where I monster the hot 97 and I would have probably been running around with the biggest head in the world. I battled Cassidy and I took a little L, like, you know what I'm saying? So. So that's a lesson to me, like, you know what I'm saying? In humility, like, never feel like you too, too good. And you better than everybody because you always could take a L. You always. You know what I'm saying? Everybody. Not Floyd Mayweather.

[Freeway]

That's right.

[Memphis Bleak]

You know what I'm saying? So. But that's a fact, you know, 20 something years later, I'm living good lie and I've been through a bunch of shit and I'm still here. Stand to talk, would you.

[Freeway]

You know, with verses and all that shit, then that should probably. Who knows if it even come back. Would you have a battle cast again?

[Memphis Bleak]

We're supposed to. Yeah, yeah. We. We had a little situation with with URL and everything.

[Freeway]

Oh, wow. Damn.

[Memphis Bleak]

This fell apart. But, you know, we. We was getting it together. I had some bars and everything. I'm pretty sure Cass had some ready.

[Freeway]

You know, Cass definitely one of them spitters, man. He don't.

[Memphis Bleak]

He's still around too. 27 years later, still doing this thing. Still got to respect it.

[Freeway]

Definitely, man. You got to respect all the guys from our era because it was nothing but spitters in that time. It was no way to come short, like, pause. You had to.

[Memphis Bleak]

I was heated back then in the game, man. I was pissed, of course. Like, that's another per. Like, I thought that that shit came out, like, said this shit on DVDs and everything. Like, that shit was crazy. But, bro, still be talking about that shit on Instagram. Yeah, I post something to be like, haha. But you can't beat Cassidy, yo.

[Freeway]

Chill, chill, man. They can't still be on that, man. Y' all both had wonderful careers, man. But Free, you done toured the world, bro. We done been everywhere, man.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, for sure.

[Freeway]

We done been all over this world and we still doing it. Like I told you, you one of the only rappers that I know still to this day that got 10 shows in five days. I don't even know how you do it. Every day I look up you in another city, getting another award, doing something at a school, graduating these students like you, one of the hardest working people I know. And that's why I know when I call you, you always there, man, no matter what. If I need you for anything Free like Bleak, I got you, man. But I need these dates off because I. I'm booked these days. But you definitely tell me, bleak, I got you.

[Memphis Bleak]

I've been trying to get down here for a minute, but my schedule been so crazy.

[Freeway]

And I respect that, man. You know that. You my brother. I love you. You for life.

[Memphis Bleak]

You already know all the time.

[Freeway]

Rock Solid is another episode of Rock Solid. We here. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows at. And you can follow me on any social media platform under the name Memphis Bleak. You see anybody frauding Flag Em? The Girlfriends is back with a new season, and this time, I'm telling you the story of Kelly Harnett. Kelly spent over a decade in prison for a murder she says she didn't commit. As she fought for her freedom, she taught herself the law.

[Memphis Bleak]

He goes, oh, God.

[Freeway]

Harnett, jailhouse lawyer. And became a beacon of hope for the women locked up alongside her. They're supposed to have me faith in.

[Memphis Bleak]

God, but I had nothing do with to but faith in her. I think I was put here to save souls by getting people out of prison.

[Freeway]

The Girlfriends Jailhouse Lawyer listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Bob Crawford, host of American History Hotline, a different type of podcast. You, the listener, ask the questions.

[Memphis Bleak]

Did George Washington really cut down a cherry tree? Were JFK and Marilyn Monroe having an affair?

[Freeway]

And I find the answers. I'm so glad you asked me this question.

[Memphis Bleak]

This is such a ridiculous story.

[Freeway]

You can listen to American History Hotline on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Memphis Bleak]

I knew I wanted to obey and submit, but I didn't fully grasp for.

[Freeway]

The rest of my life what that.

[Memphis Bleak]

Meant for my heart. Podcasts and Rococo Punch this is the Turning Turning River Road. In the woods of Minnesota, a cult leader married himself to 10 girls and forced them into a secret life of abuse.

[Freeway]

But in 2014, the youngest escaped. Listen to the Turning river road on.

[Memphis Bleak]

The iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Freeway]

Just like great shoes, great books take you places through unforgettable love stories and into conversations with characters you'll never forget.

[Memphis Bleak]

I think any good romance, it gives me this feeling of like butterflies.

[Freeway]

I'm Danielle Robay and this is bookmarked by Reese's Book Club, the new podcast from hello Sunshine and I Heart Podcast where we dive into the stories that shape us on the page and off. Each week I'm joined by authors, celebs, book talk stars, and more for conversations that will make you laugh, cry, and add way too many books to your TBR pile. Listen to Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Memphis Bleak]

This is an iHeart podcast.