ROC Solid w/ Memphis Bleek

Jim Jones (Part 1)

Release Date: October 7, 2025
Host: Memphis Bleek
Guest: Jim Jones

Overview

This episode of ROC Solid brings together Memphis Bleek and Jim Jones for an in-depth, unapologetically real conversation about their parallel journeys in hip-hop, reflecting from their early days in the projects to industry-breaking moves, the dynamic legacy of Roc-A-Fella and Dipset, challenges of loyalty, and survival in the game. Both icons unravel untold stories, key life lessons, and the real effects of fame, brotherhood, betrayal, and entrepreneurship.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Early Days: Linking History & Humble Beginnings

[03:18 - 07:00]

• Both Bleek and Jones reminisce about when their paths first crossed in the mid-to-late 90s, before the fame and fortune.
• Bleek recalls wanting validation from his neighborhood and peers:
  “All I knew is I wanted to impress my hood and I wanted the chicks in school to know I got. So that was it. I had no idea it was going to turn into this.” – Memphis Bleek [04:26]
• Jim acknowledges the unique “powerful” position Bleek held as Jay-Z’s young protégé.

2. The Pressure, Perception, and Power of Proximity

[07:00 - 11:00]

• They discuss feeling pressure from their circles as the “#2” or “underdog” to the crew’s superstar.

• Jones draws parallels to his own role beside Cam’ron — how hate and doubt often came from those closest in the circle.

  “Those are the people who usually show their hand first… there were some people that I did things for that they couldn’t imagine… even those people.”
  – Jim Jones [08:13]

• Bleek breaks down the constant scrutiny:

  “I had to play the background and wait for my turn… I had to sit there anxiously, patiently, and anxiously waiting, you know what I’m saying?” [05:58]

3. Living with Success & The Hood Dynamic

[09:41 - 13:00]

• Bleek and Jim speak candidly about remaining in the projects, straddling newfound rap fame with their original environments.

• The dangers and “lessons” — Tata’s intervention, warnings about lurking threats, and why it’s critical to graduate from your environment.

  “Tata was the one who really woke me up… If the OG of Tata gonna give me that game, I’ma listen.” – Memphis Bleek [11:33]

4. The Rise: Seizing (or Missing) Opportunities, Loyalty, and Evolution

[13:17 - 18:16]

• Both describe raw ambition, and how loyalty and personality, rather than only lyrical skill, laid the foundation for their success.

  “Your personality was the force of Dipset… Your influence shine brighter than your lyrics.” – Memphis Bleek [17:21]

• Jim Jones never intended to “outshine” Cam’ron — it was always about the crew and the movement.

  “My forte was making sure he was good so we could be good.” – Jim Jones [17:10]

5. Business Lessons: Labels, Deals, the Rockefeller Dynamic

[19:05 - 21:49]

• Jim drops the much-misunderstood fact that he was "never signed to the Roc," despite public perception.

• They unpack how Dipset achieved independence, breaking industry norms with their Koch deals and label structure.

  “I was one of the CEOs at Diplomat… Telling Cam like, yo, don’t matter where we go, long as people know it’s a Diplomat bird and it’s a Diplomat artist, they gonna go buy the records.” – Jim Jones [20:13]

• Jim reflects: “All I know is what I’ve been told and that to have truth is a whole lie.” [22:10]

6. Executive Moves & Industry Power Plays

[28:01 - 33:36]

• Jim recounts his consulting/exec role at Warner, navigating respect and shade within the industry hierarchy.

  “He like, I want you to be an executive here… I need you next to me because I seen what you could do.” – Jim Jones [29:53]

• The crew jokes (or veiled envy) from peers about “going corporate” and insights into the morality and politics of taking those steps.

  “You got to watch jokes because some niggas will say some serious shit to you in a playful way…” – Memphis Bleek [32:03]

7. Scarcity of Standalone Stars & The Power of Affiliation

[37:14 - 39:43]

• The discussion turns to how new artists benefit from affiliations — the rarity of someone making it truly “alone.” They cite Cardi B and Sexy Red as rare exceptions.

  “In this game, if you want to win, you need to be affiliated with something…” – Jim Jones [37:42]

8. The Rockefeller Split: What-Ifs and Lasting Impact

[39:43 - 45:54]

• “What if” scenarios about Roc-A-Fella, the personal cost of the infamous split, and how mindsets and leadership styles divided legends and their camps.

  “If Jay and Dame would have figured out how to have some type of conversation, none of that would have happened.” – Jim Jones [43:42]

• Dame Dash is celebrated for his business acumen and fierce protection of the crew, despite his flaws.

• Warm reminiscences of the culture of bonuses, gifts, and loyalty Rockefeller once embodied.

9. Personal Growth, Business Hustles, Motivation & Influence

[47:59 - 51:06]

• Jones talks about his relentless drive, challenges of self-motivation, and learning to “boss up” after disappointments.

• The entrepreneurial legacy of Dipset and the importance of business, wellness, and continuous evolution.

  “All I know is what I’ve been told and that to have truth is a whole lie.” – Jim Jones [52:04]

10. Club Legends & Wild Nights: The Tunnel, Baseline, and NYC Lore

[57:05 - 63:00]

• Passionate recollections about legendary New York clubs like the Tunnel and Speed — the epic performances, street energy, fashion wars, and brushes with danger.

  “I love Hov… but Hov ain’t fucking with mine right in the Tunnel. That’s just being honest.” – Memphis Bleek [57:39]

• Stories of “allegedly” wild street dynamics, showdowns, and club culture that defined the era.

11. Reality TV, Business Moves, and Lessons Learned

[64:31 - 69:15]

• Jim details the origins of Love & Hip-Hop, why he and Chrissy walked away, and the realities of reality TV contracts and ownership.
• Reflections on opportunities, the power of content creation, and why internet is king now:

  “Now I could do the $#it on my own and make the networks come knock down my door. That’s exactly what [I’ll do].” – Jim Jones [68:13]

12. Fitness as the New Hustle

[69:44 - 71:48]

• The importance of health and fitness as an aging artist, and Jones' plans to launch a gym and fitness platform.

• The value of support systems and self-reliance in turning passion into business.

  “Game is one. One person to see that and make one call and get everything connected.” – Jim Jones [71:30]

13. Healing Old Beef, Growth & Remaining Youthful

[72:04 - 73:13]

• The significance of squashing old feuds (like with French Montana) and the respect for personal evolution over stagnation.

• The value of embracing youthfulness regardless of age.

  “It ain’t about the age. It’s about a wage. It’s about business.” – Jim Jones [73:03]

14. The Biggs Conversation: The Quiet Power

[73:23 - 78:32]

• Dissecting Kareem “Biggs” Burke’s underappreciated, essential role in Roc-A-Fella’s success.

  “He’s like the silent partner… Biggs is one of the few people that I consider to be a big brother… not letting the spotlight jade him.” – Jim Jones [74:14]

• Memphis Bleek shares personal stories about Biggs’ loyalty and generosity.

15. Legendary Gambling in the Studio: “Guts” at Baseline

[79:01 - 83:59]

• Iconic tales from Baseline Studios: high-stakes card games with Hov, hustling, losing and winning "stupid money", and how those moments cemented the brotherhood and hustle.

  “Baseline over guts game… The pot would start off $5,000… Hov used to do — like he said in the rhyme, ‘I’m calling guts every time, even look at the cards, guts.’” – Memphis Bleek [79:15]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Memphis Bleek:
  “If you stay the same, I feel like that’s the definition of insane. To do the same thing over and over, and expect different results.” [72:05]

• Jim Jones:
  “I just refused to stop… my relentlessness in this game.” [27:19]
  “You won’t grow till you know.” [49:59]
  “I want people to know that I gave more than I took.” [51:09]

• On Loyalty & Brotherhood:
  “Everything I was willing to be for my comrade, I had to learn to be that for myself.” – Jim Jones [46:34]

• On The Game:
  “You got to watch jokes, because some niggas will say some serious shit … in a playful way.” – Memphis Bleek [32:03]

• On Success:
  “Lose a million times, win big again. I did it all.” – Jim Jones [27:19]

Memorable Segments with Timestamps

• [11:33] Tata’s wisdom changes Bleek’s approach to safety and success.
• [20:13] Jim reveals he was not “signed to the Roc,” breaking long-standing rumors.
• [32:03] The veiled serious truths in playful jokes among friends and rivals.
• [40:16] Breaking down Dame Dash’s genius despite his divisive personality.
• [57:39] Debating the biggest Tunnel legends (Jay-Z, Ja Rule, Dr. Dre, Snoop) and how club culture shaped NYC rap era.
• [79:01] The Baseline “guts” game, high-stakes gambling, and life lessons learned in the studio.

Tone & Style

The conversation stays raw, direct, and authentic, with plenty of street vernacular, humor, and wisdom forged from experience. There's pride in their survival, humility around mistakes, and a mutual respect for the grind, hustle, and personal evolution required to go from project hallways to hip-hop royalty.

For Further Listening

Stay tuned for Part 2 (if it drops). For anyone interested in the true inside stories of Roc-A-Fella, Dipset, and hip-hop’s evolution from the streets to corporate offices, this episode is essential listening.