ROC Solid w/ Memphis Bleek: Omillio Sparks (November 25, 2025)

Overview

This episode of "ROC Solid," hosted by Memphis Bleek, brings on Philly legend Omillio Sparks to revisit the golden era of Roc-A-Fella Records, the story of State Property, untold backstage moments, and the real-life challenges of brotherhood and business in hip-hop. The conversation is candid, reflective, and full of firsthand wisdom from two veterans who helped shape the culture.

Key Topics & Insights

Sparks’ Current Hustle & Community Work

• Sparks describes his latest projects: leading the Emilio Sparks Foundation, working with youth, writing "Baby Boy: The Series," and running a clothing line. Staying creative kept him alive and evolving.
  “Being creative kept me alive. Cause, you know, that's what kept me around.” (04:35, Omillio Sparks)

Roc-A-Fella “Tales of a Hustler” and the Jay-Z Rumor

• Memphis Bleek sets the record straight on rumors that Jay-Z stole a track from Sparks, explaining it was a genuine collaboration with proper credit.
  “It was one of them things, you know, we did. I lend my membership to him, like. But that's the big homie. He ain't steal anything, you know what I'm saying?” (06:48, Omillio Sparks)

• Sparks reflects on the ongoing relevance of street stories in his music:
  “Them kind of storylines still exist to this day... So where we at right now? We transitioned into from boys to men. So now we... have our obligation to come back, at least try to save something or help.” (06:00, Omillio Sparks)

The State Property Formation & Internal Divisions

• Sparks recalls how the group came together via Black Friday and how Philly’s divisions shaped relationships within State Property.
  “Philly, it might seem small, but that shit is segregated like a motherfucker. That shit just like Brooklyn.” (10:04, Memphis Bleek)

• Relationship between Beans and Sparks was “up and down, rocky,” but ultimately built on shared struggle and hustle.
  “Cause we was on that set in Jersey City for a long time. Then we did Tales of a Hustler. So that took to the public like crazy.” (09:39, Omillio Sparks)

On the Roc-A-Fella Split & State Property Drama

• Bleek commends Sparks for being the only one who took the possibility of a breakup seriously. The emotional toll is real:
  “It hurt me. You heard me. Because I felt a part of something.” (10:55, Omillio Sparks)

• Both discuss how personal and business issues—especially family responsibilities—can sidetrack artistic focus.
  “I try to manage my own life and then people be in my life. I'm always going through a crisis.” (13:14, Omillio Sparks)

Acting, Movies, and Industry Realities

• Sparks earned recognition as the standout actor in "State Property," but found the transition to union and indie film work tough.
  “With the breakup... even with that movie, if I'da knew that really was going on, I wouldn't have participated in that.” (12:00, Omillio Sparks)

• Bleek credits Sparks for always being “the heartbeat of State Prop.”
  “You was the heartbeat of State Prop, bro... You definitely held it down for the crew.” (25:26, Memphis Bleek)

Mentality, Legacy, and Reputation

• Sparks refutes the “lazy” label others tried to pin on him, describing his relentless work ethic and time in the studio:
  “They definitely tried to paint it out like you was the lazy guy in the crew.” (17:51, Memphis Bleek)
  “Come on. I'm Kenneth Johnson, y'. All. K Dot Johnson on the records... I was always on time.” (17:56, Omillio Sparks)

• He stresses the need for artists to reclaim their narratives, especially when others profit from their stories: “After a while, you be like, enough is enough, man.” (17:51, Omillio Sparks)

Fatherhood & The Impact on the Next Generation

• Both artists discuss how their kids changed their perspective—making it vital to rise above “petty drama” and lead by example. “They the ones who come back to you. Daddy, why is this person saying this? Daddy, why did this person do that?” (21:32, Memphis Bleek)

The Importance of Reconciliation, Public Apologies, and Moving On

• Public apologies are crucial before business or reunions can move forward. Sparks is clear: “A public apology has to be made before we can do any business, because phone calls are coming through. But a public apology before we get to... the money.” (29:10, Omillio Sparks)

• Both reflect that despite all the conflict, no real crimes occurred; it’s all business, egos, and communication gone wrong. “If you really put down what we went through in this business, nobody got slapped, nobody got shot, nobody died... So you know what happened? We just had an argument over beats.” (48:08, Memphis Bleek)

Nostalgic Tour Stories & Brotherhood

• Hilarious stories about tour life, studio sessions, and legendary venues (like the 40/40 in Atlantic City) surface. “Yo, bro, the 4040 in Atlantic City was Philly fucking... that was heaven for anybody.” (42:34, Memphis Bleek)

• The value of authentic friendship and not airing each other out for clout is emphasized. “We ain't gonna be up here doing no hoe shit, my nigga. That's not what we about, man.” (41:25, Memphis Bleek)

What’s Next for Sparks?

• Sparks is focused on writing, acting (recent SAG projects), growing his foundation, and handling “unfinished business” with the State Property fam. “I've been writing... I just shot another movie... and that was a SAG joint. So, you know, I'm trying to get my feet back where I went in there.” (44:59, Omillio Sparks)
• He wants real conversations with Oschino, Freeway, Neef, and Dame to clear the air and do good business moving forward.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On the Roc break-up:
  “I was gonna say, out of everybody that I used to tell, yo, bro, this shit, yo, you wilding. This shit might be going down. You was the only one who used to be like, em for Real?” (10:42, Memphis Bleek)

• On acting:
  “But you brought Beans character to life. You made the movie what it was. You was that guy, man.” (11:25, Memphis Bleek)

• On legacy:
  “I love my mark. I love my mark. Cause it can't be, like, duplicated. It's like one of them things. They still trying.” (23:34, Omillio Sparks)

• On missed opportunities and public image:
  “They definitely tried to paint it out like you was the lazy guy in the crew... But never lazy.” (17:51–18:11, Memphis Bleek & Omillio Sparks)

• On public apologies & moving forward:
  “If the disrespect is loud, the apology gotta be just as loud.” (28:54, Memphis Bleek)

• On money & business:
  “I'm a firm believer that every dollar is not a good dollar.” (42:01, Memphis Bleek)

• On Atlantic City’s legendary 40/40 club:
  “Yo, bro, the 4040 in Atlantic City was Philly fucking... that was heaven for anybody.” (42:34, Memphis Bleek)

• On writing his life as a movie:
  “You should write a movie about your life, bro.” (48:54, Memphis Bleek)
  “That's what baby boy really about.” (48:57, Omillio Sparks)

• Final brotherhood & support:
  “Anything you need from me, my team, we here. We got you, bro.” (49:15, Memphis Bleek)
  “Let's get to it. Let's get to it then. Bleek.” (49:24, Omillio Sparks)

Important Segments (Timestamps)

• [03:32] Introduction, Kicking Off with Omillio Sparks
• [04:21] Sparks on Community Work, Current Projects
• [05:50] “Tales of a Hustler,” Jay-Z Collaboration Myths
• [08:47] Early Roc-A-Fella & State Property Days
• [10:55] The Emotional Reality of the Roc Breakup
• [11:24] State Property Movies & Acting Ambitions
• [13:14] Family Issues and How They Affect the Hustle
• [17:51] Addressing “Lazy” Rumors, Studio Work Ethic
• [21:32] Impact of Fame on Family Life & Legacy
• [22:09] Reflections on the State Property Breakup
• [28:54] Solving Conflict Publicly & Business Lessons
• [32:01] Touring Stories: Miami, Buses on Fire, and Hilarious Moments
• [39:02] Missed Collaborative Opportunities
• [41:25] Focus on Positivity, Brotherhood Over Clout
• [42:34] Nostalgia for the 40/40 Club in Atlantic City
• [44:55] Sparks’ Current Moves & Next Goals

Episode Tone

• Authentic, brotherly, and unfiltered.
• Mixes Philly street wisdom, honest business talk, and nostalgia.
• Focuses on growth, reconciliation, and honoring hip-hop legacies.

Where To Find Omillio Sparks

• Instagram: @TheRealEmilioSparks
• Website: emiliosparksfoundation.org
• Active on Facebook, Twitter as Emilio Sparks

Summary Statement

This episode offers a nuanced, honest, and entertaining window into the real stories behind Roc-A-Fella and State Property—far beyond what the internet rumors say. Sparks and Bleek reflect on brotherhood, business, and legacy with warmth and wisdom, giving both hip-hop heads and new listeners invaluable perspective on navigating music, money, loyalty, and the journey from the streets to success.