Omillio Sparks | ROC Solid w/ Memphis Bleek

Summary

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.

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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.

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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)

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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

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Episode Tone

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

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Where To Find Omillio Sparks

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

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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.

Transcript

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[Memphis Bleak]

What up, y'?

[Commercial Announcer 3]

All?

[Memphis Bleak]

This your main man, Memphis Bleak, right here. Welcome to Rock Solid, a production of iHeartRadio and the Black Effect Network in partnership with my guys over at Drink Champs. Big whipping. Yeah, Memphis. I'm back at it. Notice the difference. Just more prone. Prezi. No stones. Yeah, y'. All. You know what it is. Back with another one. Rock Solid. And like I tell you, every time you see anybody on this platform, I mean, A, they, my brother, two, they rock solid, man. This is my guy Sparks in the building.

[Emilio Sparks]

I made it up and down, you.

[Memphis Bleak]

Know, I'm saying I want to welcome Zoo to the building. We call him Joey Zuzu. You know him from Oskino with Sparks. Shout Out. O out there doing his thing.

[Emilio Sparks]

That's right.

[Memphis Bleak]

How you been, my brother?

[Emilio Sparks]

Grinding. Grinding.

[Memphis Bleak]

Bleak.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yep, grinding. Just, you know. You know, I'm helping the communities right now with the Emilio Sparks Foundation. And I just been out just doing that, working on. I'm writing my own TV series, too. I'm writing Baby Boy, the series.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's dope.

[Emilio Sparks]

I'm just running around doing that kind of stuff. Oh, my bad. Let me turn this around. I got my own little clothesline, y'. All, back. Being creative kept me alive. Cause, you know, that's what kept me around.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right.

[Emilio Sparks]

So I've been just pushing that and pumping that and staying out the way and just focusing on my next moves. That's it.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's what's up, man. Congratulations on everything you've been doing with your foundation. I've been seeing you out there, you know, doing, man, uplifting thing to the community, with the kids. That's so dope, man. I commend you. But we gonna go back, man. Let's go back. Let's do it to my dude, Joey Zoo. Zoo Rockefeller. I want to say to you here now, live camera, so the world know yo, bro, to me on Roc a fella, it's dope spitters. There's dope rappers we had. It's the best punchline, the best flower. To me, you always had the best lines, like, in your rhymes. The way I used to sit there and be like, the fuck? This nigga run around playing all day high. Then he get in that booth and it's like. Like the line I told you outside, bro, before we started. You said, tell us of a hustle line tells of a hustle. That's my favorite verse from everybody. On Roc a fella, when you say, what do you say to a mom who lost her only son to the game in the gun? Except Mama, I' ma ride for him. Yo, my G. Come on, man.

[Emilio Sparks]

And you know what's wild about it? That's what. It's funny you say that. That's why I got to the men of her. Cause them kind of storylines still exist to this day.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right.

[Emilio Sparks]

You look at Philadelphia, what's going on in the media. I hate looking at it, but, you know, I gotta be on there to pump and do that stuff. That's why I did my own foundation page. But it's kids that's really going through that right now. They're going through it. I see people coming through, and they got. They setting up shop, and the guys are talking about the pain that they going through, and they cry. And so that stuff's still going on to this day. So that's what's happening to us when we was 13, 14, you know what I'm saying? So where we at right now? We transitioned into from boys to men. So now we. You know, I felt like we had our obligation to come back, at least try to save something or help.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right, man. And niggas, though, a lot of people, you know, the word on the Internet is that Jay stole it from you. They don't know that you actually was in the studio. And y' all created the record together, right?

[Emilio Sparks]

I'm glad that we getting it done.

[Memphis Bleak]

On Rock Solid, you know what I'm saying?

[Emilio Sparks]

That's the big homie, you know what I'm saying?

[Memphis Bleak]

You know what I mean?

[Emilio Sparks]

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?

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right. No, man, definitely. We was in the video. We toured together. Come on, bro.

[Emilio Sparks]

Still is when you just went somewhere, you got the joint, you heard, you did it. And it was like, all right.

[Memphis Bleak]

And you ain't got no credit on the record, like, but you still got your writer's credit. You know what I mean?

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah. So it's one of them things.

[Memphis Bleak]

And it says feature response. So how you steal something? And I put your name on it.

[Emilio Sparks]

Right, right. That's a lot. Cause it's my voice and everything on it. So it still looked out. So I'm.

[Memphis Bleak]

So how was that, man? That session? I wasn't there for that, man.

[Emilio Sparks]

You wasn't there? No.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, I wasn't there for that session.

[Emilio Sparks]

So look, remember we was doing the Dynasty? Yes. You probably was running around. Cause getting low was busting they moves. You see what I'm saying? Get low. Yeah. I mean, running around. And I think we was in. We was. And he was in the A room, and I was in the B room working on the Owen Sparks album. And I was doing Give it to me record. And then Mac come over there. Mac, like, what's going on there? What you doing, zoo? I'm like, I'm grinding, you know? So he had a hook. He go tell hov ho, Harry Hov. Like, oh, damn. I like this joint. And I was like, all right, well, you know, we working on the Dynasty. I'll be on it anyway. Yep.

[Memphis Bleak]

Here we go.

[Emilio Sparks]

Let's get it.

[Memphis Bleak]

Let's go.

[Emilio Sparks]

I was a team player on that one. You know what I'm saying? So at the end of the day, we did the record with Pharrell, which is one of the biggest producers in the industry, and the rest is history.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's that, man. That's crazy, man. Like, I never got to work with Pharrell. Just right there on the spot. I had a joint Nori gave me from Pharrell, Just like, there's. That your chick? I don't take that as me working with Timbo.

[Emilio Sparks]

Oh, I got you. I got you.

[Memphis Bleak]

I'm just. Huh?

[Emilio Sparks]

Bleak.

[Memphis Bleak]

Put some verses on.

[Emilio Sparks]

You held it down. You did. You know what I'm saying? You know what I'm saying?

[Memphis Bleak]

I want to sit there and work with these guys. Like, you got a chance to do that with one of the goats, and that's special. You know what I'm saying?

[Emilio Sparks]

And that's. You know, from our standpoint at that time, I didn't realize how much a huge impact it is, like, on that side of things, because those are huge names. Yes. We taking them. They in the big home, like, Pharrell. Them a big, huge name.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right.

[Emilio Sparks]

We were young, so, you know, we didn't know the severity, but we in the books.

[Memphis Bleak]

That one thing I say, you don't know. You making history while you do it.

[Emilio Sparks]

But you're doing it right.

[Memphis Bleak]

You just going. You know what I'm saying? And that's how we did it. So how did the relationship with you and Bean start for you to even become a part of state prop?

[Emilio Sparks]

Remember? He was there. He was already there.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, Beams was already.

[Emilio Sparks]

So I met them through Black Friday. I think they.

[Memphis Bleak]

Oh, yeah, Sadiq.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yup.

[Memphis Bleak]

Shout Out Sadiq, Rest In Peace, Real Roller. You know what I mean? Black Friday.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yep. Black Friday. That's how we met. So Mac was over there already. And then that happened. I think the movie, when we did state Prop 1, Bleak was like my twin. Everybody said, you know, my split. Like, Bleak is his twin. You two guys look alike, you know. So I'm like, damn, you really think we like Bleak? You know what? It's crazy. Cause the record you got, what you think of that? What you think? I used to be running through the city, snapping, listening to that.

[Memphis Bleak]

What you talking about, Will?

[Emilio Sparks]

So listen. So when we did that. So we built a relationship on that, though, outside. I just had to tell you that outside of that, because 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. That took to the public like crazy. So. And then we just grew a relationship. It was up and down, you know, it was one of them things that was rocky, you know what I'm saying? But we got to know each other. Cause, you know, we from different sides of the city.

[Memphis Bleak]

He from south, you from west.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah.

[Memphis Bleak]

A lot of people don't know, you know, Philly, it might seem small, but that shit is segregated like a motherfucker. That shit just like Brooklyn.

[Emilio Sparks]

All that little geographical stuff like that. You like. Oh, but after we got there, I wanted some money.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah.

[Emilio Sparks]

I was thinking like, yo, let's get the money.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right. You always been, like, thinking, you know, forward thinking, like out of the crew. Like, I was talking about that outside. I was like, damn, I'm gonna save it for the part. Cause you know, a lot of people wanna know how we felt during the breakup and all that. And 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?

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah.

[Memphis Bleak]

Nah, Em, this shit, they buggin. We gotta get the big homies together. Like everybody else used to just look at me, be like, all right, whatever. I'm getting money. I don't give a fuck what they do. But you was definitely focused like, em, we can't let this shit go. My nigga.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah, it hurt me.

[Memphis Bleak]

Word up.

[Emilio Sparks]

You heard me. Because I felt a part of something. You know what I'm saying? When you say it, it was like, ah, it's gonna happen. It's gonna happen. Then when we did Death of the Dynasty, it was just.

[Memphis Bleak]

I didn't participate in that movie.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah. And I felt that, like, damn.

[Memphis Bleak]

I was like, no, never. Surreal.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

Yeah.

[Memphis Bleak]

Cause when I read the script, the name, I'm like, you making a movie of the ending, what's actually happening now? It's like, I can't be a part of that. But I wanna tell you too, going back to State Property, you was the best actor in State property.

[Emilio Sparks]

Thanks, man.

[Memphis Bleak]

100%. Like, beans did his thing. But you brought Beans character to life. You made the movie what it was. You was that guy, man.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah. Because I had, you know, they gave me my part. They gave me that part. I had to. First of all, we was getting news like, if you coming from the rap world, you better not be playing. You gotta take this ser. So I took it serious. But thank you.

[Memphis Bleak]

So it's people.

[Emilio Sparks]

Cause I got two thumbs up from Eva and Rupert. I was like, whoa.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, man. I'm telling you, you did your thing in part one and part two. So I always wondered, did you ever try to, like, audition for any other roles after State Property or anything? Or take it serious? More serious?

[Emilio Sparks]

I did. But you know what it was. It was indie. You know what I had to learn about business. Sometimes you could do indie stuff, you know what I'm saying? But it's union stuff out here too. So it's business. The politics of certain things is just totally different. You know what I'm saying? So with the breakup. Cause even with that movie, if I'd have knew that really was going on, I wouldn't have participated in that. With the definite Dynasty. Just to be a part of that. Didn't know what happened.

[Memphis Bleak]

See, I knew it was going.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah, you knew.

[Memphis Bleak]

You was on point.

[Emilio Sparks]

You was up top. I was like, please on point. But I could, you know, I was dealing with my own issues. You know, I'm going through the little other stuff, but at the end of the day, as far as the movies and stuff, a lot of roles Came up, but it was just like indie stuff instead of more. Cause I'm SAG union too. You know what I'm saying?

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right. If that paper.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah, when they coming that way? You supposed to be talking some super, you know, some super numbers. But I had to live and learn, you know what I'm saying? I just wanted to stack my resume, though.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right, man. You was never too old for acting, man. I wanted to stack the resume. I see you be out there in LA doing your thing, man. They definitely need to throw my guy those roles. You want to see that real action? Check out State Property, man. Everybody else in there was freestyling. I felt like when I did scenes with you Zoo, I was like, this motherfucker could really act. I used to be saying that in my mind, like I'm over here capping on camera like a motherfucker.

[Emilio Sparks]

You know what it is? I gotta go and get a sound like an agent or something. Because I try to manage my own life and then people be in my life. I'm always going through a crisis. I always got some family cris crisis going and I'm going through. And then that's where the business go wrong and that's where that heartbreak comes.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yes, bro, trust me. I know, you know, I've been through it with my brother and all of that, you know, shout out Dre out here making moves.

[Emilio Sparks]

Right, right.

[Memphis Bleak]

But yeah, man, shit definitely get real. When the family issues come up, it definitely deter you from your track.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

Whoa, what a vibe we've got, y'.

[Emilio Sparks]

All.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

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[Emilio Sparks]

Mmm.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

Yeah, that taste always hit the right note. Just like the band at halftime. Passionate fans, school colors everywhere and an.

[Emilio Sparks]

Ice cold Coca Cola.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

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[Memphis Bleak]

How did you ever feel that you and O never got a chance to drop the album?

[Emilio Sparks]

Man, like it was crazy because we was the first ones there that I understood the circumstances, but I think we could have Everything happened fast though. This is what I learned about the business. The money's coming in, you know, so. So with us it was one of them things like once hov say this is your summer, you gotta buckle down. I know I was viewed as the wild card, but you remember I used to sleep in the studio. Ask Guru Zoo.

[Memphis Bleak]

You slap.

[Emilio Sparks]

Anyway, with me and my two brothers, I go get dressed afterwards. So by the time y' all come.

[Memphis Bleak]

Back, I got a whole album that's Right.

[Emilio Sparks]

So that's why it's important for me to tell my side. You know what I'm saying? Because it'd be like, you see a lot of stuff. You turn on the TV and they'd be like, hey, those guys are telling my story. They like, hey, man, you know what I'm saying? Then they making the money from it. I said, let me call the guys, man. We gotta make some moves and make some money, because. Cause the guys are actually making the money off telling my story. And I'm like, whoa. Something gotta give. That's right. After a while, you be like, enough is enough, man.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right, man. Like, they definitely tried to paint it out like you was the lazy guy in the crew.

[Emilio Sparks]

Oh, come on. I'm Kenneth Johnson, y'. All. K Dot Johnson on the records. By the way, thanks, ho for the look. I'm on the joint. Gave him my credits.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right. Like, dude, you was always on time. Interview studio.

[Emilio Sparks]

Little rough around the edges.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, but.

[Emilio Sparks]

But never lazy.

[Memphis Bleak]

We all was young, bro.

[Emilio Sparks]

We was young. You know what I'm saying? And having some money.

[Commercial Announcer]

Yeah.

[Emilio Sparks]

And that young having money. What you want me to do?

[Memphis Bleak]

They throwing money at you. Jury Tour, the girls on you. It's like, what you expect me to do? I gotta crash out somewhere.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah, yeah. I said, you know what? That's why I'm back. I want necklace. I wanna get it all. Yeah, man, we earned it. We earned it.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right. What's your relationship with O now, man?

[Emilio Sparks]

Well, I did try to reach out to him, chop it up with him about a few things. And I just can't reach back out to him and let him know, you know, how he felt. How he felt. Cause I knew how he felt about a few things. And a few other guys reached out, you know, Dane reached out to me. I actually had him down at the Foundation. But they was running around doing they thing with the movies thing, and I was doing that. So, you know, I was busy doing that. That's all it be. I'm in traffic.

[Memphis Bleak]

He was rolling with Dame hard. Like, y' all was like. Dame definitely took of state property a lot like y' all relationships.

[Emilio Sparks]

Because I know they worked. Him and Mack, whatever they worked out, I know that was. And I guess that was his baby and his project. And then we had Dipset. We had a lot of divisions over there. We had Get Low, Dipset. Then you got whole. It was a lot going on.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

We had.

[Emilio Sparks]

Oh, Mop Came. Who else came? Mop Came.

[Memphis Bleak]

Twister.

[Emilio Sparks]

Twister came, so we had folks over there.

[Memphis Bleak]

Rest in peace, ODB Denim.

[Emilio Sparks]

Denim. The Cobra.

[Memphis Bleak]

We had Squad over there and Nicole Ray.

[Emilio Sparks]

I think Joe Buttons was there for a minute. He was in the photo shoot with us, I think for that team. Oh, maybe I'm wrong.

[Memphis Bleak]

Joe, don't take this as a diss and give me five minutes of slaughter on the show.

[Emilio Sparks]

Oh, no, no diss.

[Memphis Bleak]

I wasn't at that show, babe. At that shoot.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah, but I was looking at the book. Remember the rock book we had? And I thought I saw him in a photo shoot with him.

[Memphis Bleak]

No, he was in a couple photos. I just never was there. But Joe was always my dog. I used to see him around just being with Clue in him. You know what I'm saying?

[Emilio Sparks]

That's right. Clue. Yeah.

[Memphis Bleak]

You know, Clue was down with the team.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah, yeah.

[Memphis Bleak]

Clue, Klubin, Duck and the Smoke. I've been trying to get Clue up here, man.

[Emilio Sparks]

He don't wanna talk. Yeah, Clue don't wanna talk to the dude.

[Memphis Bleak]

Klubin, Duck and the Smoke.

[Emilio Sparks]

Klu.

[Memphis Bleak]

They gonna bring up tour days. We ain't gonna bring that up.

[Emilio Sparks]

Let's just get over whatever we went through. It's over, guys. You know, we had a weird way of showing people how we felt at the time. We were going through things and trying to express ourselves, you know what I'm saying? We had to get through these things. You dig me?

[Memphis Bleak]

Them tours was crazy, man. We had to be built for them motherfuckers.

[Emilio Sparks]

And y' all started fast when the backstage. But it was a wild thing.

[Memphis Bleak]

You came around. Done with Rock the mic. Yo, Z going crazy. Zoo. You go in zoo room. Shit, be a movie, man. Yeah, like, zoo. What you got? You like. I got them all Variety. Whatever you want. Bleak.

[Emilio Sparks]

Have fun. Have fun.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yo, do you feel like you missed out on any opportunity that you feel like you should have took more advantage of?

[Emilio Sparks]

Like, you know, far as film, the music. The music thing, I'm not tripping. I always got good records to put out. And plus the Internet, you could just. Cause not too long ago, I did an independent project and I. I flooded it. It was just one of the things. It wasn't the same as being with the gang. Yeah, man, I was going over some stuff today, doing my paperwork with some emails and stuff like that, and they was talking about if you was computer savvy. But I remember doing things on paperwork.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right.

[Emilio Sparks]

I mail it. You know, I'm sending the kite and that kind of stuff. So it was one of them Things like, it's different, you know, I can adapt, but I got kids, you know what I'm saying?

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right, man.

[Emilio Sparks]

So they the ones that. And Daddy, you know, that's the problem when people trying to undermine something, because that's where we at, and that's what we got generations for.

[Memphis Bleak]

And that's who they see it. They the ones who come back to you. Daddy, why is this person saying this? Daddy, why did this person do that?

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah, at that part with all this stuff going on, they say, hey, but that's what's crazy about it. Because that's why I had to get myself right through, because they paying attention. Anything else? When I was wild, they was put up.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right. Yeah, they was babies. They didn't know, but now they older. They definitely, because my son be on me, Daddy, why this person say this, Daddy?

[Emilio Sparks]

They sponge the eyes and ears. They watch. So you gotta conduct yourself in a decent manner.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's a fact, man. Like, the Rockefeller breakup was one thing, but the State property breaker was another, man. How do you felt about that?

[Emilio Sparks]

Well, State, it was already a groups in sections already, you know what I'm saying? So I felt like when you start something, you ever start something and then it don't get finished, I hate it, you know?

[Memphis Bleak]

No, I hate it. But a lot of things get started.

[Emilio Sparks]

Somebody starts something, I want to finish it. So y' all started. I like to finish, you know what I'm saying? So that's where I come from. So at the end of the day, it was like one of them bittersweet things. And I was like, hey, that's like a record I wrote.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Emilio Sparks]

So everything go back to the writing, you know what I mean? When we didn't write.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right. Definitely. Like, growing up in Philly, man, like, we was talking outside, you know, Philly is east, West. No, it ain't no East. It's south, West, North, Germantown, Southwest, Fishtown, Uptown. Yeah, Uptown, Southwest. I ran through. I remember when I first met my wife, I was driving through Philly, and she was like, which way do you came? And I'm telling her the streets. I came down. And she like, yeah, you rolled up down Bottom. And I'm like, what's that? She's like, that's one of the most gangster blocks in Philly. I'm like, yo, you lying, right?

[Emilio Sparks]

That's where I'm from. I'm from out west bottom.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, that's right. I'm from the most. That's right.

[Emilio Sparks]

I'm from the most gangster block. It's on the news. They're murdering everyone down there. I think I gave it to them on state property. One memo, too. Yes. Yup. So I was explaining to guys what was going on down there then.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, man. Like, I wasn't growing up in Philly. Like, what do you feel like out of all the Philly spitters, you made your mark? Do you feel like you put your input?

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah, I love my mark. I love my mark. Cause it can't be, like, duplicated.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right.

[Emilio Sparks]

It's like one of them things. They still trying. That's what they've been feeling. Everybody's pissed. Hey, hey. Cause, hey, man, this is different. You don't really know what's going on.

[Memphis Bleak]

You see what I'm saying? Yeah.

[Emilio Sparks]

So with my mark. Cause, you know, remember when that started, it was the flows was different. Remember?

[Memphis Bleak]

Yes.

[Emilio Sparks]

Remember, everybody had that.

[Memphis Bleak]

That flow.

[Emilio Sparks]

I was just straight in my own lane.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right.

[Emilio Sparks]

And I loved it. You know what I'm saying?

[Memphis Bleak]

You always was the different one out of the rap. But that got, like, the most love when we touched the stage.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah.

[Memphis Bleak]

Like, zoo come on stage, the motherfuckers would go crazy. You be like, yo, this nigga wrote this verse. Five o' clock in the morning, half sleep. We was in there all night trying to do this shit.

[Emilio Sparks]

Cause we coming from a place where if the underdog is something else.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, man.

[Emilio Sparks]

Because we the guy they kicking, beating us up. They doing us filthy.

[Memphis Bleak]

They throwing the tomatoes at us.

[Emilio Sparks]

You know how many people worldwide, that's happening, too? So even if I'm in my element, that's my zone. And we put it out. They know it's gonna make some money.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's a fact, Zoo. That's a fact, man. Like, man, I miss the tour days, the studio days, man. We had some helluva fucking times, man. Y' all was my fucking guys. Y' all still my bros to this day. I hate to see where all of us is at. That, like, you know, at the end of the day, you know, Beans, we got our differences. I haven't spoke to Siegel yet. Are you really. You and Beans still.

[Emilio Sparks]

I seen from time to time where we don't even really talk. I try to go past his truck. Cause me and my dog was out here. Came down, wanted to grab something, and it was closed. But it's crazy because they see all that, but we don't see each other.

[Memphis Bleak]

Exactly.

[Emilio Sparks]

And that's why the business look crazy. So that's really what it is, you know what I'm saying? It's like. And that's cool. That's why I did my own thing independent, you know what I'm saying? I can't sell my own stuff.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right.

[Emilio Sparks]

Trademark, patent it. You know what I'm saying? But the twist is, I know that I'm still a brand. I come from a major situation.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right. State property, man.

[Emilio Sparks]

Like you say, the heartbeat, you know what I'm saying?

[Memphis Bleak]

You was the heartbeat of State Prop, bro. Like, of the rock. Like all of us, bro. You definitely held it down for the crew. Like, used to be bombing on niggas. Yo, y' all bullshit. Let's get to work.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yo.

[Memphis Bleak]

Let's go to the studio. Fuck these bitches. Y' all niggas playing. Fuck this shit, man. We ain't gonna have this shit. Like, you was definitely on that vibe.

[Emilio Sparks]

And they give them that drive, that motivation to work, you know what I'm saying? Come on, guys. Cause I felt I lived like, we not. We don't know how long we gonna be here.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right.

[Emilio Sparks]

So I live like that in the catalog shows, you know what I'm saying? So when everybody trying to pick on me and show me that kind of look, we ain't around, I'm like, I get it, but where you at?

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right.

[Emilio Sparks]

You see what I'm saying? So that's that part with that. So the state prop breakup is just one of them things. I feel like with the gang, they supposed to, you know, we could set at the table. Because what happens is, if people still bringing it up, we still in that hundred, that top hundred Jones of like, 14, 15. Cause we part of rock.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right.

[Emilio Sparks]

Can't get around it. So if it's still moves to make and everybody look selfish, it look crazy.

[Memphis Bleak]

It look crazy, bro.

[Emilio Sparks]

And that's why the politics ain't right.

[Memphis Bleak]

You know, I don't want to bring up conversations, but I was just talking to certain people, you know, Free, my bro. I talk to Free every day.

[Emilio Sparks]

Right?

[Memphis Bleak]

You know what I mean? Crack hit me the other day, Crack like, yo, Bleed, this shit going on. I don't wanna be a part of this. I can imagine out of it. I can imagine like, yo, Crack, what's going on.

[Emilio Sparks]

But my thing is where I coming at. Cause if somebody asks for, y' all come through.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's what I told him.

[Emilio Sparks]

So my thing with me, it'd be like, where we got a problem at? Cause somebody bringing up bull crap about Some other stuff. That water that's under the bridge is water under the bridge. And if we arguing about things that we shouldn't be arguing about, that's a little bit crazy, too.

[Memphis Bleak]

Come on, bro. We can't argue about stunting that happened 20 years ago.

[Emilio Sparks]

So here we're grown. Everybody knew families.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's insane.

[Emilio Sparks]

No, these are the things that learn to make you get thick skin and know. And so they make you wise. And then the guy will pass down the book to him and say, look, this how you do.

[Memphis Bleak]

This is how you move. Exactly.

[Emilio Sparks]

If you a parent in anything, I'm.

[Memphis Bleak]

Still arguing over shit. 20 years ago is insane. Like, that shit is whack. Like crack. Definitely was like Bleak. I ain't fucking with nothing. I'm cool. I'm laying low. I'm with the kids. I don't want nothing to do with nothing. I get it. But I definitely gotta have a comedy conversation with Beans, right? I definitely gotta speak to the. To see it makes sense, you know?

[Emilio Sparks]

Cause y' all was gang, like, y' all was the two that. You know what I'm saying, that was there before us. So at the end of the day, that's a situation. You know what I'm saying?

[Memphis Bleak]

You was like to him how I am the hoe we was to Beans. So you was there, you know that Me and Beans, we put in a lot of work for bro to get on camera and just sled, like, be like, yo, I think Jay helped Bleak with all his raps.

[Emilio Sparks]

Like, oh, no, no, no. See that? I heard somebody stuff was talking about. They get back to me, and they be trying to pull me into them conversations.

[Memphis Bleak]

Like, what? Yeah, it's like, my nigga, all them nights in the studio.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yo, Squad, who the fuck want me to stop it?

[Memphis Bleak]

Come on home. Came in there and said, who the home? Don't even talk like that.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah, it's just doing too much. Like, come on, guys, let's just get to the bitters. We get to lose now. Yeah, man.

[Memphis Bleak]

Jesus Christ.

[Emilio Sparks]

He be like, yo, what's going on?

[Memphis Bleak]

I think the game becoming the social media shit fucked up a lot of things with us. Cause we was before this. And a lot of people don't know that. When you do something on the net, this shit lasts forever. There is no go back, and there's no go back. The only thing you can do, like we said outside, if the disrespect is loud, the apology gotta be just as loud.

[Emilio Sparks]

That's what I said. Cause I went back and looked at some of the clips and stuff like that. And I realized, okay, we can't hide these things. We can't do this and all that kind of stuff. Cause I am in the public. And when I realized that somebody somewhere was trying to pull my jacket somewhere and I couldn't understand it. Yeah, I didn't get the memo. I didn't get the meme.

[Memphis Bleak]

You know what I'm saying?

[Emilio Sparks]

So I didn't know. But at the end of the day, that when you putting it out there, it looked great. So 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. Then we can get to the money.

[Memphis Bleak]

If we gonna be publicly discussing.

[Emilio Sparks]

Because that's what went wrong anyway. And that's what you see. So at the end of the day, it's one of them things. Because a lot of that stuff goes wrong when it's somebody else's situation and you're trying to mirror it.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's a fact.

[Emilio Sparks]

So you know what I mean?

[Memphis Bleak]

And I was always happy for my dogs, man. You was the movie guy. You did state property 1 2, death of a Dynasty. And I believe you did Paper Soldiers, too.

[Emilio Sparks]

No, I get a chance to do that. When y' all had that?

[Memphis Bleak]

They do. Nah, they only put me in one clip.

[Emilio Sparks]

I see you in the clip.

[Memphis Bleak]

They only put me in one clip. And I ain't even want to do that. I ain't even want to do that one word.

[Emilio Sparks]

I said, all right.

[Memphis Bleak]

Dealing with it, I was like, nope. Cause I knew what was going down, man. And I'm like, niggas pulling me on both sides of the crew is like, nah, I'm staying on one side, yo.

[Emilio Sparks]

I'm 100% believing in that. You gotta serve two masters, yo. No, that'll blow your mind. You'll be going crazy.

[Memphis Bleak]

And that's. What do you feel like State Property. Like a lot of y', all, when the split happened, went with Dane.

[Emilio Sparks]

Nah, I ain't went with nobody. They said the split sheet came. You know what I'm saying? Cause you remember I went home and did my payback album. Yeah. So if he didn't have the split, that's how I did the album with Catch.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

Yeah.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah. So you was the first. My own independent. My own Emilio Spark Entertainment. My company, my ein.

[Memphis Bleak]

When shit went down. First one to drop an indie album.

[Emilio Sparks]

That's a fact. I went and did my own thing. I was like, I'm just, you know, let me just go do my thing. Cause There was a lot of friction going on, and that's what I was on anyway. Let me just. You see me, if you saw me, it was like, all right, I was still busting. Move. Cause y' all taught me a lot, you know what I'm saying? I learned a lot up top. So I'm like, yo, I'm applying.

[Memphis Bleak]

I'm gonna make some moves, see if.

[Emilio Sparks]

Y' all can see. And if y'.

[Improv Podcaster]

All.

[Emilio Sparks]

You know what I mean? If not, then you can't say I ain't give it a whirl. But at the end of the day, that's why I did my own independent album, though. You know what I mean?

[Memphis Bleak]

Like, you definitely was the non drama one. Like, when it came to business, I feel like you was the non drama one. Right, right. But when it came down to, yo, it's lobby call, right? Let's ask somebody. Oh, my fucking God.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah. Cause I knew.

[Memphis Bleak]

I was like, zoo, he knocked out. He knocked out. You got him sense security in the room. Break in. Zoo ain't waking up. You know that nigga was drinking. He drunk a whole bottle of Hennessy last night. This nigga was going crazy. Yeah, yo. Yeah, he was a rock star. He was Rockefeller rock star, my G.

[Emilio Sparks]

All kind of stuff, you know, it was a part of my life, guys. It was a part of my life. What do you want me to do?

[Memphis Bleak]

I thank God sometimes I say we should have had social media, but for those nights, I thank God we did.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah. Oh, man, they done made a killing. All this day they talking about. That's what happened. They missed the clip. We missed him. Yeah.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yo, they don't understand, yo.

[Emilio Sparks]

If you knew all that was going.

[Memphis Bleak]

On, you're like, oh, man, them nights in Miami, like, I remember when we went on. We went on a tour and we had to stop in Miami.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah.

[Memphis Bleak]

And fucking.

[Emilio Sparks]

This is.

[Memphis Bleak]

This is. You probably don't even remember this, Zoo.

[Emilio Sparks]

This one was this.

[Memphis Bleak]

This is when Bobby Dash was there with us and we was promoting Shout the Dash. This when y' all was promoting the State Property album.

[Emilio Sparks]

Okay.

[Memphis Bleak]

And we was on the little run for that. Was on tour at the same time.

[Emilio Sparks]

All right?

[Memphis Bleak]

And remember, we got to Miami and Bobby was like, yo, I gotta do a party with some, you know, some VPs. Okay, yeah, you know, some radio people or whatever. And we was like, what kind of party you doing? Like, yeah, I'm gonna get some strippers over there in the hotel suit. Remember, we crashed the party. This ain't for the DJs.

[Emilio Sparks]

This for Bob Tight. Yo, y' all said bob tight. Yo, he be like, niggas up here. Bob tight. He be turning red in the heads.

[Memphis Bleak]

He be sweating. He be like, yo, Bobby, he used to hate us. Rest in peace, Gordon. Y' all used to be on Gordon.

[Emilio Sparks]

Gordon Driver.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yo, y' all used to be on Gordon. I remember we was in the van. Rest in peace, Gordon. Gordon was good folk. Yo, we in the vans. Me, you, Freeway, Beans, bi murder, all of us in the van. And he was dropping us in New York. This was New Year's Eve. And Beans was like, yo, bleep. If this nigga don't get us back to Philly before the ball drop, it's on that nigga Zoo like, yo, bleak. Tell Beans chill out, man.

[Emilio Sparks]

Right?

[Memphis Bleak]

Tell this nigga chill. It might be traffic. Bleak.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah, yeah, it's traffic. Yeah. Benz used to be just tripping sometime, you know? Be like, yo, cool out, Mac. You know what I'm saying? I tell you, like up there, just chill, Mac. Just chill, man. Tripping.

[Memphis Bleak]

Was there any times you and Mac did any road shows where you had to calm Mac down? Cause Mac used to go from 0 to 100.

[Emilio Sparks]

Plenty nights. Plenty nights. Even with that show, we was out of North Carolina. Me and HOV and Mac and other.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, I wasn't there at that one.

[Emilio Sparks]

I had to follow, yo, Mac, what is you doing? But you know the light of them times. That's what I'm saying. A lot of nights that people were talking about the separation, you know, if they aired that truck out, all I was getting tagged. So that's what I be looking at. That's how I used to. My whole outlook with it. That's why I used to be on my joint. Cause you never knew. You know what I'm saying?

[Memphis Bleak]

But we used to have them ratties on the road.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah, I know.

[Memphis Bleak]

We used to bring them ratties. We was not slipping on that road, baby.

[Emilio Sparks]

You had your A, your B, and your C bus.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yo, and remember, yo, the C bus was Rikers island.

[Emilio Sparks]

Right?

[Memphis Bleak]

Right.

[Emilio Sparks]

It was Rikers Island. You was on the C. You was up the island. Yes, you was. I remember used to be saying that, like, that's the island.

[Memphis Bleak]

Remember our bus caught on fire? Yeah, I remember. Yo, what was that? They got it.

[Emilio Sparks]

No, no, that was you. That was backstage, y'. All joint. No, it was somewhere else we went.

[Memphis Bleak]

No, we was with Free member. Freeway had the Aki Muslim. The Muslim brother was his manager on the tour. And he was like, yo, Sabir, proud.

[Emilio Sparks]

Sabir.

[Memphis Bleak]

Sabir. That's his name. Shout out Sabir. That nigga like, yo, the bus on fire. Get away, it's about to blow. You don't remember that everybody luggage burnt up, Right?

[Emilio Sparks]

But that would be what be.

[Memphis Bleak]

That was rock the mike too.

[Emilio Sparks]

Rock the mic.

[Memphis Bleak]

All right. Yeah, that was rock the mike. Talk my. Yeah, remember Sabear wasn't around for a long time.

[Emilio Sparks]

No, not long.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, he was.

[Emilio Sparks]

No, no. Cause the Free had changed it for Troy.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, yeah. Yo, Free had like eight managers.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah, I know, buddy. He was trying to get it right. He was trying to get it right. Yeah.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yo, you know who else was my guy Pies too.

[Emilio Sparks]

The guy squalid. Yeah. Shout out to Pazz Quality. He just said he had some little medical problems.

[Memphis Bleak]

No way, man. Damn. Hope you get better, man. God bless, man. That nigga used to be on tour with us. Chefing up on the bus, making sure we ain't Pokemon with that food like we lit for sure.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

What a matchup we got, y'.

[Emilio Sparks]

All.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

This is that classic HBCU vibe. Non stop action. The band is rocking and the crowd lit. Chance echo drum beat, everybody. Showing that school pride. Game like this.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

It calls for an ice cold Coca Cola.

[Emilio Sparks]

Ah.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

Crisp, amber, refreshing.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's a game changer right there.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

Yeah, that taste always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime. And just like that, we're back at it. Passionate fans, school colors everywhere. And an ice cold Coca Cola. That's a winning combo. No matter the sport, no matter the yard. Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work. So grab a Coca Cola and keep that HBO TCU pride going.

[Commercial Announcer 2]

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[Memphis Bleak]

Like, yo, is it anybody from Rockefeller? Because you had a lot of different relationships with different people. Like is there anybody you feel like? Damn, man, I wish we had more time to really lock in and put that work in at rap.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah, all those like, remember, like me and you, never got y' all to chop it up all the time.

[Memphis Bleak]

Cause you was running, man. You was running. That's why Zoo. That's why we never got to make a record. Zoo, you be sleep. I come in the stoop, remember I used to work in the morning.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah, I know, but your hours was different. So I said like, damn, man, M Dot never really got chances. That's why I used to always just do the records. You know what I'm saying? Like damn, M Dot, I never catch up with you. It wasn't too many. Cause you know, we were state prop. I got to kick it with Hovin Biggs and Dave and Allah. So it was too, you know, the rest of us is just taking care of us. You know what I'm saying? Yes. Other than that, that's it. Because we never got the chance to get a buster Kind of moves like that.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah. That's crazy. You right. We never did a record together, Zoo. Cause I was a early morning studio nigga. That's why the Beans and Bleak album didn't work. Cause y' all niggas was lab rats. Middle of the night, 1 to 5, 6 in the morning. Me, I'm 9 to 12 in the afternoon, and I'm back in the streets.

[Emilio Sparks]

You was on it.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

Yeah.

[Emilio Sparks]

And I was like, my daytime activities, you know, at the evening, I'm exhausted. I say, all right, let me just get this off my chest. But you was on it. That's all it was. But day and night sometimes go together. Yep.

[Memphis Bleak]

No, we was chasing. I was. I was out there in the morning. I was definitely chasing in the streets.

[Emilio Sparks]

I'm like that now. Let's get it done early. I'm very professional now. I've done with tardiness and all that kind of stuff. I learned a lot.

[Memphis Bleak]

I tell my son and I tell everybody, man. Like, anybody, I. And it's 11, 12 o', clock, and they just getting up. It's like, oh, life is good. You can sleep this late. Like, nigga, you know the checks get cut.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah.

[Memphis Bleak]

In the morning.

[Emilio Sparks]

That's what I'm saying. And that's why it's important for us to get back to the essence. Anything that's going the wrong way, we gotta bring it back to us. Definitely start with us, everybody. It's. Nobody else can do it but us. You think where I'm coming from, that's.

[Memphis Bleak]

Why I started this show. Like, Nori was like, yo, bleep, shout out. Nori too. You know, he was like, yo, Bleak. You should get in this space. You know, a lot of shit. You was cool with everybody from Rockefeller. So you like the only guy that everybody really. You could bring everybody together and they gonna respect the story. That what y' all telling. And I was telling him, I'm like, yo, bro, I'm not on none of that. Chasing that viral moment.

[Emilio Sparks]

Right, right, right.

[Memphis Bleak]

I'm not on that. If we not on here giving out game, enlighten these young niggas. Giving out some inspiration or, you know, put an idea in somebody mind to go further over there. I don't wanna be a part of that.

[Emilio Sparks]

That's your stamp. Ain't nothing wrong with that. That's solid.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's what it's about.

[Emilio Sparks]

That's what I'm saying. So that's just.

[Memphis Bleak]

We ain't gonna be up here doing no hoe shit, my nigga. That's not what we about, man. We ain't kicking nobody. And we definitely. We could talk about the fun nights. We not gonna name the names. You're not gonna be like, yo, I had Shorty over here and Shorty over. You look like a major Lemon Drop doing that.

[Emilio Sparks]

Do you know what I learned about some of the business? Some people. Some people is just different. Yeah, I was just explaining about some people.

[Memphis Bleak]

Lemon Drop.

[Emilio Sparks]

It's good business. And then you got bad business. You understand?

[Memphis Bleak]

Definitely.

[Emilio Sparks]

The good business feel good. You know the.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right. That's right.

[Emilio Sparks]

Bad business trying to turn it.

[Memphis Bleak]

I know you gotta question shit.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah. What they doing. But you move. Your vibe is off and all that. So you know the.

[Memphis Bleak]

I'm a firm believer that every dollar is not a good dollar.

[Emilio Sparks]

That's right.

[Memphis Bleak]

You know what I mean? Money come from. You can take money from good people and bad people.

[Emilio Sparks]

I just came from Atlantic City, right, And it went crazy. But a guy had the whole layout for. I could have just, you know, the thing. It's a difference. You know what I'm saying?

[Memphis Bleak]

That's one thing.

[Emilio Sparks]

If I got to raise my. And my pressure up and all that.

[Memphis Bleak]

If I'm going. Say it's one thing I missed from back in the day. You just bringing up Atlantic City. I missed the 40. 40 in Atlantic City, yo.

[Emilio Sparks]

That's what's.

[Memphis Bleak]

I missed the 40. What am I doing?

[Emilio Sparks]

I'm supposed to be at the 40. This is a problem.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yo, bro, the 4040 in Atlantic City was Philly fucking.

[Emilio Sparks]

That was heaven for the what? That was heaven for anybody. Yo, 40, 40.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yo, I'm telling you, you pull up there was like.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah, lay across the table. We ain't tripping. We having fun. And that was just our spot.

[Memphis Bleak]

That was the spot. Gee, the 40. 40 in fucking Atlantic City, man. What a fucking time. Atlantic City is not what it used to be, man.

[Emilio Sparks]

Nah, it's different. I can see what's going in Nemo.

[Memphis Bleak]

More oomph.

[Emilio Sparks]

I think we got to get back out there.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, man. They be doing a lot of concerts now. Everybody be performing out there now.

[Emilio Sparks]

Was just out there, right?

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, I know. They did their. Yep. At the casino. Yeah, I know Shaq threw a bag out there. I heard he redeveloping some out there. Right now is a good time to invest in Atlantic City, man. Some big, big, big, big moves happen, man. Y' all niggas got some bread to play with. Playing they see.

[Emilio Sparks]

Cause we need that good business back.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right.

[Emilio Sparks]

Cause if you give it to bad business. The world starts to crumble.

[Memphis Bleak]

Oh, yo, it's a lot.

[Emilio Sparks]

That's when I woke up. And that's why I say I gotta call Mdot. The world's falling apart. The world. I'm looking at him. The world's falling apart. Mdot. Look what's going on. You gotta update me. You gotta update me on everything, man.

[Memphis Bleak]

And one thing, too. My platform, bro. Like, all of us is brothers, but watching my dogs crash out. No, I see you. That's why you. You always been who you are. You sparks, you the life of the party. You have your fun time. You're a businessman. You're a family man. You're an entrepreneur. You're an activist now. You're a movie star. Like a rapper entrepreneur. You doing business. Like, come on, bro, they need to know this shit.

[Emilio Sparks]

And that's why you gotta be on the right platform. That's right, because to crash out on somebody that you actually. You feel like you care and you love for. That's not your homie. That's what street. Like, I've been in the hood. I've seen guys that say, I love.

[Memphis Bleak]

You and then stabbing your guy.

[Emilio Sparks]

Love you. That ain't love. So I don't do that. I come. I know about it.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right.

[Emilio Sparks]

You know, I'm gonna treat it just like it's one of mine. You know what I'm saying?

[Memphis Bleak]

That's a fact, man.

[Emilio Sparks]

That's how I move.

[Memphis Bleak]

So, yo, what's next for Zoo, man? What's the next move?

[Emilio Sparks]

I wanna do some more. I wanna do something. Of course, of course. Film. You know.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right.

[Emilio Sparks]

And I've been writing. Of course I've been writing, you know, and. Oh, I just shot another movie and accomplice, and that was a SAG joint. So, you know, I'm trying to get my feet back where I went in there, I ran into a few guys, and it was like things that just really gotta get rectified on the business end because it's business. It's unfinished business that nobody's talking about. Acting like it doesn't exist and it shows up.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's a fact.

[Emilio Sparks]

So that's why I was talking to the guys. That's not the. You ain't got to worry about me on that. And you see what I'm saying? And that's what the problem is. And then we just got to be able to talk and hash things out and say, hey, man, I was out of order for that.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right.

[Emilio Sparks]

I was wrong. And all right, now we can move forward. Because that part of it ain't always about that money. Like you said, it's respect level, too.

[Memphis Bleak]

Who you feel like you want to have these conversations with, except some of.

[Emilio Sparks]

The guys and the gang. You know what I'm saying, man?

[Memphis Bleak]

Fucking Sam. So they know it's time to pull up and have this conversation.

[Emilio Sparks]

O Free. Who else? Who else? Neith need to have this conversation? Dame. You know what I'm saying? Dame for sure. All those guys. So at the end of the day.

[Memphis Bleak]

They owe you that.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah.

[Memphis Bleak]

You know they owe you that.

[Emilio Sparks]

Everybody. So it's like it ain't me and Big Homie. We catch up. You know what I'm saying? Cause that's my big dog. But, you know, I would love to see Big homie, too, just to say what up?

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, yeah, but you said you wanted to have a conversation. Like certain things need to be rectified.

[Emilio Sparks]

Rectified.

[Memphis Bleak]

Cause that's what's going on with us. Shit, if it's something need to be rectified with, ho, let's pull up.

[Emilio Sparks]

Right, right, right. But. Yeah, that's. But what he did for me is already. You know what I'm saying? Now I'm fucking up.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah.

[Emilio Sparks]

So it's like, I learned the business. So it's like, hey, man, you know, hey, how you doing?

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah. So it's one of them things.

[Memphis Bleak]

But definitely, like, all the bros. Nef Free O. Dame, right? Nigga, it should never be a time that you feel like you need to have a convo. And you can't have a convo with the bros. Niggas gotta pick up the phone. I seen Dame say a conv. Say something that. You know, a lot of people wasn't picking up the phone for him. Only person picked up the phone was Bleak and Oscino. Same thing with Oscino. O going through what he going through, the guys going what they going through. But niggas know when they hit Bleak Line, Bleak like this. You know what I'm. And that's everybody. Because I feel like if niggas got anything they want to get off they chest to me, I'm a man first, man. All that other shit is secondary, man. Like, when we gonna holler? Because. Because at one point in my life, I considered all y' all niggas my brothers. Like I came from my mother.

[Emilio Sparks]

Look, that's Dame calling them, see? Yeah, he hear it.

[Memphis Bleak]

He hear it. You know what I mean? The spirits is telling, though, he gotta holler.

[Emilio Sparks]

But that's all it is. And that's what it is with us. You know what I'm saying? And that's the problem. You know what I'm saying?

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, man.

[Emilio Sparks]

This is we. Like you said, nobody robbed or nobody did that. So if I'd have put that bullsh crappiness and ran with the narrative trying to.

[Memphis Bleak]

That was my conversation. You know, I had that talk when I had to sit down before with Cam. I'm like, yo, Cam, on some G shit. If you really put down what we went through in this business, nobody got slapped, nobody got shot, nobody died, nobody kicked. Nobody, dog. Nobody kid got slapped. So you know what happened? We just had an argument over beats.

[Emilio Sparks]

Right?

[Commercial Announcer 3]

Right.

[Memphis Bleak]

Nigga was like, you know I ain't never think about it like that, right? Cause it's like, nigga, it's like business.

[Emilio Sparks]

It's like we know people on top and we know what we doing, but it's like we all instrumental in it.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right.

[Emilio Sparks]

And that's all we wanted. To be recognized for who we are and getting our fish.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right, man. And you, like I said, zoo, you a major part to Roc a fella. You're a major part to your community.

[Emilio Sparks]

And they changed my life.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, man. All us.

[Emilio Sparks]

All of us. It changed my life. So that's another part. So that's where they going wrong with me. Because it's gonna always be a serious situation. Cause I took it serious when I'm running around telling guys, hey, y' all playing with it. It changed my life. It changed everything. It changed my whole world. It helped me feed my kids and pick me up.

[Memphis Bleak]

One thing I would say, too. You saying you writing, like, a lot of shows, a lot of movies.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah, I write my show.

[Memphis Bleak]

You should write a movie about your life, bro.

[Emilio Sparks]

That's what baby boy really about.

[Memphis Bleak]

Yeah, man.

[Emilio Sparks]

Yeah, I'mma add up.

[Memphis Bleak]

Cause you've been through a lot. You've seen a lot. You've been around a lot. Like, you know, you make legendary moves, man. And that's what this show is about. Cause everybody.

[Emilio Sparks]

I'll get it done without out the team. I gotta get that started with us and all that. They calling me from different places.

[Memphis Bleak]

And I'm like, you see, you hit my line, bro. I'm what up, zoo?

[Commercial Announcer 2]

Yeah.

[Memphis Bleak]

Like, I'm always on deck. So anything you need from me, my team, we here. We got you, bro.

[Emilio Sparks]

Let's get to it. Let's get to it then. Bleak. We right here. Let's get to. I need my do say, come on, bro.

[Memphis Bleak]

I told what I told me address.

[Emilio Sparks]

Y' all got new. Got new warehouses out there. Listen, we squatting.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

We folks.

[Emilio Sparks]

And let it be known. That's right.

[Memphis Bleak]

Send me a patty. Zoo, come on. You say at your door, cuz, we.

[Emilio Sparks]

Got our own customer service. Yeah, let's get to the business, man.

[Memphis Bleak]

Nah, I got you, Zoo, man. Anything, man. Anything. Anytime you ever want to come. You know, if you got anything to promote anything, you. Any word you feel like niggas ain't understanding, you want to get your word off. You want to tell about your community giveaways, your Activision, like, your movie drop? Anything, bro. Bro, my platform is your platform. My house is your house. You my brother, and I love you for life.

[Emilio Sparks]

Love you, too, homie. I know that you already know it, my nigga.

[Memphis Bleak]

Zoo, man, you know what it is. Tell them, man, where they can find you at. Zoo.

[Emilio Sparks]

Y' all can find me at Rock Salad. Holla. That's right where I'm at right now.

[Memphis Bleak]

Nah, man, the socials, man.

[Emilio Sparks]

Oh, my bad, my bad. See that, y'.

[Memphis Bleak]

All.

[Emilio Sparks]

I know. I knew that plug I was plugging. Yes, sir. Nah. But the real Emilio Sparks is on Instagram, y'.

[Memphis Bleak]

All.

[Emilio Sparks]

Emiliosparksfoundation.org is their website. You can Google it, do all that kind of stuff. And of course, I'm on Facebook, Twitter, and all that kind of stuff. Emilio Sparks. And that's where y' all can find me at.

[Memphis Bleak]

That's right. Emilio Sparks, the young gun. You know what it is, man? It's rock solid. Holler Doucet Mafia.

[Emilio Sparks]

That's right. Shout out Doucet Mafia.

[Memphis Bleak]

I'm fucking outside, nigga. Rocklin forever. For life, nigga. Yeah. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio Radio, 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 them.

[Emilio Sparks]

Amazon Five Star Theater presents real customer.

[Improv Podcaster]

Reviews performed by a real serious improv podcaster.

[Emilio Sparks]

Tonight's review, Furby.

[Improv Podcaster]

I bought a Furby as a nostalgic joke. Joke's on me. Day one, adorable giggles, wiggles its ears, says me love you. Day three, woke me up at 3am whispering in Furbish. I think it summoned something. Day five, I'm starting to ask it for life advice. Day seven, it blinked at me like.

[Memphis Bleak]

It knew I blinked back.

[Improv Podcaster]

We've reached an understanding.

[Commercial Announcer]

I fear it.

[Emilio Sparks]

I love it.

[Improv Podcaster]

5 stars. Aaron M. Find your perfect gift this holiday on Amazon.

[Commercial Announcer]

Okay?

[Commercial Announcer 2]

Only 10 more presents to wrap. You're almost at the finish line.

[Improv Podcaster]

But first.

[Commercial Announcer 2]

There the last one.

[Improv Podcaster]

Enjoy a Coca Cola for a pause that refreshes.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

This is what the market used to sound like. Pretty complex. But today with iShares by BlackRock, investing is easier. With over 450 ETFs, iShares gives you easy access to countless market opportunities. IShares by BlackRock, the market is yours. Visit www.ishares.com to view your perspectives, which includes investment objectives, risks, fees, expresses, and other information you should read and consider carefully before investing. Risk includes principal loss. Prepared by BlackRock Investments, LLC. Member FINRA. So usually on okay Story time, our audience will send in their relationship problems. And the okay Storytime squad gives some good advice goofily. But today we're not giving out our usual advice. Our producer Riley says we're giving something else. So what are we doing today, Riley?

[Emilio Sparks]

Today we're playing a little game. Oh, I love game game, says the man. I bought special gifts for you guys from ebay. Each one picked with one of you in mind. Yeah, Dakota, if you want, I guess.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

All right. There is a gift at my feet. Open that thing. And now it is in my hands. I feel like it's got to be our resident gamer. Key. This is the rectangle of childhood. It's a portable game console.

[Emilio Sparks]

I used to have this as a kid. This game console I used to play all the time. And you know when your mom came into the room when you were a.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

Kid and like you're pretending to sleep.

[Emilio Sparks]

But Riley, what a thoughtful gift.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

Yeah, right.

[Emilio Sparks]

Thank you so much, Riley. You're crushing it. But we have one more gift.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

Let's open it.

[Memphis Bleak]

Oh, camera.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

An old timey camera.

[Emilio Sparks]

That's right.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

Classic. This is awesome because you know how I love to take pictures on my travels. Yeah, you're always somewhere, whether it's in Kyrgyzstan with some nomads or just New York, you know, with a nice little piece of trash or a rat taking.

[Emilio Sparks]

Pictures with the birds.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

So, Riley, you got all of this from eBay, dude, eBay.

[Emilio Sparks]

It was really fun finding it with you guys. Like, I had very specific things for each one of you.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

Yeah, it was all there.

[Memphis Bleak]

Thanks, Riley.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

And thank you, eBay.

[Emilio Sparks]

And guys shop ebay for millions of fines, each with a story. EBay. Things people love.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

Ford was built on the belief that the world doesn't get to decide what you're capable of. You do. So ask yourself, can you or can't you? Can you load up a Ford F150 and build your dream with sweat and steel? Can you chase thrills and conquer curves in a Mustang? Can you take a bronco to where the map ends and adventure begins? Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right. Ready. Set. Forward.

[Commercial Announcer]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.