Memphis Bleek Net Worth

What is Memphis Bleek's Net Worth?

Memphis Bleek is an American rapper who has a net worth of $200,000. Memphis Bleek grew up in the Marcy Projects, the same housing complex as Jay-Z, and was one of the first artists signed to Roc-A-Fella in the mid-1990s. His debut came with a guest appearance on Jay-Z's "Coming of Age" from the album "Reasonable Doubt" (1996), which positioned him as a protégé destined for bigger things.

In 1999, Bleek released his debut album "Coming of Age," which featured the hit "Memphis Bleek Is…" and established him as a rising figure in New York rap. He followed with "The Understanding" (2000), which included singles like "Do My…" and performed well commercially. His third album, "M.A.D.E." (2003), contained one of his most successful tracks, "Round Here" featuring Trick Daddy and T.I. He later released "534" (2005), named after the building number of the Marcy Projects where he grew up, which introduced audiences to then-unknown artist Rihanna on her debut single "The One."

Though Bleek never achieved superstar status, he remained a loyal Roc-A-Fella soldier and later founded his own label, Get Low Records. His career is remembered for his consistency, street-rooted lyrics, and his role in the early expansion of Jay-Z's empire.

2016 Bankruptcy Filing

In Kanye West & Jay-Z's 2005 song "Diamonds From Sierra Leone," Jay-Z raps the following lines:

"Bleek could be one hit away his whole career

As long as I'm alive, he's a millionaire

And even if I die, he's in my will somewhere

So he could just kick back and chill somewhere, oh, yeah

He won't even have to write rhymes"

Memphis has publicly stated that he does not like that shout-out at all. Memphis has explained:

"I don't like that line 'cause that line put a stamp on my career. I feel people look at me as if Jay is just taking care of me. That line was basically, I guess, in his mind, a shoutout. But people take it literally and serious, like I'm just chilling somewhere [like] I'm not working. As you see, I'm here. I gotta work…  My son don't wanna hear Hov got us. He wants to know dad got us…Dad got it…He wanna be at dad's tours. He don't wanna be at Hov's tours. He wanna be at dad's tours."

And as it turns out, Jay may have been slightly exaggerating with his claims because in 2016, Memphis Bleek filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In his filing, he listed his total assets at $274,190. These assets included a residence in New Jersey, a Chevy Impala, clothing, and wedding rings. He pegged his liabilities at $384,804. Perhaps worst of all, Bleek also claimed to have zero dollars in his bank account and just $100 in cash to his name.

The bankruptcy filing also revealed that in 2016, Bleek was earning about $6,000 a month, of which $5,350 came directly from his business. His monthly expenses were also around $5,350 per month, which left him with about $500 each month after his bills were paid. Along with his unpaid mortgage and car payments, Memphis reportedly owed $9,000 to the IRS and $13,000 to the Monmouth County Superior Court.

Early Life

Malik Deshawn Cox was born on June 23rd, 1978, in New York City. Malik was raised in Marcy Projects, which is the same neighborhood that Jay-Z is from. In addition, Cox grew up alongside Sean Price, who is his cousin.

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Career

Initially, Memphis Bleek was seen as a protege to Jay-Z, having been one of the first artists to sign with Roc-A-Fella Records (Jay-Z's label). Bleek soon began appearing on Jay-Z albums, such as "Reasonable Doubt," "The Dynasty: Roc La Familia," and "The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse." Thanks to this exposure, Memphis was able to release his debut album, "Coming of Age," in 1999. The album peaked at number seven on the charts, selling almost 120,000 units within its first week.

Bleek went on to release three more albums, starting with "The Understanding." This album achieved Gold status, as did "M.A.D.E" in 2003. He then took a three-year hiatus to care for his older brother, who had suffered severe injuries after a motorcycle accident. Upon his return, he released "543," which features contributions from well-known artists such as Rihanna and Jay-Z. This album was well-received by critics.

Of all his singles, the one that performed the best in a commercial sense was "Is That Yo Chick." This track featured Missy Elliott and Jay-Z, and it peaked at number seven on the charts. Over the years, Bleek has collaborated with numerous other artists, including DMX, Ja Rule, T.I., Trick Daddy, Beanie Sigel, Young Gunz, and many others.

In 2005, Memphis announced that he was working on another album called "The Process." However, the album was not released. Eventually, Bleek signed to Mass Appeal Entertainment, leaving Roc-A-Fella Records. The split with Jay-Z was amicable, with the latter telling Bleek that he had the potential to start his own company and become more successful that way. In 2012, he released "KG Vol. 2" along with The Liberty Music Group. He then worked with The Liberty Music Group once again that year to release "The Movement." In 2014, Bleek released a free mixtape entitled "The Movement 2."

Relationships

In 2014, Cox married his longtime girlfriend, Ashley Coombs. The ceremony was held in New Jersey, with Jay-Z in attendance. In 2018, Coombs and Cox welcomed their first child into the world.

Who's Richer?

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Bleek

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