Memphis Bleek - "M.A.D.E."

[KVB]

Memphis Bleek
M.A.D.E.
June 24, 2003
Roc-A-Fella Records


Memphis Bleek Roars Back On New Album


Rapper Memphis Bleek will release his first album in three years, "M.A.D.E.," June 24 via Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam. The artist has kept a fairly low profile since the 2000 release of "The Understanding," while he cared for an older brother who was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. A number of high-profile guests appear on "M.A.D.E.," including Jay-Z, Trick Daddy, and Donell Jones.

In order to ease Bleek back into the studio, Roc-A-Fella head engineer Young Guru set up shop in Bleek's Miami homebase, bringing along producers Kanye West and Just Blaze. The latter produced first single "Everything's A Go" and "Round Here," which features Trick Daddy. The track "Hypnotic" features Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel.

"The Understanding" debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and No. 16 on The Billboard 200 and has sold 804,000 copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan. The single "Is That Your Chick" reached No. 13 on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles chart, while "Do My..." hit No. 24 on the same tally.

Bleek is expected to join the ROC Army tour in late May, alongside labelmates Cam'ron and the Diplomats, Freeway, State Property, Sigel, and M.O.P.


-- Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.

[Agua]

I'll only buy the instrumental version of that album..