Memphis Bleek Net Worth

American rapper and entrepreneur Memphis Bleek has an estimated net worth of $200,000. Best known as one of the earliest artists signed to Roc-A-Fella Records and a longtime associate of Jay-Z, Bleek built his reputation through a series of successful albums and high-profile collaborations during the peak of the Roc-A-Fella era.

Although he never reached the commercial heights of some of his labelmates, Memphis Bleek remains an important figure in hip-hop history thanks to his contributions to Roc-A-Fella Records and his role in helping expand Jay-Z’s music empire.

Early Life

Memphis Bleek was born Malik Deshawn Cox on June 23, 1978, in New York City.

He grew up in the famous Marcy Projects in Brooklyn, the same housing development that produced Jay-Z. The two developed a close relationship during their youth, a connection that would later become central to Bleek’s music career.

Bleek also grew up alongside his cousin, rapper Sean Price, further exposing him to the culture and creativity of New York’s hip-hop scene.

Roc-A-Fella Records

Memphis Bleek became one of the first artists signed to Roc-A-Fella Records.

Before releasing his own music, he gained exposure by appearing on several Jay-Z projects, including:

• Reasonable Doubt
• The Dynasty: Roc La Familia
• The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse

His early appearances introduced him to hip-hop audiences and helped establish him as Jay-Z’s protégé.

Debut Album

In 1999, Bleek released his debut album, “Coming of Age.”

The album debuted strongly, reaching the top ten on the Billboard charts and selling nearly 120,000 copies during its first week.

The project established Bleek as a legitimate solo artist and demonstrated Roc-A-Fella’s ability to develop talent beyond Jay-Z.

Commercial Success With The Understanding

Bleek’s second album, “The Understanding,” became one of the most successful releases of his career.

The project earned Gold certification and featured several popular singles that helped strengthen his position in the New York rap scene.

The album showcased his street-oriented storytelling style while benefiting from production associated with the Roc-A-Fella sound that dominated hip-hop during the early 2000s.

M.A.D.E.

In 2003, Bleek released “M.A.D.E.”, another commercially successful project that also achieved Gold certification.

The album featured collaborations with several notable artists and further solidified his standing as one of Roc-A-Fella’s key performers.

One of his biggest career highlights came through the hit single “Is That Yo Chick,” featuring Jay-Z and Missy Elliott. The track became his highest-charting single and introduced his music to a broader audience.

Working With Major Artists

Throughout his career, Memphis Bleek collaborated with a number of influential hip-hop stars, including:

• Jay-Z
• DMX
• Ja Rule
• T.I.
• Trick Daddy
• Beanie Sigel
• Young Gunz

These collaborations helped maintain his visibility in the industry and strengthened his reputation as a respected lyricist.

Rihanna’s Early Career Connection

Bleek’s 2005 album “534” holds a unique place in music history.

The project featured one of the earliest appearances by Rihanna, who appeared on the song “The One” before becoming a global superstar.

Named after the building number in the Marcy Projects where he grew up, the album served as both a tribute to his roots and a showcase for emerging talent.

Leaving Roc-A-Fella Records

After years with Roc-A-Fella, Bleek eventually moved on to pursue independent opportunities.

The separation from Jay-Z’s label was reportedly amicable, with Jay-Z encouraging him to create his own business ventures and develop independently.

Bleek later worked with various labels and continued releasing mixtapes and projects while expanding his entrepreneurial efforts.

Bankruptcy Filing

In 2016, Memphis Bleek made headlines when he filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection.

Court documents revealed:

• Assets totaling approximately $274,000
• Liabilities exceeding $380,000
• Little cash on hand
• Outstanding mortgage obligations
• Tax debts
• Court-related financial obligations

The filing surprised many fans because of Bleek’s long association with Jay-Z and Roc-A-Fella Records.

The situation also reignited discussions surrounding a famous lyric from Jay-Z’s verse on Kanye West’s “Diamonds From Sierra Leone,” in which Jay-Z suggested that Bleek would always be financially secure because of their close relationship.

Bleek later explained that he disliked the lyric because many people interpreted it literally and assumed he was financially supported rather than building his own career.

Personal Life

In 2014, Memphis Bleek married longtime partner Ashley Coombs in New Jersey.

The wedding attracted attention within hip-hop circles and was attended by Jay-Z, highlighting the continued friendship between the two artists.

The couple welcomed their first child together in 2018.

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