Memphis Bleek at a Glance
- Categories: Celebrities, Celebrities > Rappers
- Net Worth: $200 Thousand
- Birthdate: Jun 23, 1978 (46 years old)
- Birthplace: Brooklyn
- Gender: Male
- Profession: Record producer, Actor, Rapper, Artist, Businessperson, Musician, Music artist
- Nationality: United States of America
Memphis Bleek Net Worth: A Look at the Rapper’s Career and Financial Struggles
Introduction: Who is Memphis Bleek?
Memphis Bleek, born Malik Deshawn Cox, is an American rapper. He rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, becoming one of the first artists signed to Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella Records. While he is often recognized for his association with Jay-Z, Memphis Bleek carved his own path in the hip-hop world, releasing several albums and collaborating with numerous well-known artists. This article delves into Memphis Bleek’s net worth, career, early life, and the financial challenges he faced.
Early Life and Background
Malik Deshawn Cox, known to the world as Memphis Bleek, was born on June 23, 1978, in New York City. He was raised in the Marcy Projects, the same Brooklyn neighborhood that produced his mentor and friend, the legendary Jay-Z. Growing up in this environment undoubtedly influenced his music and his approach to the industry. Additionally, Bleek is the cousin of fellow rapper Sean Price.
Career Beginnings and Rise to Fame
Memphis Bleek’s career began with his close association with Jay-Z. He served as Jay-Z’s hype man, gaining exposure on several of Jay-Z’s early albums. This relationship provided a crucial platform for Bleek to launch his solo career. His early appearances on tracks alongside Jay-Z helped him build a fanbase and establish his presence in the hip-hop community. Recognizing his potential, Jay-Z signed Bleek to Roc-A-Fella Records.
Discography and Career Achievements
Memphis Bleek’s discography consists of four studio albums, with several mixtapes and collaborative projects. His debut album, “Coming of Age,” was released in 1999 and was a commercial success, reaching number seven on the Billboard 200 chart and selling nearly 120,000 copies in its first week. This early success showcased his potential as a solo artist. Subsequent albums include:
- “The Understanding” (2000): This album achieved Gold certification.
- “M.A.D.E.” (2003): This album also earned Gold certification.
- “534” (2005): Features collaborations with Rihanna and Jay-Z, receiving positive reviews.
Although “The Process” was announced, it was never officially released.
Collaborations with Other Artists
Throughout his career, Memphis Bleek has collaborated with many prominent artists. These collaborations not only broadened his audience but also demonstrated his versatility as a rapper. Some notable collaborations include:
- Jay-Z (Numerous tracks)
- Missy Elliott (“Is That Yo Chick”)
- DMX
- Ja Rule
- T.I.
- Trick Daddy
- Beanie Sigel
- Young Gunz
- Rihanna
These collaborations reflect his ability to work with various styles and artists, further cementing his place in hip-hop history.

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“The Process” and Later Ventures
In 2005, Memphis Bleek announced the upcoming release of his fourth studio album, “The Process.” However, the album was never officially released. He later parted ways with Roc-A-Fella Records, with Jay-Z encouraging him to pursue his own ventures. Bleek then signed with Mass Appeal Entertainment. In 2012, he released “KG Vol. 2” with The Liberty Music Group. He also released “The Movement” and the mixtape “The Movement 2” with the same group.
Personal Life: Marriage and Family
In 2014, Memphis Bleek married his longtime girlfriend, Ashley Coombs, in a ceremony held in New Jersey, attended by Jay-Z. In 2018, the couple welcomed their first child, marking a significant chapter in his personal life.
Financial Difficulties and Bankruptcy
Despite his successful music career, Memphis Bleek faced financial challenges later in life. In 2016, he filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. The filing revealed his total assets at $274,190, including a New Jersey residence, a Chevy Impala, clothing, and wedding rings. However, he listed liabilities of $384,804, exceeding his assets. The filing also indicated that he had zero dollars in his bank account and only $100 in cash.
The bankruptcy filing provided insight into his income and expenses. In 2016, Bleek reported earning about $6,000 per month, with approximately $5,350 coming from his business. His monthly expenses were nearly equal, at around $5,350, leaving him with little disposable income. He had significant debts, including an unpaid mortgage, car payments, and amounts owed to the IRS and Monmouth County Superior Court.
Memphis Bleek Today
While Memphis Bleek’s net worth experienced a significant downturn due to financial difficulties, he remains connected to the music industry and continues to work on various projects. The exact details of his current net worth are difficult to ascertain, but it’s clear that he has faced significant challenges in recent years. His career serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of the music business and the importance of financial planning.
Conclusion
Memphis Bleek’s journey reflects the highs and lows of a career in the music industry. From his early success as Jay-Z’s protégé to his own solo achievements and later financial struggles, Bleek’s story is one of resilience and perseverance. Despite the challenges, he has left his mark on hip-hop and continues to be a relevant figure in the music world.