534 (EX) - Memphis Bleek

Personnel: Memphis Bleek (rap vocals); Denim, Jay-Z, Livin' Proof, M.O.P., Young Gunz (rap vocals); Boxie (background vocals); Rihanna (vocals).
Audio Mixers: Doug Wilson; Milwaukee "Protools King" Buck; Gimel Keaton.
Recording information: Baseline Studios II, New York, NY; C.H. Studios, New York, NY; Guru Crates Studios, New York, NY; Monza Studios, New York, NY; The Loft, Bronxville, NY.
Photographer: Jonathan Mannion.
Memphis Bleek's fourth record, 534, released in the spring of 2005, opens with an appropriate spirit of excitement and endless possibility. Like his mentor Jay-Z, Memphis Bleek balances a strong persona with an easygoing, fun-loving vitality, and 534 starts off with a breezy-yet-direct feel, keeping an even flow throughout.
The production lends an inspirational note to 534, throwing in everything from bombastic sports themes to neo-folk to the Dixie Hummingbirds into the mix. Bleek, of course, is no slouch with the mic, as the clever title track, which extols the glory of the mixtape underground, reveals. A lively R&B appeal abounds on 534, from the relationship-gone-astray 1970s soul vibe on "Dear Summer" (featuring Jay-Z) to the mid-tempo bounce of "Like That." Bleek closes 534 by philosophizing Nas-style on the smooth ballad "Straight Path," a fittingly reflective ending to a well-executed album.

• Released: 05/17/2005
• Released: 5/17/2005
• Genre: R&B
• Format: CD