Memphis Bleek, Jay-Z’s longtime protege, rips Nicki Minaj for her rant directed at the Big Homie about Lil Wayne not being chosen to perform at his hometown Super Bowl Halftime Show.
On Monday, the Queen of the Barbz was outraged by Kendrick Lamar allegedly being chosen over Weezy due to Jay-Z’s beef with Birdman. “Denying a young black man what he rightfully put into this game for no other reason but your ego. Your hatred for BIRDMAN, Drake & Nicki got you punishing Lil Wayne?!?!!! LIL WAYNE!!!!!!!!!! THE GOAT?!!!!!!!!!!!” expressed Minaj.
While the claims have never been proven, Memphis Bleek would respond to Mianj’s comments on X. Not naming Nicki directly, Bleak tweeted, “N***as is mad mad [teary-eyed laughing emjoi][teary-eyed laughing emoji][teary-eyed laughing emoji].”
Bleek’s tweet also included a 2009 clip from a Hot 97 interview with Jay-Z where he explains industry figures issues with him. It highlights Nicki’s rant’s relevance to Jay-Z, as she never mentions his name directly while heavily alluding to him in her rant. In the clip, Jay said, “When you hear people’s gripe against me, it’s always about what I didn’t do FOR them.”
Memphis Bleek and Jay-Z have been friends since the mogul’s early days in Brooklyn. Both grew up in Marcy’s projects. Bleak was a key figure during the height of Roc-A-Fella Records,
As Jay-Z mentioned in “Diamonds From Sierra Leone (Remix),” Bleek’s career may not pan out as expected, but his loyalty will make him wealthy. He raps: “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.”
Rap stars have criticized Kendrick Lamar’s choice to host the Halftime Show since it was announced. Along with Nicki Minaj, other artists to speak on Roc Nation’s selection include Boozie Badazz, Birdman, Hurricane Chris, Mase, Cam’ron, Juvenile, and Master P.
Memphis Bleek’s allegiance with Jay-Z includes Fat Joe and Funkmaster Flex. Jay-Z issued a statement on the committee selecting Kendrick Lamar on Monday.