The Understanding 2000 Album

Memphis Bleek

This is a clear step up from Bleek’s debut. The production improves right from the opening track, and several guest features enhance the project. It feels less generic overall, with more thoughtful songwriting and sharper hooks. Beanie Sigel’s commanding presence across three tracks is a highlight, and Jay-Z features on five cuts, adding some extra weight. That said, many of my favourite moments are Bleek solos, especially the closer, which flips Foreigner’s 'I Want to Know What Love Is' for the hook, and 'I Get High', where Bleek casually, if questionably, blends themes of simultaneously driving and smoking. The only thing I really dislike here is 'Bounce Bitch' that has a beat more like the bad stuff on his debut, than most of what's here. Beats: ★★★ Rapping/Bars: ★★★ Hooks: ★★★☆ Best Tracks: I Get High, We Get Low, Hustlers, All Types of Shit, They'll Never Play Me, In My Life