Memphis Bleek will release M.A.D.E., his first album in three years, on June 24th.

The lag, particularly long in the hip-hop world, was due to a near-fatal motorcycle accident suffered by the rapper's brother in Miami. Bleek had to duck out of promotion for 2000's The Understanding to care for his sibling, a task which delayed the recording of his third album.

Rather than waiting for Bleek to return to New York, engineer Young Guru brought the studio to him, taking producers Just Blaze (Snoop Dogg, Fabolous) and Kanye West (Lil' Kim, Scarface) to Miami to record. Just Blaze produced the appropriately titled first single, "Everything's a Go." Obligatory appearances will be put in by fellow Roc-A-Fella members Beanie Sigel and Jay-Z (both on "Hypnotic"); the latter made Bleek his first signee to the label five years ago.

Other guests on the record include Trick Daddy, who raps on the Just Blaze-produced "Round Here," and Donell Jones, who sings on "P.Y.T."

In addition to The Understanding, Bleek also recorded 1999's Coming of Age for Roc-A-Fella; both albums have been certified gold.

Bleek will head out with Sigel, Freeway and State Property in late May on the Roc Army Tour.

ANDREW DANSBY
(April 22, 2003)