Memphis Bleek has pushed back on comments made by Tony Yayo, suggesting that Jay-Z does not support him the way 50 Cent supports his own crew.
During his appearance on Drink Champs, Bleek clarified that Jay-Z has no obligation to bankroll his career and emphasized that he is thriving on his own. “I seen something Tony Yayo said Hov don’t look out for me like 50 look out for him. I just want to clear that up, Hov don’t have to. You know what I mean,” Bleek explained. “I’m chewing a lot on my own. If Hov look out, I’m telling you, I’ll be up there. So when y’all see me out here, that’s the Blizzo budget. I just want to let n***as know Hov don’t have to.”
Yayo originally made the comparison on an episode of Million Dollaz Worth of Game, where he highlighted what he saw as a major difference between the two rap icons and how they treat those closest to them. “It’s a difference. Jay-Z, never really like […] Memphis Bleek, you would say he was his friend, but it was different for us. Me and 50 was more friends […] I’m not saying them n***as wasn’t friends, but when you look at me and Fif, it’s like alright cool,” Yayo said. “Jay and Bleek did they sell drugs, like in the same area? I was on the block with [50 Cent]. I can compare us to Jay and Bleek. What I’m saying to you is I feel like me and Fif have more of a friendship because Jay-Z is more business.”
Yayo went further, pointing out how his relationship with 50 included perks and genuine camaraderie that went beyond business. “You gotta understand, lot of artists don’t get treated [well],” he continued. “People think that Fif is a bad guy, but when you’re staying in the Four Seasons, you got the Eiffel Tower there, you staying at the W in Bahrain sipping Ranis on the water.”
Bleek, however, made it clear that he values his independence and is not expecting handouts from Jay-Z, closing the door on the idea that their relationship is strained because of money.