New Album APT 3D Proves Memphis Bleek Never Folded—Just Leveled Up

Rapid Review of Memphis Bleek "Apt 3D"

Beats: 10/10

Lyrics: 9/10

Concepts: 10/10

Rollout: 8/10

Replay Value: 9/10

Total Music Score — 8.5/10

When Memphis Bleek finally dropped APT 3D, I didn’t run to it right away. I sat on it for a full month because as someone who’s always respected Bleek’s place in hip-hop history, loyal lieutenant to Jay-Z, last of the real 2000s spitters, I wanted to hear it with clear ears. Not as a fan hungry for nostalgia, but as a grown man wanting to see if Bleek still had something to say in 2025. Once I did press play, I gave it two full weeks of listens before putting my thoughts together.

APT 3D isn’t some microwave drop , it feels like a reflection of everything Bleek’s seen from Marcy Projects to multi-millionaire status. The album’s title alone speaks volumes, his old apartment number, a callback to where it all started. You can hear that balance in the music: loyalty, regret, pride, family, and most importantly, survival. Bleek isn’t reaching for radio hits. He’s making music strictly for the ones who remember, and those curious enough to tap in now.

Song By Song Breakdown & Rating

1. Durag Bleek (7/10) opens up the project like a long-lost Dynasty-era freestyle. The beat is throwback Just Blaze energy, but Bleek’s tone is focused. It feels like a trailer to what’s coming, while it sets the mood, I needed a little more force on it lyrically.

2. Still ROC (6/10) hits next. Smooth beat, clean flow, but as a follow-up to the intro it left me feeling like there should’ve been a harder record here. It’s lyrically solid, especially when Bleek reflects on loyalty and Roc-A-Fella history. But energy-wise, it felt more like a continuation of track one than its own moment.

3. You Should Know (7/10) turns that around. Bleek gets personal about his position in the game and the family ties he’s had to reevaluate. Lines like “Nobody wins when the family feuds” remind you Bleek’s always been the quiet general, handling his business while others chase the spotlight.

4.On My Way (featuring Jon Rise) (10/10) is where things level up. This record is hypnotic, grown, sexy, all the things I want from a mature Bleek record. Jon Rise kills the hook, but Bleek’s vulnerability shines through here. Easily a ten out of ten for me, this needs a video.

5. Holla at Cheech (Interlude) (9/10) Real interlude energy, feels like Bleek just laid down a raw verse to clear his head. I respect artists who still use interludes the right way.

6. I’m The Type (10/10) brings us back to Bleek’s pure essence. Ten out of ten. Facts only on this record: “Never switch up on my niggas especially for no broads.” This is peak Bleek confidence and honesty. His delivery hasn’t changed, but he owns that lane now.

7. Kings Design ( featuring Tish Hyman ) (10/10) is pure cinema. That piano intro pulls you in, and when Tish opens with those haunting vocals, you know it’s special. Ten out of ten, best record on the album. Bleek sounds at peace on this track.

8. 3 Kings (featuring Smoke DZA and Benny The Butcher) (8/10) holds its weight. Eight out of ten. Bar-heavy from everyone involved, and Bleek’s “that Dusse flowing like the Pacific” line caught me. I wish Bleek went one more verse deep here though.

9. Believe It (featuring Kruziano) (10/10) was a surprise highlight. Bleek flipped a reggae-hip-hop fusion and made it work. Kruziano is the secret weapon here, hook is addictive.

10. Choosing You (10/10) was Bleek’s love letter to his wife. Another ten out of ten. You don’t hear Bleek get this personal often, so it felt special. Grown man music.

11. Word to Hov (7/10) closes things out. It’s not a love letter to Jay-Z, more like Bleek reminding himself—and us—why he stayed true to his path. That Jay-Z sample at the end felt like a quiet victory lap.

APT 3D is Bleek’s mission statement. It’s not about proving he’s still relevant, it’s about showing that loyalty, growth, and respect still matter in rap. From apartment 3D in Marcy to where he’s at now, Bleek completed his mission. The production is crisp and mature. The bars are consistent. And above all, it’s honest. He didn’t chase a trend, he made an album for the culture, for his core, and for the ones that grew up with him

Memphis Bleek’s APT 3D isn’t just another rapper throwing an album into the digital void — it’s a full-circle moment. For a man who spent his formative years in Jay-Z’s shadow, watching the Roc rise and eventually splinter, Bleek has always carried himself with quiet dignity. This album feels like his true victory lap, not flashy, not overly promoted, but deeply intentional. APT 3D is Bleek looking back at every handshake, every closed door, every bet that paid off, and saying: "I did it my way."

It’s rare in hip-hop for loyalty to translate into longevity. Bleek didn’t need to jump on reality shows or create viral beef to stay in the conversation. He built businesses, raised a family, stayed solid. And in a rap climate where everyone’s flexing for social media, Bleek’s calm presence feels refreshing. APT 3D celebrates that. It’s not about chasing new fans. It’s about rewarding the ones who were there since Coming of Age, The Understanding, and M.A.D.E.

Album Score Breakdown

Beats: 10/10 — The production blends modern polish with 2000s NYC nostalgia perfectly. It doesn’t sound outdated, it sounds seasoned.

Lyrics: 9/10 — Bleek hasn’t lost a step. He hasn’t added new flows to his bag, but he doesn’t need to. This is him staying true.

Concepts: 10/10 — Street poems, grown-man themes, reggae influences—it’s Bleek telling his story through different lenses.

Rollout: 8/10 — The Durag Bleek single was pushed strong, and Bleek’s media run showed this was a serious release, not a throwaway.

Replay Value: 9/10 — This is for core fans, but records like On My Way and Kings Design have crossover appeal.

Total Music Score: 8.5/10

Total Album Score: 9.3/10

Check out Memphis Bleek - Durag Bleek (Official Music Video) via Youtube

Stream Memphis Bleek APT.3D here via Apple Music

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