Memphis Bleek to Release ‘The Process’ On His Own Label

Memphis Bleek is taking the independent route for his fifth album, 'The Process,' ending a decade-long relationship with Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella Records. Bleek will release the follow-up to 2005's '534' on his own imprint, Get Low Records, with distribution through Boston-based Mass Appeal Entertainment.

"Taking what I've learned from a teacher and creating my own school, it's time for me to handle my own business as a man and Mass Appeal supports the vision," Bleek said in a statement.

Mass Appeal Entertainment has released and distributed several similarly large-scale projects, including albums by Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, Young Buck and the 'Save the Last Dance 2' soundtrack. Owner Marcus "DL" Siskind began his career as a rapper himself, before producing and writing for artists like Lauryn Hill and Queen Latifah.

"Bleek has established himself as a successful brand in hip-hop and now has the opportunity to expand independently to release new music to his fans," Siskind said.

During Bleek's tenure at Roc-A-Fella, the former Jay-Z protege released five albums, two of which, 'Coming of Age' and 'The Understanding,' went gold. Hova will still serve as executive producer on 'The Process,' which will also feature Rick Ross, Pharrell and production by No I.D. and Just Blaze, who has been notably missing from many of the year's big releases.

With the album slated for Nov. 24 release, Bleek assures, "I'm ready to share 'The Process' and Get Low Records with the world and along with Mass Appeal, I'm excited to take the next steps in my career independently."