Memphis Bleek Reveals Jay-Z’s Roots Picnic Freestyle Strategy: Why His Disses Hit Hard

Memphis Bleek expressed approval of Jay-Z’s decision to confront critics during his 2026 Roots Picnic freestyle, describing the performance as a necessary response to online misinformation. The Brooklyn rapper, who is a mentor to Jay-Z, shared his perspective in a conversation with Boardroom, offering insight into the mindset of the hip-hop artist.

Bleek acknowledged that he did not hear the freestyle in real time, as backstage conditions were chaotic. “I be trying to get him to spit, but he got too many verses that he just tucks,” he said, referencing Jay-Z’s habit of crafting extensive lyrics. “Jay just be having verses. I know,” he added, highlighting the rapper’s consistent output of material.

The 2026 Roots Picnic, held in Philadelphia, featured Jay-Z delivering a freestyle that targeted individuals he claimed spread falsehoods about him. Bleek argued that such figures “deserved that spanking,” citing the ease with which lies proliferate in the digital age. “Everybody get hit. He put the fully on,” he said, using the term “fully” to reference Jay-Z’s authentic, unfiltered persona. “These kids got the switch, they don’t know about the fully. They know Shawn Carter, they know Jay-Z, they don’t know Jigga. That’s Jigga. Welcome, man.”

Bleek’s comments align with observations about Jay-Z’s career, in which he has frequently addressed personal and professional challenges through his music. “Jay always responds through music,” Bleek explained. “Anything he’s feeling or going through, it’s always been in the music. That’s how we’ve always been. All of us. We really don’t get on here like, ‘Yo, I hate this rapper. When I see you, I’ma catch you.’ It’s on the record. If we’re going to entertain, I’ma make money off it. I’m not gonna just go on here and just be on everybody platform. Your algorithms go up and I’m just angry.”

The rapper also addressed the cultural impact of social media, noting that online discourse often lacks accountability. “Lies get spewed all over the Internet and turned into truth. Because, you know, these guys are gonna believe what they want, but it’s not the other side fighting against it, only the lie seems like the truth.”

The 2026 Roots Picnic also featured appearances by other hip-hop figures, including a tribute to Lauryn Hill, who received the Living Legend Icon Award after an incredible tribute at the 2026 BET Awards.

Bleek’s interview with Boardroom underscores the influence of Jay-Z’s work. “I’m happy he did ’cause a lot of people they just talk and talk and talk and its no one to rebuke it, to go against it, speak the truth, so lies get spewed all over the Internet and turned into truth. Because, you know, these guys are gonna believe what they want, but it’s not the other side fighting against it, only the lie seems like the truth. So, I’m glad he put belt to ass on certain people. They deserved that spanking.”