Here’s Why Barbra Streisand Quoted Memphis Bleek On Twitter

EGOT-winning vocalist and actress Barbra Streisand is clearly down with Roc-A-Fella. The 81-year-old, who’s also a political activist, tweeted a warning about former president Donald Trump’s impending third presidential campaign, while also unintentionally (or intentionally) quoting a part of Memphis Bleek’s verse from “1-900-HUSTLER.” The song, which features former Roc-A-Fella giants JAY-Z, Beanie Sigel, and Freeway, was featured on 2000 compilation The Dynasty.

At the end of the tweet, Streisand gave props to “Rapper Memphis Bleek,” setting off her quote replies. The Brooklyn-born musical legend wouldn’t be the first artist to take a stance against Trump, as numerous, including the Village People and the estate of Issac Hayes have sent cease-and-desist letters to Trump about refraining from using their music during political events.

In 2021, Streisand spoke to Variety about Trump’s presidency being a “disaster.”

"Removing climate change facts from a website even?" she said. "I mean, not being allowed to mention the phrase climate change."

She added, "That was four years in a black hole. Unforgivable. Four years of people dying unnecessarily because they didn't tell the truth. The truth is so important. Tell people the truth, they can deal with it."

Bleek, legal name Malik Cox, also acknowledged the shoutout on Instagram.

The rapper, who grew up in the Marcy Projects alongside Hov, hasn’t released an album since 2005’s 534. Although he’s seemingly remained friendly with Hov, attending the 2023 Roc Nation in the Hollywood Hills, he laughed at a response to a collaborative project with the “God Did” emcee in March.

The two teamed up on multiple records throughout the 1990s, including “Get Your Mind Right,” “What You Think of That,” “Do My…” and “Coming of Age,” which appeared on Hov’s 1996 debut album Reasonable Doubt.