Meek Mill
Meek Mill is a rap artist whose real name is Robert Rihmeek Williams. Born on May 6, 1987, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Meek had a passion for music from a young age.
He began his rap career by participating in rap battles and being a part of a rap group called The Bloodhoundz. His two mixtapes, The Real Me and The Real Me 2, kick-started his solo rap career. His third mixtape, Flamers, earned him a lot of recognition after it caught the attention of Atlanta rapper and Grand Hustle boss T.I.
Meek’s mixtapes continued to gain popularity, and his hit songs like “Rosé Red” and “Make ‘Em Say” propelled him to mainstream success. In 2011, Meek joined Rick Ross' Maybach Music Group, where he released hit singles like “Ima Boss” and “Tupac Back.”
Despite difficulties faced throughout his career such as legal troubles and a delay in releasing his sophomore album due to his return to jail, Meek has continued to produce great music and made a name for himself in the rap industry.
About his Early Life and Career
Meek Mill was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His love for music started at a young age, and he dreamed of becoming a famous rapper. After participating in several rap battles and gaining recognition, he formed a rap group called The Bloodhoundz.
Meek's rap career began with his mixtapes, The Real Me and The Real Me 2. He gained a significant following with his third mixtape, Flamers, which caught the attention of T.I., who then hosted his following tape, Flamers 2: Hottest In Tha City.
Meek’s following mixtapes, Flamers 2.5: The Preview and Flamers 3: The Wait is Over, produced hit songs like “Rosé Red” and “Make ‘Em Say.”
About his Music and Collaborations
Meek is known for his music that discusses his experiences with street life, poverty, and brutality and touches on socially conscious themes. His lyrics have been described as raw and gritty, with the ability to evoke emotion in listeners.
Meek Mill’s music has been well accepted, showcasing collaborations with many renowned artists in the industry. The star has worked with Jay-Z, the late Nipsey Hussle, Drake, Cardi B, Justin Timberlake, and numerous others.
About his Record Label Deals
In 2011, Meek signed with Rick Ross’s Maybach Music Group. This record deal proved to be a significant turning point for his career, providing him with a stable platform. It was during the period he became a mainstream artist with popular hit singles like “Ima Boss” and “Tupac Back.” These singles were featured in the group's compilation album Self Made Vol. 1, with Meek appearing nine times.
The label later released Self Made Vol. 2 in 2012 and Self Made Vol. 3 in 2013, with Meek appearing in each with four and six songs, respectively. He built a reputation through continuous collaborations with the group and became a household name.
About his Albums
Meek released his debut album, Dreams & Nightmares, in 2012, selling 165,000 copies in the first week. The album received gold certification in June 2015.
Meek released his second album, Dreams Worth More Than Money, in June 2015, selling 246,000 copies in the first week. The album was highly rated and gave the musician a lot of commercial success.
Meek's third studio album, Wins and Losses, released in 2017, dealt with Meek’s introspective personal life experiences.
In November 2018, Meek released his fourth studio album, Championships, which contained his most sought-after songs, including “Going Bad” featuring Drake, “100 Summers,” and “What's Free” featuring Rick Ross and Jay-Z. The album received critical acclaim and commercial success.
About his Legal Issues
Despite his exploits in the rap industry, Meek's life has not been without challenges, and he has found himself in many legal issues that had a significant impact on his career.
One of his most notable legal issues began in 2017. He was incarcerated for two to four years due to a parole violation that involved his engagement in minor traffic violations and popping a “wheelie” on a dirt bike in NYC. While in jail, several popular public figures and celebrities drew attention to the case, thinking he had faced injustice.
After an appeal against his unlawful incarceration was submitted to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Meek was finally released in April 2018, six months after his incarceration.
Wrapping Up
From humble beginnings to fame and recognition in the rap industry, Meek Mill has proven himself to be a valuable asset. Despite legal challenges that posed difficulties in his life, he has defeated the odds to become one of the most sought-after rap music artists. His music deals with real-life issues that evoke emotions and also celebrates personal growth and victory. Indeed, Meek's achievements in the industry, coupled with his personal victories, make him an artist worth watching out for.