Meek Mill

Meek Mill

Meek Mill (left) Ohio (Frankie Wade, OH-AYCH, Stack Holder) (right) in 2013
Background information
Birth name Robert Rahmeek Williams [1]
Born May 6, 1987
North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Genres Hip hop
Occupation(s) Rapper, singer, songwriter
Years active 2003–present
Labels 215 Aphillyated, Grand Hustle, Warner Bros., Maybach Music Group, Roc Nation, Dream Chasers, Atlantic
Associated acts The Bloodhoundz, Lil Wayne, DJ Drama, Fabolous, French Montana, Rick Ross, T.I., Wale, Kirko Bangz
Website www.meekmilldreamteam.com

Robert Rahmeek Williams[1] (born May 6, 1987[2]), better known by his stage name Meek Mill, is an American hip hop recording artist from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was briefly signed to Atlanta-based record label Grand Hustle, owned by record executive and fellow American rapper T.I.. In February 2011, after leaving Grand Hustle, Mill signed a record deal with fellow American rapper Rick Ross' Miami-based Maybach Music Group (MMG) imprint.

Mill released his debut studio album after securing a recording contract with Maybach Music Group. The album, titled Dreams and Nightmares, was released in 2012, under MMG and Warner Bros. Records. The album, preceded by the singles "Amen", "Burn" and "Young & Gettin' It", debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200. He has also appeared on MMG's Self Made compilation series, with his debut single "Tupac Back" and second single "Ima Boss", being included on volume one.

In October 2012, Meek Mill announced the launching of his own imprint, Dream Chasers Records, named after his popular mixtape series. He also revealed having already signed several fellow Philadelphia-based rappers in 2012.

Music career

2003–2008: Career beginnings with The Bloodhoundz

Meek Mill, alongside three of his friends, formed a rap group and called themselves The Bloodhoundz. The group lasted long enough to release four mixtapes. Meek Mill has a sister, Nasheema Williams.[3]

2008–2010: Solo mixtapes and Grand Hustle deal

In 2008, Mill released his fourth mixtape Flamers 2: Hottest in tha City, which spawned promotional singles "I'm So Fly," "Prolli," and "Hottest in the City." Upon the release of Flamerz 2, it caught the attention of Charlie Mack, founder and President of 215 Aphillyated Records. Mack was so impressed with Mill, that he immediately signed him to his management company. During that same year, Meek Mill also met the founder and owner of Grand Hustle Records, fellow American rapper T.I.. The Atlanta-based rapper was also so impressed by Mill, that he offered him an opportunity to travel to Los Angeles, to meet with him and Warner Bros. Records; within one week both record companies offered him a deal. Although he was offered other record deals, Mill felt collaborating with T.I. was an opportunity of a lifetime and thus chose his label. However just when things were starting to look up for Mill, a record deal and the chance to work with T.I., a set back occurred. He was arrested, charged with a crime and ordered to serve seven months in jail. Mill was released early 2009.[3]

Under Grand Hustle, Mill formed a work relationship with the label's resident disc jockey, DJ Drama. Mill and Drama teamed up to release the third edition of Mill's Flamers series. The mixtape, titled Flamers 3: The Wait Is Over, was released on March 12, 2010 and is a "Gangsta Grillz mixtape".[4][5][6] The mixtape features his promotional single "Rosé Red", which was later remixed with additional verses from fellow American rappers T.I., Rick Ross and Vado.[4] Rick Ross contributed his verse after he was visiting Philadelphia and asked his Twitter followers who he should collaborate with; Meek Mill was the overwhelming response.[4] The remix was included on Mill's following mixtape, Mr. Philadelphia.[7] Due to Mill's and label-boss T.I.'s respective legal troubles, Mill was never able to release an album under Grand Hustle and they parted ways in 2010.[8]

2011–2012: MMG, Dreamchasers series and Dreams & Nightmares

In February 2011, Rick Ross announced the signing of Mill along with fellow American rapper Wale to his Maybach Music Group (MMG) label. In March 2011, Mill was included in XXL's "Freshman Class of 2011".[9] Later that year, he released his debut single, "Tupac Back", featuring Rick Ross, from his label's compilation album Self Made Vol. 1 (2011). That same year he released his second single, "Ima Boss", also take from the compilation and featuring Ross. The song was later remixed, featuring T.I., Birdman, Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled, Swizz Beatz and Rick Ross. The remix charted on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at #51, becoming Mill's most successful single at that time. In August 2011, Mill released Dreamchasers, a well received mixtape featuring his urban hit "House Party" and guest appearances from Rick Ross, Yo Gotti and Beanie Siegel among others.

In February 2012, MTV listed Meek Mill as the "#7 hottest MC" in their annual "Hottest MCs in the Game" list.[10] On May 7, 2012 Mill released the second installment to his Dreamchasers series. The mixtape features guest appearances from Drake, Jeremih, Big Sean, Kendrick Lamar, 2 Chainz and more.[11] Mill has stated his favorite tracks off the tape are "Amen," "A1 Everything" and "Racked Up Shawty" with French Montana and Fabolous.[12] Within six hours of its release on mixtape website DatPiff.com, Dreamchasers 2 was downloaded 1.5 million times.[13] On May 10, it was announced Meek Mill signed with Roc Nation management.[12]

On June 19, 2012, "Amen" - originally included on Dreamchasers 2, was released as the lead single from Mill's debut studio album. Before releasing his debut studio album Dreams & Nightmares, Mill received co-signs from both Mariah Carey and Nas, with him appearing on Carey's 2012 single "Triumphant (Get 'Em)" and the latter stating, "I got my eyes on him. He's the next one to take this shit over." The album was released on October 30, 2012.[14] Following an album release party in Philadelphia, Mill was detained by Philadelphia police after a car in which he was riding in was pulled over. No charges were filed, and Mill was released from custody.[15] The album debuted at number 2 on the US Billboard 200 chart with first-week sales of 165,000 copies.[16] In its second week the album sold 41,000 more copies dropping 6 spots on the chart to number 8.[16]

2013-present: Dreamchasers 3 and Dreams Worth More Than Money

Mill released the third installment of the Dreamchasers series, Dreamchasers 3.[17] The mixtape featured guest appearances from Rick Ross, Akon, Future, Waka Flocka Flame, Wale, Trina and Jadakiss among others.[17][18] The mixtape was scheduled to be released on May 6, 2013.[19] However, he announced that it would be pushed back, eventually to be released on September 29, 2013.[20] He was produced by the famous French producer DIZPMUSIC for Dreamchasers 3 . In November 2013, Mill announced that he was half-way finished with his second studio album, which is due for release in 2014.[21] On March 8, 2014, Mill announced that the album would be titled Dreams Worth More Than Money.[22] He began dating Nicki Minaj in early 2015 and their engagement was confirmed on 16 April 2015.[23]

Dream Chasers Records

Dream Chasers Records
Founded 2012
Founder Meek Mill (CEO)
Status Active
Distributor(s) Maybach Music Group
Genre Hip hop
Country of origin United States

On October 26, 2012, Meek Mill announced the creation of his own record label, Dream Chasers Records with the flagship artists Louie V. Gutta, Lee Mazin and Goldie.[24] In early 2013, he also signed 17-year-old Louisiana rapper Lil Snupe moments after hearing his demo.[25] The label has since released mixtapes by Louie V. Gutta and Lil Snupe.[26]

On June 20, 2013, Dream Chasers artist Lil Snupe was murdered at an apartment building in Winnfield, Louisiana by two gunshots to the chest.[27][28] A warrant was issued for 36-year-old Tony Holden in connection with the shooting.[29] Holden was on the run from police for four days before turning himself in to authorities.[30]

Current artists

Former artists

Legal issues

In 2008, Mill was arrested, convicted of drug dealing and gun possession and was sentenced to 11 to 23 months in prison. Mill was released during the early portion of 2009 under a five-year parole agreement.[31][32][33] In December 2012, Mill was found to have violated his probation in failing to stop scheduling performances to allow for a reinstatement of his travel permit. The judge revoked Mill's travel permit.[34]

In May 2013, Mill was found to have violated his probation and was ordered to take etiquette classes. The violation was a failure to report travel plans as required and included notes that his social media postings had resulted in death threats to the judge, Assistant District Attorney (ADA) and probation office on the case.[32] In requiring the classes and stressing the requirement to report travel, the judge noted, "You need to try to get this right next time."[33] In June 2013, the court noted that Mill continually failed to report his travel plans. The judge established an August deadline for the classes, noting that Mill has "a lot of issues" and that the classes would provide him with a "big-picture perspective" as to his personal and professional actions. The judge stated the classes were "more important than any concerts he might have."[35] Of the requirement to provide travel plans to his probation officer, Mill complained, "You just gonna miss money all day." The ADA explained that it was a consequence of being on probation.[36]

On July 11, 2014, Mill had his probation revoked due to the Philadelphia District Attorney feeling his behavior while on parole was questionable. He was sentenced to three to six months in jail.[37]

On December 2, 2014, Mill was released from prison early from his sentence.[38]

Controversies

"Amen"

Following the release of the lead single for Dreams & Nightmares, entitled "Amen", Philadelphia area pastor Rev. Jomo K. Johnson called for a boycott of Mill due to the lyrical content of "Amen". In a statement, he said that, "As a hip-hop fan, I want to encourage every rap fan in Philadelphia who is a believer in Jesus Christ, to boycott Meek Mill until he acknowledges this blatant disrespect. And being resident of North Philadelphia and pastor, I revoke Meek's 'hood pass' until this happens."[39] On July 17, in an interview on the BET show 106 & Park, Mill stated, "I don't think no preacher or no church approves of any type of rap music—because rap music, period, is a lot of bad stuff said. But at the end of the day, it's real life. And me, I wasn't trying to disrespect no religion or anything like that."[40]

Feud with Cassidy

See also: Hip hop feud

A feud started between Meek Mill and fellow Philadelphia-based rapper Cassidy, when Mill offered to battle several underground rappers including Cassidy. Cassidy would later accept the challenge, adding "if the money was right". They participated in a short "twitter beef", after which Cassidy released "The Diary of a Hustla", which was originally thought to be a diss track towards Mill. This was later refuted by Cassidy.[41] They both asked $100,000 each for the battle to take place.[42][43] However after Meek Mill dissed Cassidy's song "Condom Style" (a remake of Psy's "Gangnam Style") Cassidy released a formal diss track towards Mill with "Me, Myself & iPhone".[44][45] Afterwards, Meek Mill responded with the diss track "Repo", which Mill later said would be the final diss record he would release against Cassidy.[46] Cassidy later said the feud was not personal, saying it was all in the spirit of hip hop.[47] On January 6, 2013 Cassidy released a 10 minute long diss response titled "Raid".[48] Eight months later, on September 5, 2013 Meek Mill released another diss record towards Cassidy, titled "Kendrick You Next", where he raps over the speculated diss by The Notorious B.I.G. "Who Shot Ya". This is despite the fact he said "Repo" would be his final diss record.[49] Three days later, Cassidy released a diss record titled "Catch A Body", as a response.[50]

Discography

Main article: Meek Mill discography

Filmography

Meek Mill is an actor, known for Streets (2011),[51] RapFix Live (2011),[52] Spring Breakers soundtrack (2012)[53] and The 2012 BET Awards.[54]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "ROCNATION - Meek Mill". Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  2. ↑ Dukes, Rahman (May 7, 2012). "Meek Mill Celebrates 25th Birthday With Dream Chasers 2". http://www.mtv.com/''.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Pajot, S (6 August 2012). "Meek Mill on Dreams & Nightmares Debut: "The Dream Is Gettin' Paid for What I Love, The Nightmare Was Makin' It to This FOLLOW @OBEY_CHIEFGANG Point"". Miami New Times. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Rodriguez, Jayson (2010-10-28). "Meek Mill Expands On Philly Fame With DJ Drama's Help - Music, Celebrity, Artist News". MTV.com. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
  5. ↑ "MEEK MILL - FLAMERS 3 DJ DRAMA GANGSTA GRILLZ TRAILER ALBUM COMING THIS FEBRUARY NEWEST MEMBER OF T.I.'S GRAND HUSTLE TEAM". ThisIs50.com. 2010-02-04. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
  6. ↑ "Meek Mill & DJ Drama Announce Flamers 3 Gangsta Grillz". Allflamerz.Com. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
  7. ↑ "Meek Mill - Mr. Philadelphia // Free Mixtape". DatPiff. Idle Media Inc. 2010-08-22. Retrieved 2013-04-19.
  8. ↑ Ramirez, Erika (1 December 2011). "T.I. Talks Signing Meek Mill to Grand Hustle & Why It Fell Through". Billboard. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
  9. ↑ "Meek Mill". XXL. Harris Publications. Retrieved October 14, 2011.
  10. ↑ "Meek Mill Bosses Up At #7 Spot In Hottest Debate". MTV. Retrieved October 14, 2011.
  11. ↑ "Meek Mill – Dreamchasers 2 (Mixtape)". 2DopeBoyz. 2012-05-07. Retrieved 2012-05-10.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Kathy Iandoli (May 10, 2012). "Meek Mill Talks Album, Mixtape Success and Roc Nation Management". Life + Times. Retrieved May 10, 2012.
  13. ↑ Benbow, Julian (17 August 2012). "Meek Mill in a hurry to make his mark". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
  14. ↑ "Meek Mill announces new "Dreams & Nightmares" release date". Rap-up.com. 13 August 2012. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
  15. ↑ "Meek Mill Ends Up In Handcuffs After Dreams And Nightmares Release". Rapfix.mtv.com. 2012-11-01. Retrieved 2013-03-30.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Paine, Jake (2012-11-07). "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 11/4/2012". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2013-03-30.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 {{cite web|last=Cooper|first=Roman|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22438/title.meek-mill-dreamchasers-3-artwork|title=Meek Mill "Dreamchasers 3" Tracklist & Cover Art|publisher=HipHop DX|date=2013-02-28|accessdate=2013-03-30}}
  18. ↑ Paine, Jake (2013-04-09). "Meek Mill Confirms Jadakiss & Rick Ross Features On "Dreamchasers 3"". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2013-06-22.
  19. ↑ "Meek Mill Announces "Dreamchasers 3" Mixtape Release Date". Complex. 2013-03-08. Retrieved 2013-03-30.
  20. ↑ Cooper, Roman (2013-09-03). "Meek Mill Compares Himself To LeBron James, Discusses Upcoming Projects". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
  21. ↑ Estevez, Marjua. xxlmag.com, February 3, 2014, "Meek Mill’s New Album Is Almost Finished". Accessed July 31, 2014.
  22. ↑ http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/03/meek-mill-announces-sophomore-album-title/
  23. ↑ http://www.msn.com/en-us/music/celebrity/nicki-minaj-confirms-engagement-to-meek-mill-with-pic-of-giant-heart-shaped-ring—all-the-details-on-her-15-carat-diamond/ar-AAb4aS3
  24. ↑ Kuperstein, Slava (28 October 2012). "Meek Mill Announces Dream Chasers Records Imprint". HipHopDX. Retrieved 28 October 2012.
  25. ↑ Vasquez, Andres (2013-04-05). "Meek Mill Signed Lil Snupe Moments After Hearing Demo". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2013-06-22.
  26. ↑ "Louie V. Gutta - Turn Up: The #majormotionmixtape Hosted by DJ Skinny Fatz // Free Mixtape @". Datpiff.com. 2013-01-13. Retrieved 2013-06-22.
  27. ↑ Bobb, Maurice. "Lil Snupe Dead At 18: New Shooting Details Emerge - Music, Celebrity, Artist News". MTV.com. Retrieved 2013-06-22.
  28. ↑ "Teen Rapper Lil Snupe Killed in North La. - ABC News". Abcnews.go.com. Retrieved 2013-06-22.
  29. ↑ Bobb, Maurice. "Lil Snupe Shooting: Suspect Identified In Rapper's Death - Music, Celebrity, Artist News". MTV.com. Retrieved 2013-06-22.
  30. ↑ "Lil Snupe announced dead". mtv.com. 2013-04-14. Retrieved 2013-01-09.
  31. ↑ Brown, Ruth. newser, June 29, 2013, "Rapper Meek Mill Sentenced to ... Etiquette Classes".
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 Clark, Vernon. Philadelphia Inquirer, June 29, 2013, "Rapper ordered to attend etiquette classes, detail travel".
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 Slobodzian, Joseph A. Philadelphia Inquirer, March 16, 2013, "Rapper Meek Mill, probation officer in court dispute".
  34. ↑ Fowler, Brandi. eonline, December 18, 2012, "".
  35. ↑ Associated Press. June 29, 2013, "Philly rapper Meek Mill ordered to take etiquette classes".
  36. ↑ Philadelphia Inquirer, "Judge gives rapper Meek Mill deadline for taking etiquette classes".
  37. ↑ http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/07/meek-mill-sentenced-to-3-to-6-months-for-parole-violation/
  38. ↑ MSN News, "Meek Mill Released from Prison Early".
  39. ↑ Fleischer, Adam (11 July 2012). "Meek Mill Debates Philadelphia Pastor Who Called for "Amen" Boycott". XXL. Retrieved 22 July 2012.
  40. ↑ Singh, Jakinder (17 July 2012). "Meek Mill Issues Apology For "Amen" Track". XXL. Retrieved 22 July 2012.
  41. ↑ Ryon, Sean (2012-11-16). "Cassidy Denies Dissing Meek Mill On "The Diary Of A Hustla"". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
  42. ↑ Vasquez, Andres (2012-11-02). "Meek Mill Wants To Battle Cassidy Or Murda Mook, Asks For $100,000 Or More". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
  43. ↑ Harling, Danielle (2012-11-28). "Cassidy Says A Rap Battle With Meek Mill Would Be "Good For Hip Hop"". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
  44. ↑ NewMusic (2012-12-22). "Cassidy - Me, Myself & iPhone [Meek Mill Diss] Listen/Download". ThisIs50.com. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
  45. ↑ Cooper, Roman (2012-12-22). "Cassidy Disses Meek Mill On "Me, Myself, & iPhone"". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
  46. ↑ "Meek Mill – Repo (Cassidy Diss)". Xclusives Zone. 2012-12-26. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
  47. ↑ Horowitz, Steven J. (2013-01-02). "Cassidy Says He Used To Help Meek Mill Write Raps". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
  48. ↑ "Cassidy - Raid (Meek Mill Diss) | New Hip Hop Music & All The New Rap Songs 2011". HipHop DX. 2013-01-06. Retrieved 2013-10-07.
  49. ↑ Ortiz, Edwin. "Meek Mill Releases Cassidy Diss Record "Kendrick You Next"". Complex.
  50. ↑ X, Dharmic (Sep 8, 2013). "Cassidy Responds to Meek Mill on "Catch A Body"". Complex.
  51. ↑ "Streets (2011)". IMDb. 28 August 2012. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  52. ↑ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3531738/
  53. ↑ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2101441/soundtrack
  54. ↑ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4049674/bio?