Raised in the North Philadelphia section of the city with his sister and inspired by his mother and father; who died when he was five, Meek Mill began taking the rap game seriously at the age of 12 after losing a street battle to neighboring rappers. He says his desire to rap grew after watching his uncle Philly hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Nell. While hanging out in his neighborhood, Meek met three guys and formed the group, “BloodHoundz,” which consisted of Mel Love, Dat Nigga Leel and Young Pooh. The group lasted for fives years and Meek ventured on his own.
With a solo career in tow, Meek became one of Philadelphia’s hottest underground rap artists on an independent label. In 2007, Meek debuted his Flamerz series, which stands for hottest songs and released his first mix tape, Flamerz 1, which featured the hit single, “In My Bag.”
In 2008, Meek debuted the highly anticipated Flamerz 2 –“Hottest In Da City,” which showcased more of his lyrical abilities with the singles, “So Fly,” “Prolli,” and “Hottest In Da City.” Upon release of Flamerz 2, it caught the attention of founder and President of 215Aphillyated Records, Charlie Mack. Mack was immediately impressed with Meek that he signed him to his management company. During the same year, he met the founder and owner of Grand Hustle, TI. TI was impressed with his lyrical ability that he offered him an opportunity to travel to Los Angeles to meet with him along with the Warner Brothers Records, within one week both record companies offered him a deal. Meek was overwhelmed by the offers; however, he felt collaborating with TI was an opportunity of a lifetime and chose his label. An ecstatic Meek was on top of the world; a record deal and the chance to work with one of hip hop’s greatest rappers and then a set back occurred. He was arrested, charged with a crime and order to serve seven months in jail.
Meek pre-released three singles from his third mix tape Flamerz 2.5 – “The Preview” in August of 2009, which featured the chart topping hits, “Make ‘Em Say,” “Imma Da Ish,” featuring Ms. Jade and “Starting Something,” in honor Michael Jackson. Within the first two weeks of its release, Clear Channel added it to their play list, which is an anomaly in the music business. In June of 2009, Meek began immediately working on his freshman album – Flamerz 3, “Hottest In America – Gangster Grill Edition,” hosted by DJ Drama and featuring the songs: “Baby Girl,” “Hottest In America,” and “I’m Killinem.” The highly anticipated cd is set to be released on January 19, 2010. Despite his stint in jail, Meek’s fans remained loyal, he currently boasts of 13 million hits on My Space and 20 million viewers on You Tube. Meek Mill has recently just signed to Rick Ross's Maybach Music Group.
In the future, Meek plans to establish the Meek Mill Foundation, which will mentor young males between the ages of 12-24 on the importance of “Education over Incarceration.” He gives a shoutout to the next artist coming up named shizz.. He also plans to collaborate with United Community Action Network and the Lifers of Graterford Prison to address the violence plaguing our cities. To learn more about Meek, you can visit the official website: www.meekmillflamerz.com and for bookings or shows, you can call Charlie Mack at 215-910-4675 or e-mail: firstoutdalimo@aol.com.
2015 - BEEF WITH DRAKE
In July 2015 Meek attempted to air out Drake for "not writing his own raps" via popular social media site Twitter. These tweets resulted in a huge reaction from the hip hop community, however, the stunt went awry when Drake (Aubrey Graham) decided to respond. Drake released the diss track "Charged Up" during an Apple Music stream and an immediate response from Meek was demanded. Funkmaster Flex announced he would debut Meek's response live on Hot97. However, the track never came. After four days there was still no sign of a response from Meek, prompting Drake to release a second diss track "Back To Back." The response to this was huge and a harsh blow to Meek's career. Two days later Meek finally released "Wanna Know." This track received largely negative reviews and it was clear to most that Drake had won the beef. On August 2nd at the annual OVOfest, Drake truly roasted Meek Mill; performing "Back To Back" in front of various memes poking fun at Meek to a raucous Toronto crowd. Many fans believed this to be the nail in the coffin spelling the end for Meek's career.
First of All
Meek Mill Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And free my nigga Rick
They gave my nigga wheels
When they told me I was locked
Up I was in the cell
And just thoughts of doin' life
Gave a nigga chills
Damn, long rise to the mountains
You wanna cry fountains but you can't
'cause your pride won't let
You when you drownin' (It won't let you)
So much pain can't explain
It or pronounce it (Ugh)
So you hold it like a soldier never foldin'
And daydreamin' on the day you make
It home but never knowin'
When them crackers gon' let you free
Take off them chains and just let you be
Let you breathe, I get a deal
(Deal) , you know you get appeal
Hundred-thousand dolla lawyers rumblin'
For real (Yessir)
So many laws lie fumbled in the field
Turned over to the system either
That or they was killed (Damn)
Man I don't hustle cuz I wanna, shit
I have to (I have too)
I fell in love with the streets
I lost my dad too at a early age
Man I was doin' shit to lead
Me to a early grave or put me in the cage
'Cause I ain't know that
The world turns slow
And time fly by you fast
Tryna ride til you crash ('Til you crash)
I said I couldn't pick a side
Good or bad cuz bein'
Bad felt good and bein' good
Ain't get the cash
Runnin' in the streets got
My mama goin crazy
Hangin' out south philly where my
Daddy ain't make it
Shit I was only five and I
Was mad I couldn't quake it
To catch a nigga slippin
Like a taurus transmission man listen
The streets that I come from black
A nigga take one of your's then
You come to him strapped with ya gat
No rappin lay em all on the floor
Squeeze the trigga and let all of em off
See look you got the fiends on the corner
Lookin' like zombies
Crack babies in the window
Lookin' for they mommy
Youngin' he was only 19 he got hommy
Yesterday they left him in
The streets brain soggy
Cause where I'm from we die young
Ride or pride live by the gun
"First of All" by Meek Mill is a powerful song that delves into the harsh realities of street life and the struggles faced by individuals trying to survive in that environment. The lyrics give us a glimpse into Meek Mill's personal experiences and the pain that comes with living in a world filled with violence and injustice.
The opening lines reflect Meek Mill's desire for the freedom of his friends, Lil and Rick, who have been incarcerated. He acknowledges the support they provided him while he was locked up and the fear he experienced at the thought of spending his life in prison. This paints a vivid picture of the emotional toll that imprisonment takes on individuals.
The lyrics then transition to capturing the overwhelming pain experienced in the streets. Meek Mill talks about how this pain can't be expressed or understood fully, causing one to hold onto it like a soldier without breaking. He emphasizes the daydreams of making it home one day but the uncertainty of when that will actually happen. There is a desire for freedom and release from the chains that hold them back, both physically and mentally.
The following part of the song reveals the reasons behind Meek Mill's involvement in the street life. He explains that he didn't choose this lifestyle out of preference but out of necessity. Losing his father at a young age left him vulnerable, and he resorted to engaging in behaviors that could lead him to an early death or imprisonment. This showcases the difficult choices faced by individuals in similar circumstances.
The lyrics also highlight the struggle of trying to navigate between good and bad, with being bad having an allure because it provides immediate rewards while being good doesn't guarantee financial success. Meek Mill's upbringing in South Philly, where his father couldn't make it and his mother is distressed, shows the hardships faced by families in these neighborhoods. The mention of violence and revenge that permeates the streets further emphasizes the dangerous environment.
Overall, "First of All" is a poignant song that reflects on the complex emotions and experiences of individuals living in deprived communities. It sheds light on the harsh realities and challenges faced by those trying to survive and highlights the need for change and support.
Line by Line Meaning
First of all I wanna say is free my nigga Lil
The first thing I want to express is my desire for my friend Lil to be released from imprisonment
And free my nigga Rick
Additionally, I want my friend Rick to be set free
They gave my nigga wheels
These friends of mine were able to provide transportation for my incarcerated friend
When they told me I was locked
Upon receiving the news of my own arrest
Up I was in the cell
I found myself confined within a jail cell
And just thoughts of doin' life
Contemplating the possibility of spending my whole life in prison
Gave a nigga chills
Evoked fear and apprehension within me
Damn, long rise to the mountains
A metaphorical uphill battle and struggle
I heard a nigga soul make
Witnessing the profound impact that someone's soul can have
You wanna cry fountains but you can't
It provokes an intense emotional response, making you want to cry profusely
'cause your pride won't let
However, your sense of pride prevents you from doing so
You when you drownin' (It won't let you)
Even in moments of deep despair, your pride refuses to allow vulnerability
So much pain can't explain
The immense suffering cannot be adequately conveyed or described
It or pronounce it (Ugh)
It is beyond verbal expression or articulation
So you hold it like a soldier never foldin'
You bear the burden of this pain bravely and resolutely, never succumbing to it
And daydreamin' on the day you make
You find solace by daydreaming about the day you will
It home but never knowin'
Return to the comfort of your own home, but without certainty
When them crackers gon' let you free
Of when the authorities will grant you freedom from incarceration
Take off them chains and just let you be
Remove the shackles that restrict you and allow you to exist freely
Let you breathe, I get a deal
Grant you the opportunity to breathe and experience life outside of confinement, while I secure a lucrative contract
(Deal), you know you get appeal
In this agreement, you understand that you possess marketable qualities and attract attention
Hundred-thousand dolla lawyers rumblin'
Expensive lawyers engaging in legal battles and disputes
For real (Yessir)
In a truly serious manner
So many laws lie fumbled in the field
Numerous laws are neglected or disrespected within society
Turned over to the system either
Surrendered to the legal system
That or they was killed (Damn)
Either that, or they suffered fatal consequences
Man I don't hustle cuz I wanna, shit
I am not involved in illicit activities solely out of desire, but rather out of necessity
I have to (I have too)
I am compelled to engage in these actions due to my circumstances
I fell in love with the streets
I developed a deep connection and attachment to the urban environment and its lifestyle
I lost my dad too at a early age
I experienced the tragic loss of my father during my formative years
Man I was doin' shit to lead
As a result, I found myself engaging in activities that were likely to lead
Me to a early grave or put me in the cage
Either towards an early death or imprisonment
'Cause I ain't know that
This was because I was unaware that
The world turns slow
The world operates at a sluggish and unhurried pace
And time fly by you fast
While time passes by swiftly and imperceptibly
Tryna ride til you crash ('Til you crash)
Attempting to persevere until you inevitably encounter a catastrophic failure
I said I couldn't pick a side
I confessed my inability to choose between good and bad
Good or bad cuz bein'
As both had their own appeal
Bad felt good and bein' good
Engaging in negative behavior felt pleasurable and thrilling, while being virtuous
Ain't get the cash
Did not result in obtaining wealth
Runnin' in the streets got
Participating in street hustling led me
My mama goin crazy
To my mother becoming extremely worried and distressed
Hangin' out south philly where my
Frequenting the South Philly area where
Daddy ain't make it
My father did not survive
Shit I was only five and I
At a tender age of five, I
Was mad I couldn't quake it
Felt an intense anger and frustration that I couldn't shake off
To catch a nigga slippin
In order to exploit an individual's vulnerability
Like a taurus transmission man listen
Similar to the forceful and unexpected movement of a Taurus vehicle, pay attention
The streets that I come from black
The neighborhoods where I originate from are characterized by strife and danger
A nigga take one of your's then
If someone from my community harms one of your own
You come to him strapped with ya gat
You retaliate by approaching them armed with a gun
No rappin lay em all on the floor
Without any hesitation, shoot them until they all fall to the ground
Squeeze the trigga and let all of em off
Pull the trigger and release a barrage of gunshots towards them
See look you got the fiends on the corner
Observe the addicts desperately waiting on the street corners
Lookin' like zombies
Appearing akin to lifeless and disoriented beings
Crack babies in the window
Infants born addicted to crack cocaine can be seen near the windows
Lookin' for they mommy
Seeking their mothers, unaware of the tragedy their lives will entail
Youngin' he was only 19 he got hommy
A young individual, only nineteen years old, lost his life in a tragic incident
Yesterday they left him in
His loved ones mourned his loss
The streets brain soggy
The community was left emotionally devastated and mentally overwhelmed
Cause where I'm from we die young
In the environment I come from, premature deaths are commonplace
Ride or pride live by the gun
Embrace a lifestyle where adhering to a code of honor and relying on firearms are essential aspects
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Force
this is the realist shit meek ever wrote.
Writer
@avizd360 of course
Jesse James
It’s 2019 and this Jawn still hot 🔥🔥🔥 #Timeless
Quinn
I said "I couldn't pick a side, good or bad; cuz the bad feel good, and the good won't get the cash"
Dave Sorrell
+The Son of Goat Mom my fav quote FOR REAL!!!
Jack Campbell
BEST MEEK SONG EVER
Sazon_papi47 Ortiz
This is the meek I like to remember on God!
Craig Davis
True Hip Hop For Life Man.
Koolazz Drewboy
Still bumping this 2021 during the pandemic covid 19 (2years and still going) wtf. But this song still fire 🔥🔥🔥🔥 especially 0:51 - 109 seconds
Jayy M
Still bumpin'is shit in 2017