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.
Polo
Meek Mill Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah
I remember
(Maybach Music)
I remember nights I used to sell rock
Posted on the corner like a mailbox
First class ticket to a cell block
Cold world and they say hell's hot
But it ain't hotter than that choppa when them shells drop
Man, I seen niggas play that block and get they bell rocked
Cops cleared the scene and I was back by twelve o'clock
Tryna get it, Dickies on and my fitted
Gun in my draws, duckin' the law, I'm all with it
Money, cars and clothes, I wanted 'em all, nigga
I never was good at hoopin', I wanted to ball, nigga
'Cause the OG's sold keys and I had no cheese
Coppers lock me, beat me down like I was Cochise
Old fiends coppin' work due to their old dreams
They got shattered, it ain't matter cause we thirst cream
Niggas servin' niggas moms just to make a flip
Homies murder other homies just to make a brick
Most my niggas done got busted tryna take a hit
The feds were lurkin', we was servin', they was takin' flicks
This how it goes down in the jungle
Where niggas learn to shoot before they could rumble
Cops rush in, they gon' kick in the front door
And if they chase you better hope you don't stumble
I wanted Polo with some shell tops
I just wanted Polo and some shell tops
And I was out there tryna sell rocks
'Cause I wanted Polo and some shell tops
I done seen close neighbors lose hope
Fall victim to the streets and start to use dope
I used to load my gun before I went to school first
It's crazy niggas wanna kill me, we was cool first
And when it comes to friends you can't let 'em too close
That's why they call 'em close friends
You turn your back they move first (move first)
And I just bought a new Ghost (new Ghost)
And a crib out on that new coast (new coast)
And it all started from a dolla
Runnin' from the law, scuffin' up my Pradas
Crack all in my draws, tryna make a profit
All I wanted was some shells and some Polo for my closet, aw
Drug money, turn to blood money
I only roll with niggas that'll take a slug for me
No matter what it is, I'ma pay that bail money
To get my niggas right, my niggas for life
This how it goes down in the jungle
Where niggas learn to shoot before they could rumble
Cops rush in', they gon' kick in the front door
And if they chase you better hope you don't stumble
I wanted Polo with some shell tops
I just wanted Polo and some shell tops
And I was out there tryna sell rocks
'Cause I wanted Polo and some shell tops (shell tops)
Meek Mill's "Polo & Shell Tops" starts off with a Maybach Music tagline, and then begins with the rapper reminiscing about his days selling drugs on the corner to make money. He mentions how he used to get a first-class ticket to the cell block just to be able to afford some Polo clothing and shell toe Adidas sneakers, which were symbols of wealth and status in his community. He acknowledges the dangers of the streets, and how it's a cold world, but he's all in with it, accepting the risks that come with the lifestyle.
Meek goes on to talk about the struggles that come with living in the inner city. He describes the violence and the corruption, and how people will do almost anything to get ahead. There's a sense of desperation in his words as he talks about how he wanted money, cars, and clothes, and how he was willing to do whatever it took to get them. He also reflects on the loss of innocence that comes with growing up in a violent environment, and how even his friends turned on him.
Throughout the song, Meek paints a picture of the harsh realities of urban life that he had to face to survive. Polo & Shell Tops is a song that mixes gritty street rhymes with introspective lyrics that show the pain and heartache that comes with hustling to get ahead.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah,
Meek Mill starts off the song with a simple acknowledgment.
Yeah
Meek Mill acknowledges the beginning of the song with an affirmative word.
I remember
Meek Mill reminisces about his past.
(Maybach Music)
Meek Mill is signed to Maybach Music, which is founded by Rick Ross.
I remember nights I used to sell rock
Meek Mill used to sell drugs on the streets at night.
Posted on the corner like a mailbox
Meek Mill would stand on the street corner to sell drugs just like a mailbox that doesn't move from its post.
First class ticket to a cell block
Meek Mill's first-class ticket to the cell block destination was caused by his illegal activities on the streets.
Just to get some Polo and some shell tops
All Meek Mill wanted was expensive shoes and clothing that he couldn't afford without selling drugs.
Cold world and they say hell's hot
The world is a cruel place, and people say that hell is hot, but Meek Mill experienced something far worse than that.
But it ain't hotter than that choppa when them shells drop
The only thing hotter and more dangerous than hell is the gunfire from a weapon when you hear bullets hit the ground.
Man, I seen niggas play that block and get they bell rocked
Meek Mill has seen people get beat up so badly that they are left dazed and confused.
Cops cleared the scene and I was back by twelve o'clock
The cops will come, break up the fighting, and Meek Mill would be back on the street corner selling drugs by midnight.
Tryna get it, Dickies on and my fitted
Meek Mill was wearing branded clothes like Dickies and hats.
Gun in my draws, duckin' the law, I'm all with it
Meek Mill was carrying a gun in his pants, avoiding the police, and he was all-in with his illegal activities.
Money, cars and clothes, I wanted 'em all, nigga
Meek Mill wanted all the luxury that life can offer, like money, cars, and expensive clothing.
I never was good at hoopin', I wanted to ball, nigga
Meek Mill wasn't a good basketball player, but he wanted to achieve success in his own way, like selling drugs to make money.
'Cause the OG's sold keys and I had no cheese
Meek Mill was influenced by older drug dealers, and he didn't have much money at the time.
Coppers lock me, beat me down like I was Cochise
The police arrested and beat up Meek Mill as if he was the infamous Cochise because of his illegal activities.
Old fiends coppin' work due to their old dreams
Older drug addicts would buy drugs because of their previous aspirations and they became addicted.
They got shattered, it ain't matter cause we thirst cream
The older drug addicts' dreams didn't matter because Meek Mill and his crew were thirsty for more money.
Niggas servin' niggas moms just to make a flip
People were selling drugs to others' mothers, which would make them rich quickly.
Homies murder other homies just to make a brick
Friends were killing their own friends for the sake of significant drug money.
Most my niggas done got busted tryna take a hit
Most of Meek Mill's friends got arrested because they got caught trying to sell drugs.
The feds were lurkin', we was servin', they was takin' flicks
The authorities were always watching, Meek Mill and his crew were selling drugs, and the feds were taking pictures as evidence.
This how it goes down in the jungle
The streets are a jungle, dangerous and unforgiving.
Where niggas learn to shoot before they could rumble
In the streets, one must learn how to handle a gun before they can even fight.
Cops rush in, they gon' kick in the front door
The police will raid homes, kicking in the front door.
And if they chase you better hope you don't stumble
If the police chase you through the streets, if you trip and fall, you're going to get caught.
I wanted Polo with some shell tops
Meek Mill craved designer shoes and clothing.
I just wanted Polo and some shell tops
All Meek Mill wanted was expensive clothing and shoes from Polo and Shell.
And I was out there tryna sell rocks
Meek Mill was selling drugs to make money for his expensive taste.
'Cause I wanted Polo and some shell tops
Meek Mill's sole motivation for selling drugs was to afford Polo and Shell clothing and shoes.
I done seen close neighbors lose hope
Meek Mill has seen his neighbors and friends lose hope and fall victim to the streets.
Fall victim to the streets and start to use dope
Meek Mill's friends and neighbors were becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol as a result of their bad experiences in the streets.
I used to load my gun before I went to school first
Meek Mill was so afraid of getting into a fight on the way to school that he would load his gun ahead of time.
It's crazy niggas wanna kill me, we was cool first
Meek Mill can't understand why some of his ex-friends now want him dead after they were previously cool with each other.
And when it comes to friends you can't let 'em too close
Meek Mill can't trust any of his friends and has learned to keep them all at a distance.
That's why they call 'em close friends
People call them close friends because you trust them with your life.
You turn your back they move first (move first)
You can't even turn your back on a close friend because they might try to hurt you first.
And I just bought a new Ghost (new Ghost)
Meek Mill just bought a new Rolls-Royce Ghost, which is a luxurious car.
And a crib out on that new coast (new coast)
Meek Mill has a new house on the West Coast of the United States.
And it all started from a dolla
Meek Mill has come a long way from where he started, which was selling drugs for a single dollar.
Runnin' from the law, scuffin' up my Pradas
Meek Mill was running from the police and ruining his expensive Prada shoes while doing so.
Crack all in my draws, tryna make a profit
Meek Mill had drugs in his pants, and he was trying to make money off of them.
All I wanted was some shells and some Polo for my closet, aw
Meek Mill is still obsessed with designer clothing and shoes from Polo and Shell, even when he doesn't have to sell drugs to afford them.
Drug money, turn to blood money
Meek Mill is acknowledging that drug money is earned through violence and is essentially blood money.
I only roll with niggas that'll take a slug for me
Meek Mill only trusts people who are willing to defend him with their life.
No matter what it is, I'ma pay that bail money
Meek Mill will always pay the bail money to get his friends out of jail, no matter what they did to get arrested.
To get my niggas right, my niggas for life
Meek Mill is willing to do whatever it takes to help his friends who are like family.
This how it goes down in the jungle
Meek Mill reiterates how dangerous and chaotic the streets are.
Where niggas learn to shoot before they could rumble
Meek Mill reminds us again that people have to learn how to use guns before they can even physically fight.
Cops rush in', they gon' kick in the front door
Meek Mill repeats that the police can raid homes, and will use force.
And if they chase you better hope you don't stumble
Meek Mill is also reminding listeners that if the police chase you, you better not let your guard down.
I wanted Polo with some shell tops
Meek Mill has mentioned his affinity for designer shoes and clothing, specifically from Polo and Shell brands.
I just wanted Polo and some shell tops
Meek Mill's singular goal was to own some Polo and Shell designer items.
And I was out there tryna sell rocks
Meek Mill was selling drugs on the streets to afford his dream of owning luxury designer items.
'Cause I wanted Polo and some shell tops (shell tops)
For Meek Mill, selling drugs was just a means to an end – owning coveted designer shoes from popular brands like Polo and Shell.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Robert Williams, Carl Mccormick
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@doggyg29
This whole album was fucking fire and totally underrated
@zl8652
get rich or die tryin of the 2010s
@zaivinski
@@zl8652 fr tho
@benettmaley1544
Meek’s most underrated song
@fuse911
Facts.
@jakerussell636
I agree
@313Martin
Hell nah!! He got a few of em though
@trevorb6000
Facts. This in my top 5 meek tracks
@doobielive2497
Ain’t Too Many Real One’s. That’s Why We Still Here Listening To This 🔥. We Real One’s 💪
@PilotxToBase
"When it comes to friends, you can't let them too close. That's why they call them close friends, you turn your back they move first." <---- Realist shit I've heard lately. I needed to hear this.