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.
Ready Or Not
Meek Mill Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They say your brains most creative in your sleep (in your sleep)
See they say in the sleep state
The brain thinks much more visually (much more visually)
And intuitively (and intuitively)
(Ha ha)
Ha, what is this? (What is this?)
Maybach Music (Maybach Music)
As dream chasers (dream chasers)
We accomplish that wide awake (wide awake)
Turn everything up a little bit in the headphones (in the headphones)
You ready? (You ready, you ready, you ready)
(All-star, all star)
Ready or not (ready or not), here I come (here I come)
You can't hide, nigga, I'm too damn fly (too damn fly)
Sippin' all of this purple, it got me too damn high
They say they down for the team but playin' two damn sides
I'm like, "Niggas ain't loyal" (no), "Niggas ain't loyal" (no)
And these voices in my head sayin' niggas ain't for you (nah)
And when you gettin' money these niggas'll aim for you (fire)
And when its lookin' sunny these niggas'll rain on you
It's a dark cloud over me, money took control of me
I'm barely gettin' time to see my son and that shit hurtin' me
Baby mama trippin' out, I tell her to work with me
I'm on probation still strapped 'cause niggas want to murder me
And lately I've been gettin' faded (faded)
Cut a couple homies off 'cause them niggas hatin' (they hatin')
And all these bitches wanna fuck me 'cause a nigga made it (I made it)
I'm gettin' paper heart cold as the refrigerator
Young nigga gettin' money
Young nigga gettin' money
Young nigga go and get it, yeah (get it, yeah)
And ain't a damn thing change but the bezel on my Rollie
And the diamonds in my chain, yeah
(As dream chasers we consider ourselves a creative upper class
When it comes to ideas, we're just in a different tax bracket)
Gangsta Grillz, you bastards (gangsta, gangsta, gangsta)
Young rich nigga quarter, milli' worth of jewels (jewels)
Bad bitch with me tryin' blow me like a fuse (fuse)
Just to get a bag or maybe a pair of shoes (shoes)
Ain't it crazy what your lady'll do for a pair of Loubs (Loubs huh)
Big dreams turn to big things
I've been waitin' on this day since I was sixteen (sixteen)
Big chains, Aston Martin as I switch lanes (skrrt)
Before I ever made a hit, I had a wrist game
In the kitchen with them thangs, tryin' make a killin' (killin')
We in the buildin', every other month I make a million (yeah)
Any niggas talkin' reckless 'cause they think I'm chillin'
'Til I put some money on they head, yeah, make em' feel it
Have they own homies do him like they never knew him (fuck him)
I'll have O Melly walk up on him when we run into him (fire)
Close range shorty have him put somethin' through him
So I hope you're ready 'cause we heavy and we comin' for ya (for ya)
Young nigga gettin' money
Young nigga gettin' money
Young nigga go and get it, yeah (get it, yeah)
And ain't a damn thing change but the bezel on my Rollie
And the diamonds in my chain, yeah
(Dreamchasers 2, we decided to share the wealth again
Care to join us?)
The meek shall inherit the earth (the earth)
So I'ma own this bitch until I'm buried in dirt (buried in dirt)
I only roll with niggas that'll carry me to my hearse (my hearse)
Blessings from my grandma, she carried me to that church
And I don't know why, I just feel like I'm the one (one)
They label me a victim but now look what I become (come)
Or should I say became, I don't do it for the fame
I'm for what they never make it but I went against the grain
Charges out against my name
Assassination to my character
Life's a bitch, she cheated on me but I married her
Niggas gettin' murdered, this shit is gettin' scarier
Dodgin' all the pot holes, jumpin' all the barriers
And if she a bitch, I feel like I just got in that pussy
Shorty wanna be a star, that's why she poppin' that pussy
She tryna win (tryna win) so she hang amongst winners
That's why I take the time just to pray at mom's dinner (I pray)
'Cause I remember, cold nights not the winter (not the winter)
Not the weather I'm talkin' about within us (within us)
'Cause for that money, sins they get committed
And friends they get to splittin'
Divided just like division
So e'rrday that I wake up, my undivided attention
It goes to gettin' my cake up and stayin' out of them prisons
Yeah, the system made me stronger (stronger)
And bein' broke just gave me my hunger (my hunger)
I'm gone (I'm gone, I'm gone, I'm gone)
Nigga like me I walk around, fear no man (no man)
I don't owe you niggas shit (shit, shit)
Every nigga you see around me (see around me, see around me)
That's the niggas that's with me (that's with me, money)
Unless they in jail or dead or somethin' (dead or somethin', dead or somethin')
Nigga livin' life like fuck all you niggas (fuck all you niggas)
Ya feel me? (Ya feel me, ya feel me, ya feel me)
The Meek Mill song READY OR NOT touches on a range of themes, from drugs to fame and its corrupting influences. The song kicks off with Maybach Music's signature sound, immediately catching the attention of the listener. The opening lyrics, "They say your brains most creative in your sleep" allude to the idea that Meek is always thinking and creating, even when seemingly at rest. He then goes into a rap about being too high, too famous, and too wealthy.
Throughout the song, he speaks on what it's like to be on probation, the fact that disloyalty is all around him, and that even some of his supposed friends would kill him for money. Meek Mill also mentions the sacrifices he has made to become wealthy, and the people he has had to leave behind because of it. He touches on how he's barely able to see his child because of his obligations, which is causing him internal pain. He has also cut some of his friends off in the midst of his ascent.
Through the lyrics, Meek Mill appears to be conveying a message to anyone listening to his music, that life in the fast lane is not what it appears on the surface. While the songs he produces are filled with the glitz and glam of a lavish lifestyle, he appears to be cognizant of the harsh truths that can sometimes come with such a life, rising above them to do what he believes is best for himself and his loved ones.
Line by Line Meaning
They say your brains most creative in your sleep (in your sleep)
Research suggests that the brain processes visual and intuitive ideas more effectively during sleep.
And intuitively (and intuitively)
The brain is proficient in making intuitive decisions during the state of rest.
As dream chasers (dream chasers)
We pursue our goals and aspirations relentlessly.
We accomplish that wide awake (wide awake)
We achieve our dreams and goals through hard work and dedication.
You ready? (You ready, you ready, you ready)
Are you prepared for what is coming?
They say they down for the team but playin' two damn sides
People claim loyalty towards a group, but their actions reveal their disloyalty.
I'm like, "Niggas ain't loyal" (no), "Niggas ain't loyal" (no)
It is difficult to find loyal friends and associates these days.
And when you gettin' money these niggas'll aim for you (fire)
People will try to bring you down when you become successful.
And all these bitches wanna fuck me 'cause a nigga made it (I made it)
Women are attracted to successful men.
Big dreams turn to big things
Ambitious aspirations have the potential to turn into substantial accomplishments.
I've been waitin' on this day since I was sixteen (sixteen)
I have been working towards success since a young age.
Gangsta Grillz, you bastards (gangsta, gangsta, gangsta)
Referring to DJ Drama's Gangsta Grillz mixtape brand.
Ain't it crazy what your lady'll do for a pair of Loubs (Loubs huh)
Women are willing to do extraordinary things for luxury items.
Charges out against my name
I have legal issues and accusations against me.
Assassination to my character
People are attempting to tarnish my reputation and credibility.
Life's a bitch, she cheated on me but I married her
Life can be difficult, but it is something we need to accept and embrace.
And friends they get to splittin' Divided just like division
Friends often divide when there's money involved.
So e'rrday that I wake up, my undivided attention
Every day I am dedicated to my goals and aspirations.
Nigga like me I walk around, fear no man (no man)
I am a confident and fearless individual.
I don't owe you niggas shit (shit, shit)
I do not owe anyone anything.
Every nigga you see around me (see around me, see around me)
Everyone around me is a part of my team.
That's the niggas that's with me (that's with me, money)
My associates and teammates are loyal and dedicated to success.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Robert Rihmeek Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind