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.
Trauma
Meek Mill Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dreamin' of a fire
Uh, my mama used to pray that she'd see me in Yale
It's fucked up she gotta see me in jail
On the visit with Lil Papi, it hurt even though I seemed to be well
They got a smoker with a key to my cell, damn
And even worst, my judge black don't wanna see me do well
Gave me two to four years like, "Fuck your life, meet me in hell"
And let it burn like Lucifer, you look even stupider
Tryna impress them people in power when power abusin' us
For 44 dollars a hour, you coward they using ya
Is it self-hate that made you send me upstate?
This where the so-called "real niggas" sweeping up for cupcakes
And that's your phone time, if you ain't got no money, you ain't online
Hey call your son, call your daughter just to wish them more prime
Oh God, don't let them streets get a hold of 'em
Your daughter fuckin' now, it's gon be a cold summer
Your son trappin' and your homie givin' O's to him
And if he fuck that paper up, he puttin' holes through him
And you just wanna make it home, so you can show it to him
And them people ain't finna give no parole to ya
They want blood, we all hangin' with a noose on our neck
My celly mom just died, he wanna use my collect
And he won't make it to the wake unless he give 'em a check
We still niggas though, what you expect?
I just won
I was on the corner with the reefa
And they got us warring for our freedom
See my brother blood on the pavement
How you wake up in the mornin' feelin' evil?
Uhh, trauma
When them drugs got a hold of your mama
And the judge got a hold on your father
Go to school, bullet holes in the locker
Ain't no PTSDs, them drugs keep it at ease
They shot that boy 20 times when they could've told him just freeze
Could've put him in a cop car, but they let him just bleed
The ambulance, they coming baby, just breathe
That's what the old lady said when she screamed
This nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th
And in the 13th amendment, it don't say that we kings
They say that we legally slaves if we go to the bing
They told Kaep' stand up if you wanna play for a team
And all his teammates ain't saying a thing (Stay woke)
If you don't stand for nothing, you gon' fall for something
And in the 60's, if you kneeled, you'd prolly be killed
But they don't kill you now, they just take you out of your deal
Kill your account, look where money get spilled
Check it, and they don't kill you now, they just take you out of your deal
Kill your account, look where money get spilled
I just won
I was on the corner with the reefa
And they got us warring for our freedom
See my brother blood on the pavement
How you wake up in the mornin' feelin' evil?
Uhh, trauma
When them drugs got a hold of your mama
And the judge got a hold on your father
Go to school, bullet holes in the locker
How many times you send me to jail to know that I won't fail
Invisible shackles on the king, 'cause shit, I'm on bail
I went from selling out arenas, now shit, I'm on sale
Them cold nights starting to feel like hell, uhh
Watching a black woman take my freedom
Almost made me hate my people
When they label you felon, it's like they telling you they not equal
11 years going to court knowing they might keep you or drive you crazy
23 hours in a cell, somebody save me
I'm on a jail call, tryna explain it to my baby
I gotta do the calendar twice, and that's a maybe
Trauma
I just won
I was on the corner with the reefa
And they got us warring for our freedom
See my brother blood on the pavement
How you wake up in the mornin' feelin' evil?
Uhh, trauma
When them drugs got a hold of your mama
And the judge got a hold on your father
Go to school, bullet holes in the locker
Uhh, trauma
Meek Mill’s “Trauma” takes listeners on a powerful journey through various experiences of trauma. In the first verse, Meek reflects on the disappointment and heartache his mother felt when she saw him in jail instead of at Yale, where she dreamed he would attend. Meek highlights the injustice within the justice system and how even when he is doing well behind bars, he is still controlled by others. He highlights the dehumanizing nature of the prison system and how many young men end up trapped in the system, unable to escape. The second verse focuses on the constant state of fear and violence in inner-city neighborhoods. Meek remembers the murder of his brother, whose blood is still on the pavement. He discusses the impact of drugs on families and how the justice system disproportionately harms black families. Meek talks about the often forgotten reality of schools in the inner city, where students fear for their lives and have to deal with bullet holes in their lockers.
The chorus connects all the disparate experiences of trauma together. Meek suggests that trauma is not just about one person or experience, but rather a shared experience that many black Americans have. Trauma is what happens when police shoot someone and then let them bleed out, while the person's family begs for help. Trauma is when a parent is slowly being destroyed by drugs and can't get the help they need. Trauma is when you grow up in a neighborhood where you can't go to school without worrying about being shot.
Overall, Meek Mill’s lyrics in “Trauma” provide a nuanced view of trauma in America. He highlights how the justice system harms young black men, but also acknowledges how trauma shows up in everyday life. The song acts as a social commentary on the systemic and individual failures of the country.
Line by Line Meaning
Used to be a dreamer
This is how it all started, with a dream of a better life for himself.
Dreamin' of a fire
The fire symbolizes Meek’s passion and energy that can’t be contained.
Uh, my mama used to pray that she'd see me in Yale
Meek’s mother wanted him to go Yale and become successful.
It's fucked up she gotta see me in jail
Instead, Meek ended up in jail, causing pain and disappointment for his mother.
On the visit with Lil Papi, it hurt even though I seemed to be well
Even though he seemed to be okay, Meek was suffering inside, as seeing loved ones behind bars took a toll on him.
They got a smoker with a key to my cell, damn
This line refers to Meek’s time in prison and how his freedom was not only taken away, but he was subjected to terrible conditions.
And even worst, my judge black don't wanna see me do well
The fact that his own judge wasn’t impartial and seemed to have it out for him made things even worse.
It's either that or black people for sale
This line touches on the racism and discrimination faced by the black community.
Gave me two to four years like, "Fuck your life, meet me in hell"
The harsh sentence given to Meek seems like a way to punish him for something unrelated.
And let it burn like Lucifer, you look even stupider
In this case, Lucifer represents the authorities who seem to be punishing people without reason.
Tryna impress them people in power when power abusin' us
Meek is calling out the system that favors those in power and mistreats those who are vulnerable.
For 44 dollars a hour, you coward they using ya
This line touches on the exploitation and manipulation faced by those who work for minimum wage.
Is it self-hate that made you send me upstate?
Meek questions the motives of those who seem to be working against their own people.
This where the so-called "real niggas" sweeping up for cupcakes
Meek shows the irony of how those who are considered "real" are reduced to jobs that aren't respected by society.
And that's your phone time, if you ain't got no money, you ain't online
Meek highlights how even something like phone calls can be an issue in the prison system, especially for those who are poor.
Hey call your son, call your daughter just to wish them more prime
This is a message to everyone to try and stay connected with loved ones, especially when they are in bad situations.
Oh God, don't let them streets get a hold of 'em
Meek understands the dangers and temptations that exist in the streets and hopes that no one has to face them.
Your daughter fuckin' now, it's gon be a cold summer
This line speaks to a father's worst fear and how the situation can feel insurmountable.
Your son trappin' and your homie givin' O's to him
This line refers to the low-income neighborhoods that trap people into a cycle of poverty and crime.
And if he fuck that paper up, he puttin' holes through him
The pressure and fear of failure can cause people to do things that they might not have done otherwise.
And you just wanna make it home, so you can show it to him
People just want to have something to be proud of and want to show their loved ones that they did alright.
And them people ain't finna give no parole to ya
The system is set up in a way that makes it hard for people to get out of negative situations and find a second chance.
They want blood, we all hangin' with a noose on our neck
This line speaks to the societal pressures and expectations that can feel suffocating for some people.
My celly mom just died, he wanna use my collect
This is a reminder that prison can be a horrifying place to be, where support systems are hard to come by.
And he won't make it to the wake unless he give 'em a check
Even in the most difficult situations, some people will try and find ways to exploit and manipulate others.
We still niggas though, what you expect?
This line speaks to the systemic racism and prejudice that exists in society and affects people of color.
I just won
This line speaks to the triumph over adversity and how one can come out stronger from the other side.
I was on the corner with the reefa
This line shows Meek's past and how he used to hang out on the corner.
And they got us warring for our freedom
This is a reminder that the black community has always had a long and difficult fight for freedom and equality.
See my brother blood on the pavement
This line refers to the violence and death that plagues many communities and families.
How you wake up in the mornin' feelin' evil?
This line speaks to the emotional toll that hardships can take on people and how it can affect their outlook on life.
Ain't no PTSDs, them drugs keep it at ease
This line refers to the reality of many people who have to deal with trauma and how they may not have access to professional help.
They shot that boy 20 times when they could've told him just freeze
This is a reminder of the senseless violence and brutality that can be faced by people of color.
Could've put him in a cop car, but they let him just bleed
This line speaks to the incompetence and negligence of the police system that can lead to disastrous outcomes.
The ambulance, they coming baby, just breathe
This is a reminder to have hope even in the bleakest of circumstances.
That's what the old lady said when she screamed
This line shows how people can come together and support each other in times of need.
This nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th
Meek uses these horror movie references to illustrate how some people experience traumatic events like they are in a horror movie.
And in the 13th amendment, it don't say that we kings
This line speaks to the limitations and exclusions faced by people of color in the United States, even in the laws.
They say that we legally slaves if we go to the bing
This line shows how some people can be stuck in a never-ending cycle of prison and poverty that can feel like modern-day slavery.
They told Kaep' stand up if you wanna play for a team
This is a reference to Colin Kaepernick and how he was blacklisted by the NFL for taking a stand.
And all his teammates ain't saying a thing (Stay woke)
This line shows how the lack of support from those who should be allies can feel especially hurtful.
If you don't stand for nothing, you gon' fall for something
This line is a reminder to stay true to one's principles and values.
And in the 60's, if you kneeled, you'd prolly be killed
This line shows how much progress has and hasn't been made in the fight for racial equality.
But they don't kill you now, they just take you out of your deal
This line refers to the corruption and exploitation present in the music industry, where people can lose everything without any violence or threat of violence.
Kill your account, look where money get spilled
This is a warning about the dangers of greed, corruption, and the exploitation of the entertainment industry.
How many times you send me to jail to know that I won't fail
This line shows Meek's determination to succeed despite the obstacles he faces.
Invisible shackles on the king, 'cause shit, I'm on bail
This line shows how even though he is technically out on bail, Meek still feels trapped and constrained by the system.
I went from selling out arenas, now shit, I'm on sale
This line shows the drastic change in circumstances that can happen to someone so quickly.
Them cold nights starting to feel like hell, uhh
This is a reminder that sometimes the most difficult battles are fought in one's own mind.
Watching a black woman take my freedom
This line refers to the systemic racism that plagues the justice system and how it affects people of color.
Almost made me hate my people
This line shows the internal conflict and turmoil that such experiences can cause.
When they label you felon, it's like they telling you they not equal
The label of "felon" can have lasting and damaging implications on a person's life and opportunities.
11 years going to court knowing they might keep you or drive you crazy
This line refers to the mental and emotional toll that the court system can have on people who are caught up in it.
23 hours in a cell, somebody save me
This line speaks to just how difficult and inhumane the conditions inside prison can be.
I'm on a jail call, tryna explain it to my baby
Meek is trying to hold on to whatever sense of normalcy he can, despite being in jail.
I gotta do the calendar twice, and that's a maybe
Meek is struggling to keep track of time and dates while in prison, with no certainty of anything.
Trauma
This word sums up the emotional and psychological pain that is present throughout the song.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Donald E. Cannon, Larrance Levar Dopson, Les Holroyd, Robert Rihmeek Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@reignthahoodhero1020
Championships is really top 5 albums of the year.
@MrGRking
Amerikan Hip-Hop I cant name 1 better or even in its grasp
@mikesimmons2933
I say Meek Championships and Nipsey Victory Lap in the top 2
@johnhill7634
What’s ya top 5 albums of this year?
@Handsome-th8st
Amerikan Hip-Hop https://soundcloud.com/user-44970578/who-can-i-trust meek new artist
@MegaPsycho84
Amerikan Hip-Hop Facts. Here is my personal top five rap albums this year...
1. Championships
2. Kamikaze
3. Dime Trap
4. Victory lap
5. DiCaprio 2
@agreser4475
Everyone saying Meek is back, but he never left he’s been putting out nothing but bangers this whole time!🔥🔥
@mrz.queenchaserz
Fact 👑💯💪🙏
@Stevie0ch0
Facts.
@92retsekoj
The realest