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.
Use to Be
Meek Mill Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I use to be a use to
I use to be a use to
I use to be a use to
I used to grind in the dirt
I used to cry to 'til it hurt
I will look up to the heavens
When is my time gonna come
But I never got use to
Being what I use to, be
Said I use to be a use to
But I never got use to
Being what I use to be
I was never use to niggas that was use to
Being broke so I started selling coke
Times got hard was selling soap
Scheming just like the preacher in church he selling hope
Now I'm getting older, heart getting colder
Looking at my son while his head lay on my shoulder
Thinking in my head will I make it to see him grow up
Or will I catch a bullet from something these niggas throwing
Trying to take me out, in the hood trying to make it out
Niggas plotting on me cops all staking out
Trying to get a couple bricks so I can make a house
Close friends hating on me really trying to play me out
Damn, but niggas couldn't deal with me
If they had blackjack my shooters would still hit them
North side of Philly where it's real gritty
And dirty at where everyday they murder at
[Chorus]
When I was young I started planning it out
My daddy got killed I was the man of the house
By the age of 16 man them hammers was out
So when niggas trying to hit me I'm just handing them out
Cause I ain't trying to see my mom crying, and my sis mourning
So I'mma let this little Mac 11 rip on them
Louis Vuitton sneaks watch the blood drip on them
For all the times I bled the tears I shed
Every time I made money it was here I said
And if my niggas asked for it it was yeah I said
Selling butter just to get the fam bread I spread
I got married to the streets and it was here I wed
Cause I was never used to being what I use to
Started off walking now the Rolls Royce a coup too
I'mma let the top down every time I shoot through
To give them motivation even though I know they hating
[Chorus]
The man with the gold makes the rules
And one who makes the rules break the rules
Some niggas make it alive, some make the news
It's either family or money, I hate to choose
Cause you need money just to feed the fam, the family keep you cool
Got a nigga on the papers still I keep the tool
Niggas heard I'm getting money so they creeping though
I keep my hand up on that hammer what's for me to do?
Let these niggas kill me?
Try to line me up so they can rail me?
I'm just giving you the real me
Started with a dollar now I got it and I'm filthy
[Chorus]
The song "Use To Be" by Meek Mill is a reflection on his past struggles and how he has evolved as a person over time. In the chorus of the song, Meek Mill reflects on his past and how he had to work hard to get where he is now. He talks about how he used to grind in the dirt and cry until it hurt, looking up at the heavens for guidance. However, he never got used to being what he used to be. The chorus reflects the feelings of someone who has worked hard to overcome their past but still struggles to fully leave it behind.
Meek Mill then goes on to describe the challenges he faced when he first started selling coke. He mentions how times got hard and he had to start selling soap. Meek Mill then talks about how he has evolved over time and how his heart has grown colder. He reflects on how he worries he might not get to see his son grow up because of the dangerous lifestyle he leads. He talks about how people are plotting against him and how he has to be vigilant all the time.
Meek Mill ends the song by reflecting on how far he has come. He talks about how he started from nothing and now owns a Rolls Royce. He also reflects on how he is feared by others and how he has kept a gun with him at all times to defend himself. Overall, the song is a reflection on Meek Mill's journey from a kid in the hood to a successful rapper. It is a powerful reminder of the struggles that people face on their way to success.
Line by Line Meaning
I use to be a use to
There was a time when I was useful to myself and others
I used to grind in the dirt
I used to work very hard and not get much in return
I used to cry to 'til it hurt
I used to be very emotional and express my feelings through tears
I will look up to the heavens
I will pray to God and ask for guidance
When is my time gonna come
I wonder when I will finally achieve the success that I have been working for
But I never got use to Being what I use to be
I could never go back to how things used to be, even though it was a time when I was useful
I was never use to niggas that was use to
I was not accustomed to people who were used to being poor and struggling financially
Being broke so I started selling coke
Since I was struggling financially, I resorted to selling drugs for money
Scheming just like the preacher in church he selling hope
I was like a preacher, selling hope to those who needed it, but in my case, I was selling drugs
Now I'm getting older, heart getting colder
As I am growing older, I am becoming less emotional and more jaded
Looking at my son while his head lay on my shoulder
As I hold my son, I think about the future and wonder if I will live long enough to see him grow up
Trying to take me out, in the hood trying to make it out
People are trying to kill me, but I am still trying to survive and make it out of the neighborhood
Close friends hating on me really trying to play me out
Even my closest friends are turning against me and trying to sabotage my success
When I was young I started planning it out
From a young age, I had a plan for my life
My daddy got killed I was the man of the house
When my father was killed, I became responsible for taking care of my family
So when niggas trying to hit me I'm just handing them out
When people try to attack me, I fight back and defend myself
Cause I ain't trying to see my mom crying, and my sis mourning
I do not want to witness the pain and suffering of my family members if something were to happen to me
I'mma let this little Mac 11 rip on them
I am willing to use violence to protect myself and my family
The man with the gold makes the rules
The person with the money has the power and influence
It's either family or money, I hate to choose
I have to choose between the needs of my family and the desire for money
Got a nigga on the papers still I keep the tool
Even though I am being watched by the police, I still carry a weapon for protection
Niggas heard I'm getting money so they creeping though
People are trying to come after me because they know I have money
I keep my hand up on that hammer what's for me to do?
I have no choice but to protect myself with a gun
I'm just giving you the real me
I am being honest and genuine with my audience
Started with a dollar now I got it and I'm filthy
I started with very little money, but now that I have become successful, I have more money than I know what to do with
Contributed by Chase T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jeff Gonzalez
2022 and still getting motivation from this track 💯💯💯
Loose Cannon
Fashooo
SOLO DA RYDA _STRONGARM ENT
I swear 💯🎯
⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻
WE HERE
Tha Mufuckin funny House
Facts I’m still here playing this now
LabarbieMiya
U bettttta know it... 💪🔥🔥
Gildo Rogerio
His ability to make you feel his pain through his lyrics is unbelievable💯
Trae Billz
2023 & THIS STILL HIT DIFFERENT 💫🥶🔥
Throwaway Account
Word! Takes me back
Jaime Smith
This mixtape is and always be a masterpiece one of my favorite songs off here.