Meek Mill cannot catch a break. Breaking into the mainstream in 2012 with his debut album Dreams and Nightmares, the Philly rapper became instantly known for his aggressive delivery, uncompromisingly raw lyricism, and attachment to his own city's streets. Meek's profile continued to skyrocket with his sophomore album, as well as a much-publicized relationship with
Nicki Minaj. But in 2015, he became the butt of many jokes online during his beef with Drake, in which he was blasted with memes but retorted on a recent mixtape.
Always, he stressed his authenticity, his pen and his Philly roots as the antithesis to those who hated him. But Meek has been a unique victim of the Philadelphia justice system, remaining on virtually endless probation for a 2008 weapons and drug charge. He did eight months in prison for the charge, and then an additional five months in 2013 for leaving the city of Philadelphia on tour without notifying his probation officer. His probation was extended to a staggering 10 years, and he was placed on house arrest in early 2016 for once again leaving the city.
Meek Mill was essentially chained to Philadelphia by his probation, extending into a decade-long absurdity. Now, Meek has been sentenced to 2-4 years in prison for a fight at an airpot and illegal dirt bike riding in the streets of Philadelphia. However, the charges in the St Louis airport fight were dropped, so the only active charge against him was for dirt bike riding, hardly a crime that merits years in jail. He also failed a urine test for marijuana, but anyone with an ounce of credibility would understand that every rapper and 50% of millennials could be sentenced to prison right now on that basis. The scandal is that Meek has been on probation since the start of Obama's first term.
Jay-Z, rap's perennial godfather, called the sentence "unjust and heavy handed" in a statement on Facebook.
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"The sentence handed down by the Judge – against the recommendation of the Assistant District Attorney and Probation Officer – is unjust and heavy-handed. We will always stand by and support Meek Mill, both as he attempts to right this wrongful sentence and then in returning to his musical career."
Comedian Kevin Hart, who has hung out and joked with Meek and the Dreamchasers on multiple occasions after shows, offered words for support:
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Southern rap legend T.I., posting a photo of himself with Meek from years ago, when he had long braids, was similarly disappointed.
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The basketball world was also displeased with Meek being jailed for years for such a minor infraction.
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Maybach Music, Meek's signed label, run by Rick Ross, anticipated his eventual return:
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Radio personalities also spoke up:
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In summation, Meek Mill's trouble from the law has not stemmed from any serious crime since 2008. He has instead suffered an endless probation, and has been incarcerated only for smoking marijuana and dirt bike riding. Does this look like criminality worthy of jail to you? A just system would fine him and move on. But in America, incarceration is always looming.
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When Meek gets out of jail, we can be assured he'll destroy the game with Bobby Shmurda by his side. But until then, it's long nights in a locked cell. As 21 Savage would say, "ain't nothing new".
