Meek Mill’s debut album drops October 30th. Yours truly took an early listen. Find out if it’s worth buying.
Grade: B-
1) “Dreams and Nightmares”
This intro is a tough, raw track of straight lyrics with no chorus, hook, or break. Meek sounds like he is getting all of his thoughts out and gives us a taste of what the album is going to be about: struggle and triumph. It’s a great way to start off. Rapping with intensity from the gut, Meek ends the killer track with two words: “I’m gone!”
2) “In God We Trust”
Meek slows down his flow for this track. He talks about facing jail and life in the hood. The chorus is catchy with the line, “for the love of the money.” Meek tells listeners to stay in school, stay at work, and to stay with their family. The moral? Hood life isn’t for everyone.
3) “Young and Gettin’ It” featuring Kirko Bangz
Most of us have heard this song as it is heating up the radio airwaves and I must admit this is a straight club track. Whether you’re throwing money, popping bottles, or dancing; you are feeling this song. I’m not a fan of the auto-tune though; it doesn’t fit Meek Mill’s style.
4) “Traumatized”
This is another hood story where Meek raps about his father being killed and having to become the man of the house very young. You can hear the hurt and anger in his voice. The chorus is good, but the “I know” part cutting in while he is rapping sounds discordant.
5) “Believe It” featuring Rick Ross
One of the memorable lines of this song comes from Ross, “I got that Justin Bieber, please believe it.” This beat goes hard and is the type that you blast in your car or your headphones. I love Rick Ross’ verse, especially his big-ups to the late Godmother, Griselda Blanco.
6) “Maybach Curtains” featuring Nas, Rick Ross, and John Legend
“Look how far we came,” sums up what the song is about. Each rapper talks about their humble beginnings and where they are now. Their stories are different, but each achieved greater than they could ever imagine. This was a descent track about their come-ups.
7) “Amen” featuring Drake
CHUUUUUUUURCHHH…. and that’s all I’m going to say about this heavily rotated song.
8) “Young Kings”
Meek recognizes his friends as young kings, not just himself which says a lot about his character. He raps about them balling out and essentially living like royalty. The beat has a regal influence, especially with the horns.
9) “Lay Up” featuring Wale, Rick Ross, and Trey Songz
This song is about being with women, but not necessarily trying to fall in love. Trey’s voice makes the song smoother and each rapper compliments each other as Maybach Music Group usually does. The song is upbeat, giving it club potential.
10) “Tony Story” (Part 2)
If you’ve heard “Dreamchasers,” then you are already familiar with the first “Tony Story.” The first part was much better because the song had consistency. The pianos in part 2 created too much of a soft feel for a tough track. In reference to content, the story was great; I just wish it were to a different beat.
11) “Who You’re Around” featuring Mary J. Blige
Seems like Mary is doing a lot of features lately, but I can’t be mad at the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul. Vocally she sounds great. This is a cautionary tale. Be wary of who you call your friends because those same people can stab you in the back.
12) “Polo & Shell Tops”
Classic Meek. He talks about people shooting before fighting and what the hood lifestyle is like.
13) “Rich & Famous” featuring Louie V
I wasn’t really a fan of this track. It came off as corny talking about buying love and everyone wanting to be rich and famous. Riches and fame don’t last forever, and if love is based on that, it won’t either. I’m not feeling the message of materialism being everything. Meek can do better, and Louie V’s auto-tune hurt the song.
14) “Real Niggas Come First”
The title sums up what the song is about. He also adds that real bitches are first, bad bitches are second, and freak bitches are third. Basically realness trumps looks, money, and so-called swag.
Bonus Tracks
15) “Burn” featuring Big Sean
This can’t really be considered a bonus since it was on “Dreamchasers 2,” but all the same it’s a good song. Big Sean’s verse was especially memorable, throwing his cousin $20,000 for graduating college.
16) “Freak Show” featuring Sam Sneak and 2 Chainz
Three words: strip club music. I know the ladies at Sin City, King of Diamonds, and wherever else are getting down to this one and fellas are definitely making it rain.
I expected more from Meek Mill. He said in an interview that the album was going to be more fluid than his mixtapes, which it is, but it is also of the same quality. Some tracks can be redundant. This seems to happen with a lot of artists who drop tons of mixtapes before their actual album. Still, I would recommend buying it because there are a lot of hot tracks and Meek makes his songs relatable to every hood, not just his.
Fav tracks: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, and 12
