It was only a matter of time before young Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill was recognized for his unique style. His earlier street mixtapes including the Flamerz series were some of his most outstanding work. At the time Meek and his partner (producer Jahlil Beats) had a certain chemistry together that eventually would help influence this generations style. Known for his instantly gratifying, fast paced flows Meek Mill landed on boss man Rick Ross's radar and eventually would become signed to his new label Maybach Music Group. From there young Meek released his Dreamchasers series under the double M umbrella. What caught everyone off guard and most likely solidified his presence was his most recent mixtape was the sequel to Dreamchasers. Album included anthems like A1 featuring Kendrick Lamar and my personal favorite Racked Up Shawty featuring French Montana. For several days following its release Twitter was completely silent and in awe from the project.
Now Meek finally releases his debut project on Maybach Records, Dreams and Nightmares. Album is almost a year in the making, back in February when the album title was revealed via a vlog. Dreams and Nightmares is the title track for the intro to the album. Pleasant dreams are rapped for about the first 2 minutes, but from there Beat Bully pulls a 180 for the Nightmares portion of the record. Get ready to slowly break your neck. What it took for Meek to get to this point in his life was clearly a struggle and you can feel his pain throughout the song.
Black Metaphor laces the track In God We Trust, which is nothing special. Consistant record where Meek goes all the way with no feature. He can do that. His energy zones you. Young And Gettin It is the third single from the album and features Texas hook prince Kirko Bangz with the auto tune influence. Even Meek gets juicy with the sound. Jahlil Beats shows versatility in his production. Traumatized immediately sounds of something different and shows promise. Come to find the beat is composed by grammy award winning producer Boi-1da. Have to replay this one real quick.
Rick Ross makes a few appearances on his young proteges debut album. Believe It would be the first of three. Nothing less of a grunge street album produced by Young Shun. This next song feels like some serious power moves were made. Maybach Curtains produced by DJ Infamous features Nas, John Legend and Rick Ross. I almost want to say this record originally owned by Rick Ross, but was maybe passed down the legacy. Nas stands out like always. Amen was the first single released back in June. Frito Lay seems to be a hot line amongst the crew by the way. Drake lends his super star shine and Jeremiah completes the song with background vocals. Key Wane and Jahlil Beats bring us to church with this one.
Young Kings points out all of Meek Mill's latest riches. His life has changed drastically in a public sense since he signed on with music and business mogul Rick Ross. Its only right for him to write about and expand on his luxurious lifestyle. Lee Major fits the beat with the flow perfect. High pitched sounds from Trey Songz speak on Lay Up. Songz has always stood out with his different sound and flow and its prominent on this future single produced by another award winning producer Kane Beatz. Maybach Music is in the building with another feature from Rick Ross as well as Wale. Tony Story Pt. 2 leaked over the summer and was overlooked, but second time around this Boi-1da beat resonates with me instantly.
Who Your Around is another potential single. Somehow Mary J Blige keeps making the cut on all of these young and hungry artist debut projects ergo Kendrick Lamar good kid m.A.A.d city. I am not mad at her. She is already in the hip hop hall of fame. Throughout Dreams and Nightmares Meek Mill contrasts the positive dreams and strengths that he has with his hardest times in life. Polo And Shell Tops is the Nightmare part of the previous song. At times the album blends together well, but is rudely interrupted with radio jams and fillers. Cardiak is a hot producer with a hot beat on Polo And Shell Tops.
Another Jahlil Beats production featuring artist Louie V. This tempo of the track is something different from what a Jahlil beat sounds like. Interesting piano riffs and eerie echoes keep me interested. To end the album Real Niggas Come First recognizes what is really important to Meek Mill. That is being true to himself and the music. The album Dreams And Nightmares is an easy listen. I feel like the idea and image of the album are perfect, but wasn't necessarily executed as well as it could have been. For being a mainstream rap album it serves the community well.
-Burn is included on the Deluxe Version of the album-
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