On Monday, November 6, Maybach Music’s Meek Mill was sentenced to spend 2-4 years in prison as a result of a probation violation. The judge’s decision stems from two arrests the rapper racked up this year.
Immediately after news of the announcement broke, fans and industry peers took to social media to pan the sentence and show support for the rapper.
The question is, should we feel sorry for Meek? It’s important to understand the full spectrum of Meek’s situation and the timeline that has led to this latest sentence.
It all started in 2005 when he caught a case for (illegally) possessing a firearm and assaulting the police. He was given probation — which he violated three years later. The year was 2008.
Meek had caught another case for drug dealing and gun possession for which he received an 11-to-23-month prison sentence. He was released early in 2009 after he landed (another) five-year parole agreement. Then, he violated probation again in 2014 by ignoring travel rules and making unauthorized trips — including a few to meet (then) girlfriend Nicki Minaj. He spent four months behind bars before being re-released.
He once again violated probation in 2016 by submitting a suspicious urine sample and (again) changing his court-approved travel schedule.
At this point, his lawyer Frank DeSimone painted a picture of Meek as someone who — though irresponsible — was making positive life changes. “He wouldn’t be who he is if you sent him to the state penitentiary in 2009 … he wouldn’t be Meek Mill,” he told Judge Genece Brinkley.
It was during this specific hearing that Minaj spoke on his behalf. “He doesn’t have a lot of structure … he can be irresponsible,” she said. “Since I’ve come in his life, I think I’ve been working on that a little bit … He’s just getting accustomed to being an adult.”
Meek himself also told the judge that “everything is riding on the line,” noting that money, success and his ego got the best of him (as per a tweet by Philadelphia journalist Bobby Allyn).
It’s important to note that during this period, Meek was (admittedly) battling an addiction to both lean and Percocet. He’s spoken about it in multiple interviews. In his own words, he got “lost in the sauce.”
As well, up to this point the argument hadn’t so much been if Meek had in fact violated probation or not. Rather, it was that he was dealt a rough hand and — though he’d made mistakes — was making strides at overcoming and using his celebrity to makes changes and be a better person/role model.
Unconvinced, the judge sentenced him to 90 days of house arrest, starting March 1, and (again) to six additional years of probation.
That brings us to this week. Just days after it was announced that the Philly rapper would be heading back to prison. Though prosecutors recommended that he be given no jail time, the judge was thoroughly uninterested in extending any further leniency, stating that while his two most recent charges were dropped (albeit, one was dropped on the condition that he perform community service, so not scot-free), the fact that he was arrested at all was a breach of his probation.
Prosecutors also (allegedly) provided evidence of failed drugs tests, according to one report.
Lawyers, according to a report by CBS, noted that he’d been off drugs since January and had complied with most (though not all) requirements of probation.
While these charges, which were dropped — we can be clear about that — would likely have resulted in basic community service at most for anyone without specific parole guidelines set out for them, many (including JAY-Z) view the judge’s “heavy-handed” approach as unjust.
But, is it? While Meek has apparently made positive strides, amid his numerous pleas for mercy over the years, with 2016 being perhaps his last chance to get it right, he’s still managed to find himself in trouble, engaging in activity that has violated particular terms he and his legal team agreed to.
Parole, to be clear, isn’t absolute freedom. There are conditions that must be adhered to.
The prison system is far from perfect; it’s factually biased against minorities. Many Hip Hop artists and singers who have found themselves under the microscope of the law — and consequently on parole — have in the past been vocal about feeling overly targeted or held back from being able to move on with their lives. But this ignores the fact that artists are public figures, and it’s hard not to be under a (perhaps) unfairly larger microscope.
But, that isn’t necessarily the reason many have found themselves violating probation guidelines. Many of the violations were the results of poor decisions they should have been avoided, knowing that they’re being watched more carefully than an everyday parolee.
Pimp C, for example, violated parole by failing to uphold his agreed-upon community service obligations and spent four years behind bars. Foxy Brown was locked up for violating probation after she smacked her neighbor in the face with a cellphone. Beanie Sigel violated probation by associating with a known felon, and by taking an unauthorized trip to Atlantic City to gamble.
Boosie Badazz (then-Lil Boosie) found his jail time doubled after he left his home multiple times while serving house arrest awaiting sentencing for a gun charge he caught back in 2008.
Gucci Mane violated probation after being pulled over while driving on the wrong side of the road back in 2010. Much like Meek, he was found to have violated probation even though the charges in that particular incident were eventually dropped.
A huge supporter of Meek, T.I., has also had his share of poor decision making moments. Similarly to Meek, he violated probation early on in his career, stemming from a series of charges against him including possession of drugs and a firearm. He’s since faced many legal setbacks, most notably his arrest hours before the 2007 BET Awards for attempting to purchase some next-gen weaponry from an undercover police officer.
DJ Akademiks and Joe Budden made some interesting points on November 7’s episode of Everyday Struggle. “If we’re going to be that sad for this, we need to just tackle the system,” Akademiks said. “I’ve talked to multiple people who have been through the system [in Philly], and they’ve all said ‘Meek Mill has gotten way more opportunity than we have.’”
This definitely leads to the argument about Meek’s controversial and heavily contested sentence being the result of racial-bias. Racial inequities within the criminal justice , system — from arrests, convictions, and sentencing — have all been well documented. But Meek — like other celebrities — have the ability to go in front of a judge and argue their positive contribution to the community, and/or personal growth as a means of securing parole. As Akademiks notes, many of those he chatted with expressed that they aren’t afforded the luxury of using celebrity as leverage for second (or fourth) chances.
“We can all agree that he’s been targeted a bunch … but, he’s been afforded way more opportunities than the average black man,” said Akademiks.
Joe Budden added, “For anyone who hasn’t been on probation, [they don’t play] … I don’t think [anyone in Meek’s circle] tapped him and let him know that he needs to modify his lifestyle.” Budden referenced that his team should have helped steer better decisions considering his (current) career trajectory, and noted that it’s unlikely that the court hasn’t been privy to the situations that some members of his team have been involved in.
“They want to see the [positive] example you can set, and I don’t think they’ve seen that with Meek Mill … I think he [probably] had a good idea that he was going in [to prison],” Joe added.
Following the verdict, Meek’s lawyer Joe Tacopina gave several interviews stating the harsh sentencing was “due to Judge Genece Brinkley’s vendetta against the rapper.” He gave a bevy of examples that display what can only be described as an unprofessional attitude toward Meek, which, to be clear, are still just allegations at this point.
Regardless, she still gave Meek plenty of chances — which the rapper and his team have acknowledged in the past — to move straight.
Prison is not a place anybody wants to be, especially someone like Meek, who has noted that a sentence would likely end his career. It’s also not anywhere we should ever want anyone to have to unfairly spend parts of their life, but should Meek’s celebrity afford him unlimited do-overs?
There is, without question, an issue with unjust incarcerations in the United States Of America, and as Budden noted on Everyday Struggle, voting in local elections is one way that people can come together to help make changes to the collective judicial system.
The question is, has Meek truly earned the role of poster child for the fight? Or do we always need to buck the system as a Hip Hop community regardless? Put his music aside, and ask yourself objectively.
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section, below.
The more cats insist on making a low life like Meek Mill the poster boy of injustice the more you undermine the whole movement. He is so clearly not a victim of anything but his own stupidity. There are a lot of delusional and uneducated people who don’t understand that there are consequences and repercussions to your actions. If you are a criminal and you go to jail it’s not injustice, it’s part of the game you signed up for when you decided you were gonna be a lawless wanna be gangster. Real men understand that.
The truest s h i t on the internet right here..
real talk
The poster boy? Hell No…many others deserve that title B4 Him!! because his name & crew was involved wit the Quentin Miller gettin beat up situation, the Safaree situation, the French Montana situation, the Beanie Sigel situation, the Vegas airport situation, failed drug tests, dipping in & out of town without following probation guidelines, rumored to have something to do with the Nicki burglary. They saying even if it ain’t him personally, in their eyes he is responsible bcause he is the head of the team. Needed to move smarter & tell his mans to stand down on a lot of those situations
This is a disgusting article HipHopDx. Have y’all ever wrote an article criticizing Justin Bieber? What Eminem? Yelawolf? All the white “rappers” that constantly found themselves in trouble, have y’all ever wrote an article like this towards them? Because if you have, I’ve never seen it.
Meek’s sentence was a statement to all black people. No excuses for his jail time. The prosecutors literally asked for no jail time. Almost never see that happen. The system is an apartheid state. Sad to see a website that is focused on a black dominated music industry willing to demonize a personification of a rapper aware of the issues in the black community. Y’all should be ashamed of yourselves.
Your delusional reply is the only thing that’s disgusting on this thread, complete lack of accountability
church! I feel exactly the same way.. hhdx is always hating on meek mill, they can’t even do a review of his album or the positive things he does in his community but are always the first to report the negative stuff.. a whole editorial about bullshit.. the black communities are supporting him so these nobody’s ain’t shit
Listen people. If you are on parole, keep yourself clean. You gotta play by the rules even if you do not understand or like them. Meek didnt do that. All the successful rappers or entertainers leave “the life” behind. Meek has to do he same a grow up. And what is the point of keep goons around if they arent going to sell or hold them guns for you?
He got a lot more chances than my husband, who did 5 years for a parole violation. When you are put on probation or granted parole, they make it very clear what you can and can’t do. If you make the decision to cross those lines, there are consequences. I hate to see him have to do time, but it is by his own hand
No
fuck hiphopdx.. u have a black man, a pillar of his community and a father plus a dope MC and y’all writing about his past mistakes.. fuck is wrong with u haters… u have seen the positive changes he has made this year! y’all always only reporting the negative about meek.. its getting old.. but gon praise drake for taking a shit…
Nobody did this to Meek but Meek. Making positive changes is one thing…getting arrested twice in one year while on parole because you keep violating is his own fault. Take accountability!
the alleged fight at the airport, weren’t the charges dropped? if u watched the alleged victim.. he went at the chasers and am sure meek is at a level were he doesn’t have to fight, he has his boys for that, the wheelie well, that’s a misdemeanor which usually Carry’s a fine.. but they charged him with reckless endangerment for not wearing a helmet, charges dropped too, in 6months to be cleared off his record.. now where is the violation there?? Does that sound like something that should land u in jail for 2-4years??? any sensible person can see that its unjust, harsh and unfortunate.. its not about u hating the guy or being a drake fan, its about ‘fairness n justice’
Airport charges dropped after he copped to community service. Not saying I hate the guy at all. Just saying that being arrested twice in one year (regardless of charges were dropped) while on parole is just irresponsible and clearly a violation of parole. He has all the money and resources necessary to stay out of trouble. Yet he hasn’t for 11 years. It doesn’t sound like something that a regular person should get 2-4 years for…but Meek isn’t regular. He knows they are watching him, yet he has kept blowing chance after chance to just stay out of BS and get this over with. Let’s expend energy fighting actual injustice. Plenty of brothers locked up would love to have the opportunity’s he’s been afforded.
Your head is stuck up your ass…lmfao @ pillar of the community, what are you smoking?
u are a dummy.. the guy is rich, used to hit the baddest chick in the game and he is a dope rapper… that’s what u call failure were u r from? lmao!! troll!! its unfortunate that he has been in the system for 11years but that’s how the system is built to keep minorities caged up.. why judge him on past crimes? we are looking this particular sentencing.. its very unjust n harsh… 2-4 for a wheelie? while rapists get house arrest
He’s been in the system for 11 years because he keeps doing dumb shit! Fight for real injustice…not self sabotaging…!
Stop blaming the system for everything!
I believe the important issue to remember is that Meek is making a constant effort for positive life changes and this shows in his everyday life. None of us are perfect by any means so therefore none of us can judge Meeks actions. One should also remember that what a person has done in the past should NOT be used to judge their present character. I personally have suffered with addiction myself and it is NOT something that a person chooses to go through. Many times addiction is onset by the environment that a person was directly put into. This does NOT mean that one CHOSE to be in this enviornment. I honestly believe that Meek is a wonderful man. He is making conscious efforts to improve his life and that in itself is comendable and speaks volumes. Holding someone in prison does NOTHING POSITIVE for ANYONE. IF anything it makes a person even angrier and more negative. Why should we continue to feed negativety? Shouldn’t we be proud to promote postive behavior. Mistakes are inevitable for us ALL in life. As long as we make the effort to stride forward in a positive direction God will bless us all. FREE MEEK!!!!
Oh is that the important issue? So as long as he pretends he’s trying to turn his life around for the cameras he should be exempt from any punishment for his actual criminal behavior. Seems logical.
Hooking up with Nicki was the biggest mistake of Meek’s career. I thought he was going to get out of jail, hit the studio and become the next 2pac. Instead, he hooked up with Nicki and became the lesser-known half of a power couple.
In many cases, probation just sets people up for failure. The judge really expect Meek Mill to jump through hoops for 6 years? It’s unreasonable. I know a dude who caught a case years ago, and he’s been in the system ever since.
Its not undoable. Just follow the law and bam you gonna make it.
IT’S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE….STAY..OUT…OF…TROUBLE…
Gucci showed growth, he was rewarded. Meek mfwethu, ai.
Drake snitched.
The lack of accountability in these responses is sickening… Meek is playing all of you and your sympathies. He thought it would be sweet and he’d get community service for his most recent parole violation (hint words being most recent), so this fool has a history of violating his parole. A HISTORY of this, and he’s been giving all the chances in the world to make changes in his life…he didn’t. Own it and strive to be better, don’t own it after the fact, after the judge dropped that hammer. He was supposed to be making these changes last year and didn’t. I mean I don’t want to see him go to jail either but there are actually innocent people locked up who have no voice, he never considered that when he was out violating parole.
I’m with you 100%. The individuals sticking up for him should really question whether or not he will learn anything if he manages to get out early because of their efforts. I doubt that he would. I think it would make him feel more entitled. He was given plenty of chances. Maybe his time served away from his family and LIV will give him a chance to re-evaluate his decisions and the people around who assist him in impulsive decisions.
What makes the sentence an injustice is the fact that the DA and his probation officer both recommended no jail time. Less then 3 percent of people in Philly are sentence to jail time without a recommendation from the those that are get no more then one year in a local jail. He was sentenced to 2 to 4 years in state prison for a probation violation……..which is a big difference from parole. Probation is local, county…….Parole is state or Federal.
Meek is pure trash
Listen to innanet James
It’s not like hip hop dx will promote him
He’s a grown man. U have to take some responsibility in life. U can’t keep blaming this person or that person. He knew the score .
I have no sympathy for him .