A large group of Meek Mill fans and Rick Ross turned out in support of the incarcerated rapper at Monday’s (November 13) Rally For Meek, which took place outside the Criminal Justice Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Meek, whose real name is Robert Williams, was sentenced to two to four years in prison for violating probation stemming from a 2008 drug and gun conviction. The sentence has been deemed unjust by some, inspiring a petition for the Dreamchasers founder’s freedom.
I stand for @meekmill. I hope my city does the same. pic.twitter.com/DknOaaGrwG
— Black Thought (@blackthought) November 13, 2017
Many in the Hip Hop community, including JAY-Z and Black Thought, have stood up for Meek and criticized the sentence handed down by Judge Genece Brinkley as being too harsh. Meek’s hometown fans took it a step further by showing up in full force on the streets of Philadelphia for the rally, which was highlighted by the attendance of Rick Ross.
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“I’m here for one reason, I’m here to support my brother Meek Mill,” the Maybach Music Group leader told the crowd. “If it takes Meek Mill to draw this attention, we gon’ use Meek Mill to draw this attention that’s gonna speak for many others … This type of wrongful incarceration has, unfortunately, become the calling card in urban cities throughout the U.S.”
#RickRoss speaks at the #RallyForMeek event! #FreeMeekMillpic.twitter.com/EXe9wOwDVt
— HipHopDX (@HipHopDX) November 13, 2017
Footage from the scene showed hundreds of fans chanting “Free Meek Mill.” Other videos featured the crowd tearing into a full rendition of the ever popular “Dreams and Nightmares” from Meek’s debut album of the same name.
i’m covering the #FreeMeekMill rally in philly, crowd chanting “free Meek Mill “ and “fuck that judge” pic.twitter.com/P1VGzyQV0U
— Joshua Scott Albert (@jpegjoshua) November 13, 2017
The crowd at the Free Meek Mill rally just sang “Dreams and Nightmares.” pic.twitter.com/9a5GqX4Smj
— Dan McQuade (@dhm) November 13, 2017
Crowd now group-singing Meek’s “Dreams and Nightmares” off of his 2012 album of the same name. pic.twitter.com/ImXAeyGfVh
— Bobby Allyn (@BobbyAllyn) November 13, 2017
Earlier in the day, footage revealed the rally had attracted visitors from out of town, with full buses decked out with a “Stand With Meek Mill” slogan seen traveling to the protest.
Busses Filled With People On There Way To Support #MeekMill in #Philly ?? #RallyForMeek — @MeekMillpic.twitter.com/yVJkUj8uhS
— New Era Promotions (@NewEraPromo954) November 13, 2017
Meek has already checked into prison but according to TMZ, his lawyer Joe Tacopina is filing a motion to get the judge removed from the case. The attorney is also making an official complaint to the judicial conduct board.
