Meek Mill believes that Hip Hop culture has been crippled by labels who value reductive subject matter over meaningful lyrics.
On Sunday (July 30), the Dream Chasers mogul was invited by the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) to participate in a discussion panel alongside Robert Kraft, Henry Louis Gates and NAACP president Derrick Johnson for the organization’s National Convention.
AD LOADING...
“Hate Has No Home Here – A Moderated Conversation on Racism, Antisemitism, and Building Bridges to Fight All Hate” was moderated by Joy Taylor and sought to explore hate crimes in the context of racism and other forms of discrimination.
During the discussion, the Philly native shared his thoughts on violence and crime as a recurring theme in Hip Hop music, and how it is allegedly encouraged by the powers that be.
AD LOADING...
“Before, I wasn’t on stages like this,” he said, referring to now being in a better position to inspire change. “I was on rap stages rapping about violence and guns. We get paid to rap about that stuff. They actually pay us more when we rap about more ignorant stuff; so I make sure I even the line and come and talk on stages like this.”
“The NAACP opened doors for people like me to be able to power forward. The things that fund us don’t power me forward,” he added. “I just make sure ’cause I know better. I’m at an age point … I’m 36. They power us really from where we [are] 21 through 25, where we really don’t know … I’m one of the lucky ones that made it through and was able to get my knowledge and sense.”
The Dreams and Nightmares rapper has a commendable track record of using his platform and influence for the better. He recently took a leaf out of 2Pac’s book to demand action from those in power to prioritize education.
In late June, the 36-year-old MC took to Twitter to question the government’s motives in funding wars while educational efforts continue to take a back seat.
“Why are we having a problem with money for education but giving money away for war??” he began, before referencing what he believed to be a long-running issue. “I’ve been seeing this narrative on the news since a child I’ll never understand it!”
His words and sentiments echoed those of ‘Pac from the 1993 classic, “Keep Ya Head Up,” on which he famously raps: “You know, it’s funny when it rains it pours/ They got money for wars, but can’t feed the poor.”
AD LOADING...
Though Meek Mill’s Twitter account has since been deleted, he continues to use his voice to further the causes he stands for.
