Meek Mills explains 'Trauma' after prison on Song Exploder podcast: '23 hours locked in a cell. That can do something to you, mentally'
Once known as one of the brightest freestyle rap prodigies in the United States, Meek Mills had it all. Nicki Minaj. Feuds with Drake. He had the talent, the fame, the wealth, the vices. Then in one fell swoop, it all threatened to go downhill.
In 2009, he was sentenced to time in jail after being arrested on gun and drug charges. After five months, he was released and given a 10-year probation period. But in November 2017, the notoriously stroppy African-American judge Genece Brinkley sentenced Meek to two-to-four years in state prison over probation violations and trivial misdemeanors such as popping dirt-bike wheelies on the freeway in New York and fighting in public at the St. Louis airport.
The shocking decision turned Meek's case into a lightning rod for criminal justice reform. In the days that followed, #FreeMeek became both a Twitter trend and a battle cry, both online and off. Celebrities flocked to show their support including Jay-Z and Colin Kaepernick of kneel-gate fame. Rick Ross and Philadelphia NBA legend Julius Erving even led a protest demanding his sentence be overturned. His courtroom hearings were perennially packed with supporters and eventually, the voice of the people prevailed. He was finally released in April 2018 and has since become a campaigner for criminal justice reform.
I’m extremely grateful that my long legal battle is finally behind me and I appreciate that it has sparked a much-needed discussion about probation reform and the inequalities that exist within our two Americas. pic.twitter.com/noDEA1HaRd
— Meek Mill (@MeekMill) August 27, 2019
I’ll continue to use my platform to make communities safer and reform our criminal justice system. I want to express my gratitude to all of my supporters, especially JAY-Z, Desiree Perez, Michael Rubin, my legal team and everyone else who stood by me throughout the years.
— Meek Mill (@MeekMill) August 27, 2019
Despite these legal battles and visiting prison a total of four times in 11 years, Meek maintained his creative spark and released his most recent studio album, 'Championships,' in Nov. 2018, which debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200. Yesterday, he sat down with the podcast Song Exploder to explain the background story behind the second track, 'Trauma.' Meek elaborated on the genesis of the song - "I wanted to explain my mind-frame, where I come from... 23 hours locked in a cell. That can do something to you, mentally."
'Championships' producer Don Cannon was also present and revealed that when he heard Meek was being released in April 2018, he immediately wanted to meet him in the studio and create an exciting classic that could shine a light on the current climate of gun violence, police brutality, and corrupt bureaucracy in America. Since both Don and Meek hailed from the hard-knock streets of Philadelphia, this common ground would enable them to take an empowering artistic stance while making a conscious socio-political statement.
'Trauma' begins with a voice sample from Barclay James Harvest wistfully singing about how he "used to be a dreamer." Meek Mills then proceeds to spit bars that showcase how his rhyme game and storytelling flow is second-to-none. Here are some choice snippets from the lyrics as Meek waxes lyrical:
My mama used to pray that she'd see me in Yale
It's fucked up she gotta see me in jail
And even worst, my judge black don't wanna see me do well
It's either that or black people for sale
Gave me two to four years like, "Fuck your life, meet me in hell"
And let it burn like Lucifer, you look even stupider
Tryna impress them people in power when power abusin' us
For 44 dollars a hour, you coward they using ya
The poignant chorus points a finger directly at those in power:
And they got us warring for our freedom
See my brother blood on the pavement
How you wake up in the mornin' feelin' evil?
Uhh, trauma
He reflects on how far he - and his own people - have fallen:
How many times you send me to jail to know that I won't fail
Invisible shackles on the king, 'cause shit, I'm on bail
I went from selling out arenas, now shit, I'm on sale
Them cold nights starting to feel like hell, uhh
Watching a black woman take my freedom
Almost made me hate my people
When they label you felon, it's like they telling you they not equal
It's a moving, powerful song, and an eye-opening talk on the current state of the criminal justice system in America. Have a listen to the full episode here:
