Review: Meek Mill- Championships

Off of his prison sentence, the Philadelphia MC successfully crafts an album with energy and substance.

I give Meek Mill a lot of credit on this project. He has managed to assemble the biggest names in hip-hop and create an album that is not only trendy and flashy but possess substance as well. Topics on this album are rooted in Meek Mill's experiences and feelings towards law enforcement and mass incarceration. The other side of this project is his celebration of beating the system. He feels fortunate to have found a way out of the poverty cycle, as well as beating a justice system that has been pit against him throughout life. After being released from jail, Meek now seems more enlightened than ever. He spends the majority of the album speaking on issues plaguing the black community and how we must take steps to help bring an end to systemic racism and economic inequality. Due to the division in America caused by our current political climate, the themes presented on this album feel powerful and timely. Meek uses personal anecdotes that make many of these tracks evoke genuine and raw emotion.

"He spends the majority of the album speaking on issues plaguing the black community and how we must take steps to help bring an end to systemic racism and economic inequality."

The first track “Intro” doesn’t quite meet the epic standards of previous Meek openers. This is primarily due to the cringe inducing Phil Collins sample incorporated throughout the production. Nonetheless, it still matches the energy that one would expect Meek to exhibit out of the gate. “Trauma” is one of the best songs on the whole album with a badass beat backed by Meek dropping some insightful social commentary. In regards to the Colin Kaepernick situation, he states, “And in the 60's, if you kneeled, you'd prolly be killed/ But they don't kill you now, they just take you out of your deal/ Kill your account, look where money get spilled/ Check it, and they don't kill you now, they just take you out of your deal/ Kill your account, look where money get spilled.” This song exemplifies Meek at his best. “Uptown Vibes” feat. Fabolous and Anuel AA contains one of the catchiest hooks on the album with Meek rapping over a beat that incorporates some Spanish infused drums and horns. “On Me” featuring Cardi B, (also known as the “loudest song ever recorded”) lives up to the hype. This is one of the best club bangers to drop this year with Meek and Cardi both utilizing unique flows that complement one another. The production by Bangladesh steals the show and is absolutely phenomenal. There really isn’t anything more you could ask for on a track featuring these two MC’s. “What’s Free” feat. Rick Ross and J-Zay (also known as the #Wokest song on the album) has each rapper discussing their personal interpretations of freedom and points out the many societal constructs governing us. Jay-Z’s verse is notably impressive and shows his creative process has not slowed since releasing last years 4:44.

The list goes on of tracks that are more than solid which include, “Respect The Game,” “Splash Zone” feat. Future, Roddy Ricch, Young Thug, the title track “Championships” as well as “Oodles O’ Noodles Babies.”

This project has its weakness though. With an 80 minute run time, there is bound to be a few cuts that are lacking. “Going Bad” feat. Drake is fairly disappointing considering the notable history between these two. Drake and Meek are spitting bland flows over a beat that sounds like any other mediocre song Drake has been dropping lately. Also, the bridge section sounds completely ripped from “God’s Plan.” “100 Summers” is an uninspired auto-tune track that just doesn’t bring any new or interesting ideas to the table. “Pay You Back” feat. 21 Savage contains production that sounds muddy and washed out, but in an unintentional way that ultimately makes the track sound rushed. “Dangerous” feat. Jeremih and PnB Rock is a slow jam that, unfortunately, doesn't render well for Meek. The song isn’t awful, but it just feels out of place among the rest of the track list. “Cold Blooded” is an adequate finale with Meek summing up a lot of themes he discussed throughout the album.

The aspects that make Meek Mill appealing are all evident on this record. He still brings that hard-hitting energy which he lays down atop some top-tier production. Most of the beats on this album sound expensive and trendy, which do a great job of accentuating Meek's style. While it may rely too heavily on features and the track list is slightly bloated, I can not deny that this is solid mainstream hip-hop release.

Rating: 7/10

Essential Tracks: Trauma, Uptown Vibes, On Me, What's Free, Championships, Oodles O' Noodles Babies