Meek Mill openly critiques the criminal justice system, not only by illuminating what it is really like in Prison, but also by illustrating what the effects of the criminal justice system can have on African-American families. Growing up without parents, racism, police brutality among other things are at the center of what Meek is trying to get across.

 

“Oh God, don’t let them streets get a hold of ’em

Your daughter fuckin’ now, it’s gon be a cold summer

Your son trapping, and your homie giving O’s to him

And if he fuck that paper up, he puttin’ holes through him

And you just wanna make it home, so you can show it to him

And them people ain’t finna give no parole to ya

They want blood, we all hangin’ with a noose on our neck”

 

Here, Meek talks about the effects of having a father or mother in prison while growing. With no real sense of direction or guidance from parents figures, it is hard for kids to know what is right and wrong. They turn to the streets and learn to fend for themselves, in a way they see fit. People don’t care about who you are or what you do or how they know you. The trenches are ruthless and anything goes. 

Meek stresses that  once you are in the system, the system itself makes it very difficult for you to leave – especially as a person of color. 

 

“Ain’t no PTSDs, them drugs keep it at ease

They shot that boy 20 times when they could’ve told him just freeze

Could’ve put him in a cop car, but they let him just bleed

The ambulance, they coming baby, just breathe”

 

In these lyrics, Meek talks about the brutal manner in which people of color are handled. Often times African-American children are seen as adults and police believe that they are genuinely in fear of their life. It has happened one too many times. A perfect example of this is Trayvon Martin. He was 17 years old walking home when he was seen as an “intruder,” which resulted in him being murdered by George Zimmerman. 

The people that are supposed to protect and serve us are too quick to kill us. He urges them to think about how they treat African-Americans and just  how easy it is to be the difference in what could potentially save someone’s life.

These are just a few of the instances of the social issues that Meek Mill throws in our faces and as we speak he is working towards fixing them. Meek is still in work with JAy-Z and others to fight these issues.  “On April 12, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf‏ expressed support for reform in a news release that highlighted eight initiatives, including one that aims to “create uniformity in probation revocation procedures” and prevent unnecessarily long probation periods. The governor also pressured the state’s legislature to pass reforms” (Time Magazine). Meek will continue to fight for change. It seems that he has found his calling and is now using it to make a difference in the world.