Meek Mill is a rapper from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Born Robert Williams in 1987, he grows up in North Philadelphia and takes his stage name from a nickname used by family and friends, based on his middle name.

Early life and beginnings

Meek Mill starts rapping seriously at 12 after losing a street battle to other local rappers. He says his interest in rap grows further after watching his uncle, the Philadelphia hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Nell. He is raised with his sister, and his father dies when he is five.

While spending time in his neighbourhood, he forms the group BloodHoundz with Mel Love, Dat Nigga Leel and Young Pooh. The group lasts for five years before he moves on as a solo artist.

Mixtapes and early local success

As a solo performer, Meek Mill becomes an underground rap artist in Philadelphia on an independent label. In 2007, he begins the Flamerz series with Flamerz 1, which includes the single “In My Bag.” In 2008 he follows with Flamerz 2 – Hottest In Da City, featuring “So Fly,” “Prolli” and “Hottest In Da City.”

Flamerz 2 brings him wider attention and leads to management interest from Charlie Mack, founder and president of 215Aphillyated Records. Around the same period, he meets T.I., who offers him a recording opportunity after hearing his work. He chooses to sign with Grand Hustle Records, though the signing is brief.

Label moves and later releases

After his time with Grand Hustle, Meek Mill signs to Rick Ross’s Maybach Music Group in 2011. Earlier, he also works on Flamerz 2.5 – The Preview, which includes “Make ’Em Say,” “Imma Da Ish” featuring Ms. Jade, and “Starting Something,” written in tribute to Michael Jackson.

He then begins work on Flamerz 3, also called Hottest In America – Gangster Grill Edition, which is hosted by DJ Drama and features “Baby Girl,” “Hottest In America” and “I’m Killinem.”

Career and public profile

Meek Mill develops a profile as one of the prominent rappers to emerge from Philadelphia. The material places him within East Coast hip hop, gangsta rap, hip hop and trap. He is associated with the group Naam Brigade.

His career also includes a public dispute with Drake in 2015, after he criticises Drake’s writing and Drake responds with diss tracks including “Charged Up” and “Back To Back.” Meek later releases “Wanna Know.”

Other activity

He says he plans to establish the Meek Mill Foundation to mentor young males and promote “Education over Incarceration.” He also says he intends to work with United Community Action Network and the Lifers of Graterford Prison on violence reduction.