"Trouble Sleeping?"
Meek Mill's Dreams and Nightmares
Another week in hip-hop history, and another major debut
album is freed to the world. Philadelphia’s own Meek Mill drops his major label
debut album under Rick Ross’ MMG. As a northeastern rapper, Meek’s sound is
actually more southern sounding. The days of Philadelphia rhymesters Cassidy
and Freeway are over. Meek Mill’s time is now, with the release of Dreams and Nightmares.
On the intro and title track “Dreams and Nightmares,” Meek
introduces himself as he showcases his unique ability to dominate the often-changing
instrumental. As the drum pattern switches up, so does his vivacious flow. It
is easy to hear his anger and hunger as the song intensifies, which is where
Mill is truly at his best.
Unfortunately, the album is a tad up and down in terms of consistency.
The album’s second track “In God We Trust” sounds like a typical mix tape
track. Tracks like this display Meek Mill’s ability to rap, but fall short in
offering the hip-hop world something fresh and new from his work we haven’t
already heard. The very next song “Young & Gettin’ It” is drowned out by
the overuse of auto-tune. This is unfortunate, as the auto-tune function in
2012 doesn’t really serve a strong enough purpose on a debut, hardcore rap
album.
Meek Mill snaps back to reality on “Traumatized,” snapping
over a gritty, story-telling type beat. Songs like this one prove that Meek is
capable of meaningful and lyrical substance. It is here, where he talks about
the traumatic experience of his father’s murder. He spits, “when I find the *****
that killed my daddy know I’mma ride, hope you hear me, I’mma kill you *****.” His
anger reaches its peak on this track, as he seeks revenge on his father’s
killer.
“Believe It” is another mix tape track at best, in terms of
complexity. The album reaches it’s highest note on “Maybach Curtains,”
featuring John Legend, Nas and Rick Ross. This is a very honest and uplifting
approach from Mill, as John Legend provides the perfect chorus. Nas uses his
lyrical prowess to bulk up the track even further, as Rick Ross bodies the
track like he does best. Moving onward, Meek finds help from Drake on the
mainstream-appealing “Amen.” This radio-ready cut finds the perfect vibe for
cruising around in the car on a lazy day.
The next track “Young Kings” discusses the new era of
hip-hop artists, as they are making the way for the future of rap. “Lay Up”
features Wale, Trey Songz and Rick Ross, and plays the role of the lady’s song
on the album. Trey Songz sets the mood, while Wale provides the wisdom and Rick
Ross provides the strength. On “Tony Story Pt. 2,” Meek returns to his rugged
story-telling rap, once again capturing the mind and soul.
Mary J. Blige makes her presence felt on “Who Your Around,”
as she lays down the perfect hook. Mill kicks some knowledge on this track,
discussing how the company one chooses to keep can make or break him/her. He
talks on how he’s had to leave some who were bringing him down behind. “Now
when I ride by I breeze through, I don’t even stop, ain’t a need to.”
Right when the album is growing incredibly smart, another
dud “Polo & Shell Tops” sounds as though it wouldn’t even make his mix
tape. The albums’ last two joints “Rich & Famous” and “Real ***** Come
First” aren’t anything special either. An unfortunate conclusion to a fairly solid
debut album comes across as a disappointment.
The album’s inconsistency has ended up being Meek Mill’s
scariest nightmare. He has, however, provided some dream-like hope on some
extremely strong tracks. As his career develops, and he matures as an artist,
he will likely find his greatest success when he tells his goriest tales from
the street. His natural knack to story-tell and reveal the hood’s scariest
truths is what draws real rap fans to him in the first place. Through the
course of time, he must stick to his strengths in order to remain relevant in
the ever-changing, competitive hip-hop scene. Far from perfect, Dreams and Nightmares shows hope for
Meek Mill’s future as one of rap’s up-and-comers.
RRR Score: 6.75/10
Written by Seth Kaplan
