Meek Mill has officially entered a new tier in life. On the heels of his thirtieth birthday, he released his album and accompanying film Wins And Loses. In a recent interview with Ebro, Meek expressed his desire to grow, climb the social ladder and champion the youth. And though numerous high profile beefs have seemingly eclipsed his image and threatened to jeopardize his longevity, Meek Mill currently stands in the most promising position in his career.
Now that we have his new project to bump over the next couple weeks, it only makes sense to reflect on where it all began. And thus, here is every Meek Mill mixtape ranked from worst to best.
Cover photo via Rob Kim
The Real Me Pt. 2
Though the first installment of this series was strong, The Real Me Pt. 2 doesn't quite live up to the hype. That's not to say that the music is trash, but it seems like there was a lack of of effort in these records as compared to the first volume. This tape wasn't a complete loss, and there are still a handful where Meek Mill goes off, including the "OL' Skool Freestyle" "We Hear Dem Niggas Talkin" and "I Don't Sleep." Like Meek Mill says, however, we all take wins and losses.
The Real Me Pt. 2 leans closer to the latter side.
Flamers 3
Flamers 3 doesn't burn with the intensity of Flamers 2.5: The Preview, but it's a solid effort nonetheless. Though it wasn't as impressive as some of the other projects in the series, it doesn't exactly fail in carrying the torch. Standout tracks include "Rose Red," "The Real," and "Black Thought."
Peep the throwback Thursday-worthy visuals for "Rose Red," featuring a young Meek Mill with a full head of braids and mad bottles of Moet.
Flamers 2
Flamers 2 was released at a pivotal time in Meek Mill's career. He had signed his first official deal with T.I.'s Grand Hustle Records, and was beginning to take his first steps into the mainstream. However, Meek was also dealing with some legal trouble, and was unfortunately jailed during the release of this project. On the plus side, Meek was beginning to experiment with new musical styles, which ultimately led to Flamers 2.
It's essentially the same street shit and hype bars, but there's a completely diverse and different range of music. We have some dope club tracks like "I'm So Fly" and "We Getting Money," as well as the ridiculously hype tracks like "Gettin It In" and "The Future."
Flamers 2.5: The Preview
Even though the official title is Flamers 2.5: The Preview, it should be something more like Flamers 2.5: The Showcase. This project is packed top to bottom with standout music, as if Meek Mill got out of jail and had a bone to pick with the entire industry. There are so many dope tracks on this project that it's hard to choose from. You may as well play the whole tape again.
Flamers
Much like the Dreamchasers mixtapes, the Flamers series is a collection of some of the toughest, lyrical street bangers. The original Flamers mixtape, released in late August of 2008, is not for the faint of heart. Meek was on his starving artist tip, meaning he was killing any and everything in front of him, eating up rappers on his way to the top.
Meek spits ether lines on joints like "Boss Freestyle" and "On The Block," proves his versatility with storytelling tracks like "First Of All," and crafts bangers like "In My Bag" and "Do Dat Dere."
4-4 EP & 4-4 EP Pt. 2
It seems that with each post-Drake beef release, Meek Mill was putting more vengeance into his music. That is 100 percent the case with Meek's recent pair of 4-4 EPs. As with the Meekend Music tapes, it's hard to put these micro-mixtapes above any full-length releases, but nonetheless, they deliver.
Meekend Music/Meekend Music 2
It's hard to say that the Meeknd Music tapes are better than some of the full-length tapes Meek tapes, but then again it's not because these tapes are absolute fire. These collection of records are both refined and edgy, skillfully redirecting the conversation from a focus on the personal bullshit to the strict merit of his music.
The Real Me
Though this was one of Meek Mill's first projects, this is Meek at his purest, roughest and most promising form. The Real Me is like the lost street files, dug up every so often to remind those doubters where this guy really came from. From the jump, Meek kills the opener and sets the tone on "Niggas Know," before continuing to spaz on tracks like "4 You," "Hoes Down GZ Up," and "The Real Me."
Mr. Philadelphia
2010 was a good year for Meek Mill, and the Mr. Philadelphia mixtape is a testament to that fact. At this point in his career, he was one of the hottest MCs on the come up, rising from the streets to the industry. On that note, Meek hopped on several popular beats and killed them, including two Drake tracks where he sends a premeditated shot at Nicki Minaj. He also Kills Waka Flocka's "Hard In The Paint," all while maintaining his own distinct flair.
Dreamchasers 3
Much like the other installments of the Dreamchasers series, Dreamchasers 3 is an all out epic. There are so many bangers on this tape that it's kind of unbelievable. we'll let the music speak for itself and invite you to revisit the tape in its entirety.
Dreamchasers
First impressions are important, and while this wasn't necessarily Meek Mill's introduction into the industry, it was the introduction to the Dreamchasers franchise. Luckily, Meek delivered one of those modern day classic mixtapes that falls somewhere between the likes of Kush & OJ and Sorry 4 The Wait. With front to back bangers including the hit that shook the world, "House Party," Dreamchasers truly gave Meek Mill the platform to be the tastemaker and rap superstar he is today.
Dreamchasers 4
It was a tough decision to put Dreamchasers 4 above the original, as DC4 wouldn't be a reality without Dreamchasers. However, Meek Mill dealt a royal flush hand on the table with DC4. This tape is an all out flex, especially given the timeline of its release. Consider that Meek was deeper into the public eye than ever before, battling the blowback of his failed relationship with Nicki Minaj and a publicized beef with Drake and more.
Whether it's "Litty," "Blue Notes," or the famed "Tony Story 3," DC4 has something for everyone. In other words, Meek Mill really told the haters to STFU with this one.
Dreamchasers 2
There's no other way to say it. Meek Mill took things into outer space with this tape. Though the original Dreamchasers is a classic in its own right, DC2 reinvented the expectation about what Meek Mill could do, emulsifying his image as both the King of Philidelphia and a ruler of the entire game.
This project made an immense amount of noise upon release, reaching over one million downloads within hours of being posted on Datpiff. DC2 set the streets on fire with a number of mega-hit tracks including the now infamous Drake assisted "Amen," "A1" featuring Kendrick Lamar, and the high profile, star studded remix to "House Party." This tape was definitely one for the books.