MUSIC MONDAYS: MEEK MILL The Motivation Tour
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Meek Mill has continued to make headlines the past few years after both his rap beef with Drake and the probation violation that landed him back in prison and in the middle of controversy. Things took a favorable turn after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned Meek Mill’s sentence. He emerged from prison in April as the unintentional new face of criminal justice reform. Meek used this situation as fuel for his first full-length album since his release, Championships, which touched on his struggle to be more than a statistic, his ascension to fame, and the blurred lines between as he maneuvered through a system that continuously called for his downfall. Earlier this month Meek Mill set out on The Motivation Tour with Melii, Kash Doll, and Lil Durk in support of his album. The Dreamchasers star sold out the Revention Music Center in Houston, TX on February 23rd. Special guests included Dice Soho, Megan Thee Stallion, and Trae Tha Truth. Bilingual rapper Melii got the evening started. In a tight fitting orange bodysuit, the Harlem rapper performed her hits including “Icey” and “HML” before bringing out Houston native Dice Soho. Melii later re-emerged during Meek’s set to sing their song “Wit the Shits (W.T.S.). Next up was Kash Doll who was adorned in a cowboy hat, Versace, and fringe. The Detroit rapper performed songs including “Ice Me Out” before bringing out Megan Thee Stallion. Chicago rapper Lil Durk took to the stage next. Durk performed “Neighborhood Hero” and “Make It Out” before bringing special guest Trae Tha Truth out to perform.Lights darkened and cell phones filled the air as fans began to cheer in anticipation. Dreamchasers’ Meek Mill took the stage with a victorious smile performing the Dreams and Nightmares’ “Intro. Two songs in Meek stepped away from the stage to play a snippet from a Tupac interview on two large LED screens where he discussed having no record until making a record. Meek reemerged on stage to thank concertgoers for their support throughout his own legal woes stating “You know I had a lot of people stand on my side and rock with me. If you screamed ‘Free Meek Mill’ when I was incarcerated make some noise for yourselves.” Meek’s passion radiated throughout the venue as the Philadelphia native performed hits from his latest album Championships including songs “Trauma,” “24/7,” “What’s Free,” “Uptown Vibes,” “Litty,” “Wit the Shits (W.T.S.),” “On Me,” “Championships,” “Going Bad,” and “Respect the Game.” The audience fed off of Meek’s energy as they rapped and danced along for the hour set. Meek paid homage to those he’s lost with the song “Issues” as the LED screen played images of those lost these past few years featuring images of Lil Snupe, Mac Miller, Michael Brown, and more. The Dreamchasers rapper took time to throw it back to some of his earlier projects including “House Party,” “F-U,” “We Ball,” “They Wanna See Me Fall,” and “I’m a Boss.” Before ending the night, Meek encouraged audience members to chase their dreams whether it be trappin’, school, Instagram, rappin’, etc. The night ended as Meek revisited the first half of Dreams and Nightmares’ “Intro.”
PHOTOGRAPHER & REVIEWER :: STEPHANIE TACY
