I want to apologize that this review is so late. I didn’t want to be like every personality on Instagram or Twitter who declared the album an instant classic; I wanted to actually live with Meek Mill’s latest album; “Championships” before I said anything about it. In today’s microwave society, its easy for everyone to give an album 1 listen and rush to be the first to publish an “in-depth review”. It’s very common for “critics” to listen to an album and declare it a “classic” an hour after its release at midnight. I come from an era where you had to go to a record store to get the latest release, dub what you could off the radio and pray that Funk Flex didn’t go crazy dropping bombs on it, and/or record it from a friend that purchased the album. So, I wanted to treat Meek’s album like it was released in the 90’s and take it back to the days where you had to sit with an album, not where there may be 6-7 albums in the same genre released at the same time.

The first thing I noticed about the album is that it seemed like it was broken into two sections; one for the old heads, and one for the new era of hip hop. First thoughts were, if he was able to get these samples cleared, I wonder what was left on the studio floor? The notes in my phone read, “Meek blacked on the 1st 6 songs”. This was a great idea, to make sure the “old heads” didn’t give up on the album; hit us with a sample, come through spitting, maybe they’ll stay for the rest. In my opinion, every Meek album is great gym music; like, if you aren’t motivated, Meek will scream at your ass and make sure you make it through that last mile on the treadmill. Or as my homie said; “You know Meek raps like the mic is down the hall” shout out to you G (remember when you had a blog?) This album serves as a double entendre (don’t ask me how) for motivation with his high energy and the content of his lyrics.

“The Intro” and “Trauma” had me at hello. The samples welcomed me, and the lyrics helped me settle in. I’m yearning for a Soul Tape from Fab, so imagine my disappointment from “Uptown Vibes”. It definitely sounded like summertime on Dyckman, but I couldn’t get into it much further. “On me”, gave you the obligatory Cardi feature (where she shined), and I’m a Cardi fan, but I wasn’t feeling Meek’s flow on this track. The beat/production was dope, and Cardi sounded great, but eh… Furthermore, I’ve never liked the term “Fuck on me/Fucking on me” so that could have something to do with my aversion to this track. “What’s Free”- Let me start by saying Jay-Z is my favorite rapper, so him talking his shit alongside Meek and Rick Ross made my heart smile. To be a Jay fan, you know you’ll have to listen to this verse a million and one times before you can fully decipher everything he was actually saying, but everyone held their own on this track, and it’s truly a standout for me. I know people skipped straight to this track as soon as it was released, but as an “old head” I believe in listening to the entire body of work because it tells a story, and the sequencing of an album contributes to that story. Absolutely one of my favorite songs on the album, but I recommend listening in order the first 2-3 times around. “Respect the Game” is another of my favorite tracks from the album. Every time I listen to the song, I hear “Dead President’s” by Nas, or “Take Me as I am” by MJB, but never both at the same time. For me, this is where the album begins to transition into the new era of hip hop. I initially joked that he could only give them 3 rules because that’s all todays generation could retain, but now I actually believe it. Lastly, Meek made a poignant statement that I didn’t even know concerned me until he said it. How is Lil’ Zane? Is he still with us? Has anyone checked on him lately? I really do hope he’s doing well...

“24/7” was cute. Not many can have a Beyoncé sample and do it justice. I like gritty Meek a lot better than cuffing Meek, but I’m sure the song served its purpose. “Oodles O’ Noodles Babies”- Listen, when this song dropped on Thanksgiving Day, the sample had us doing the ugly face listening to it.  “W.T.S.”- I have a confession, when I looked at the track listing, I really thought it said Omelly. Don’t judge me! Imagine my surprise hearing dope ass Melii spitting in Spanish/English alongside Meek. Lastly, “Cold-Hearted II”- Was a great closure to the album.  The Lox homage was dope. I listened to the album at 6AM the day it came out. The smile I had on my face as I flat-ironed my hair when the line “used to be my dog, you was in my left titty” started. I always appreciate when respect is paid to original hip-hop.

He opened the album strong, had a few fillers, and closed talking real shit. If you’ve been paying attention to Meek outside of this album, you know that the past few years have been extremely tumultuous for him. I believe everything he’s been through was put into this album. It wasn’t a gimmick, and he was laser focused on putting out quality. There were no exaggerated, unnecessary beefs, as he pretty much peaced it up with everyone he was at odds with the last time around. This album showed true growth, and I believed it. If this is the beginning of next era Meek, then this album was aptly named as I believe the next few ‘Championships’ will be his. The songs that I did not mention, I could have done without. I’m sure many people appreciated them, and you will find reviews that note those songs as standouts for them. I encourage you to go read those if that’s what you’re looking for.

~T.Nicole