Editing Meek Mill (section)

== North Philadelphia Origins ==

Robert Rihmeek Williams was born on May 6, 1987, in South Philadelphia, growing up in the North Philadelphia neighborhood of Berks after his father was murdered when Robert was five years old. His mother, Kathy Williams, raised him amid the challenges that North Philadelphia's poverty and violence presented. The streets he navigated as a young man would provide material for lyrics that documented urban experience with unflinching honesty, while the rap battles that consumed his teenage years developed the skills that would bring professional success.<ref name="bradley">{{cite book |last=Bradley |first=Adam |title=Book of Rhymes: The Poetics of Hip Hop |year=2009 |publisher=Basic Civitas |location=New York}}</ref>

Meek Mill emerged from Philadelphia's battle rap scene, where verbal ability and competitive drive determined status among aspiring rappers. His style combined aggressive delivery with emotional vulnerability, distinguishing him from competitors who emphasized only one dimension. Mixtapes including the "Flamers" series built local and regional following, demonstrating abilities that attracted attention from industry figures searching for authentic hip-hop voices. His music documented Philadelphia street life—its dangers, its codes, its limited opportunities—with specificity that established him as a chronicler of urban experience.<ref name="dyson"/>

The signing to Rick Ross's Maybach Music Group in 2011 launched Meek Mill's mainstream career. His major-label debut, "Dreams and Nightmares" (2012), reached number two on the Billboard 200, while subsequent releases confirmed his commercial viability. Songs including the title track "Dreams and Nightmares (Intro)" became anthems, the dramatic shift between the song's halves creating a contrast that Philadelphia sports teams would adopt for stadium use. His music brought national attention to Philadelphia hip-hop while maintaining the street authenticity that distinguished his perspective.<ref name="bradley"/>