Meek Mill Says Record Labels “Actually Pay Us More When We Rap About More Ignorant Stuff”

In a recent discussion panel at the NAACP National Convention, Meek Mill, the prominent figure in the Hip Hop industry, shared his concerns about the impact of reductive subject matter in the genre.

Joined by Robert Kraft, Henry Louis Gates, and NAACP president Derrick Johnson, the panel, titled “Hate Has No Home Here,” delved into racism, antisemitism, and combating various forms of hate.

Meek Mill expressed his view on the prevalence of violence and crime as recurring themes in Hip Hop music. He alleged that major labels incentivize artists to focus on such content, prioritizing financial gains over meaningful lyrics.

Reflecting on his own journey, Meek Mill noted that he had previously been performing on rap stages, rapping about violence and guns to align with the industry’s demands. However, with the support of organizations like the NAACP, he has now found a platform to inspire positive change.

Addressing the issue, Meek Mill highlighted how artists are financially rewarded for promoting more ignorant content. Despite this pressure, he emphasized the importance of utilizing his position to contribute to constructive conversations and address social issues.

At 36 years old, Meek Mill acknowledged that the industry often targets younger artists aged 21 to 25, taking advantage of their lack of knowledge and experience. He considers himself fortunate to have overcome these challenges and gained insight, allowing him to engage in more meaningful discussions.

The NAACP’s role in empowering individuals like Meek Mill to speak out and effect positive change was also recognized during the panel. The discussion provided an opportunity to shed light on the complex dynamics within the Hip Hop industry and the need to prioritize thoughtful and insightful lyrics over exploitative themes.