By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Philadelphia returned to the forefront when Meek Mill elevated his mixtape game, catching the attention of both T.I. and Rick Ross. Initially, Meek Mill was signed by Grand Hustle Records, but his legal woes, paired with T.I.’s legal woes led to him leaving the label. Dominating the Philadelphia mixtape game, Meek Mill would soon join Rick Ross’ Maybach Music.
Rick Ross aligned an all-star cast on his Maybach Music roster, which already included the original artists, Gunplay, Young Breed, and Torch, of the Triple Cs. Early in 2011, Rick Ross added Wale, who became the focal point of the first year, along with Meek Mill. Wale would release his Ambition album, but it was Meek Mill who stole the show.
After finally releasing God Forgives, I Don’t, Rick Ross was preparing for Maybach Music to release the official debut from Meek Mill, Dreams & Nightmares. On the mixtape level, Meek Mill was met with acclaim for his Dreamchasers mixtape series. The album was initially set for an August 28 release date, but the album was then delayed to an October 30 release.
