The Philly native is part of Powerhouse’s all-star line up. Credit: Clay Patrick Mcbride
Following Meek Mill on Twitter in recent weeks has been like trekking the Oregon Trail.
It’s been the land of both opportunity and speculation.
A few weeks ago, Meek Mill’s handle was abuzz with photos of the rapper and Nicki Minaj joyriding on four-wheelers. To the casual TMZ fan, that meant the two were hot and heavy. Turns out, they were just collaborating on a new music video for the track, “I Be On That,” featuring Minaj, Fabolous and French Montana off Meek’s latest mixtape, “Dreamchasers 3.”
“We just wanted to get crazy on some four-wheelers,” Meek says, “and have some fun at the same time. I credit that to my director, Wonton Soup.”
What?
“Yeah, Wonton Soup, that’s his name.”
That Meek Mill would work with somebody who goes by the name of Wonton Soup shouldn’t be a surprise. Meek has been at the forefront of putting out experimental music, going back to his “Bloundhoundz” days. He’s unleashed a plethora of mixtapes (versus just one studio-produced album), and that’s not by coincidence. Mixtapes provide a better canvas for a true artist.
“Mixtapes? Yeah, they are experimental or different, I guess,” he says. “It’s not the championship album. It’s more like a late regular-season game, or a playoff game, or a semifinal game in the tournament.”
That doesn’t mean that Meek Mill doesn’t want to ride the throne. His lone studio album, “Dreams and Nightmares,” reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and took the top spot on Billboard’s top rap albums when it was released last October.
Mixtapes and Meek Mill go together like Kendrick Lamar and beefs — wait, too soon? (Meek and Lamar have been feuding in recent weeks.) But while the Philly-born rapper says he loves the freedom that mixtapes provide, he knows what puts the gourmet ‘whiz wit’ on his cheesesteak. That’s why he’s already working on a new studio album.
There is no target date for it, but Meek casually mentions a very unofficial wrap party of either the first quarter (January-March) or the second quarter (April-June) of 2014.
“Of course we have plans [for another studio album]. I’m going to get one,” Meek Mill says. “It’s very important to keep my fans engaged. I’m working on it daily for my fans.”
Hometown boy makes good
Philly fans can check out the local kid turned celebrity this Friday as part of the Powerhouse 2013 tour at the Wells Fargo Center. Meek will be joined by Chris Brown, Big Sean, Kendrick Lamar, Mario, Ace Hood, Yo Gotti, K. Michelle and Sevyn Streeter. He’s also hosting the official after-party at Statuz Night Club (600 Spring Garden St.) — and be prepared for some impromptu tricks and treats right before Halloween.
“I can’t tell you about any surprises,” Meek Mill said. “It’s going to be full of energy, fun and turning up, especially in Philly — that’s my hometown.”
