Meek Mill proves his worth in his debut album “Dreams and Nightmares.”
STREAM
TOP 5
5. Maybach Curtains (Ft. John Legend, Nas & Rick Ross)
This track should’ve been called “Maybach Music IV.”
“Maybach Curtains” truly feels like a celebration of success—it has that classy, dinner party vibe that brings out the exquisite nature of the collaboration. The production creates this lush, sophisticated atmosphere, while John Legend’s heartfelt chorus is the emotional heart of the song, making it a perfect pairing for the powerful storytelling the rappers bring.
Meek Mill, Nas, and Rick Ross all drop hard-hitting verses that showcase their incredible journeys. You can feel the grit and passion in their delivery, each one emphasizing how far they’ve come, their hustle, and the wealth they’ve accumulated. Their energy, mixed with the lavish tone set by the instrumental, makes for a track that is both introspective and celebratory.
4. Young & Gettin’ It (Ft. Kirko Bangs)
Here’s some advice: The moment you cash a check, find a club that’s blasting “Young & Gettin’ It.”
This track is the definition of YN energy—Kirko Bangz delivers an exhilarating, melodic hook dripping with gangsta vibes, while Meek Mill comes in swinging with his signature high-energy flow and autotuned-up melodic raps, flexing about the money he’s stacking, the women he’s conquering, and the haters he’s leaving in the dust. All of this unfolds over a bass-heavy, extra-dramatic beat, complete with thumping handclaps that’ll have your heart racing.
3. Traumatized
The level of passion Meek Mill raps with on this song is astonishing.
One of the main reasons I’m a huge Meek Mill fan is the urgency and raw emotion he brings to every track. That passion is fully unleashed in “Traumatized.”
Over a soulful yet hard-hitting beat, Meek raps with fire in his belly, recounting the pain of losing his father and his unwavering readiness for revenge. Every bar is drenched in grief, fury, and survival instincts, making it impossible to walk away from this track unmoved.
This isn’t just a song—it’s a release of bottled-up pain, and Meek delivers it with a level of authenticity that few can match.
2. Amen (Ft. Drake & Jeremih)
Have you had your daily dose of blasphemy yet?
Hip-hop has long been known for blending themes of faith, success, and luxury, but few tracks have done so as controversially as “Amen” featuring Drake and Jeremih. The song combines a subtle gospel-inspired melody with an undeniable club-ready beat—a fusion that is a little wild.
Meek Mill brings his signature braggadocious energy to the track, rapping about his success and the many ways he believes he’s been blessed. However, his delivery comes off as almost irreverent, making religious references while boasting about his wealth and lifestyle in a way that sounds kind of disrespectful.
Drake follows up with a verse that carries a more aggressive tone, reinforcing the theme of divine favor while flexing his status and achievements. His verse, while solid, is a lot less blasphemous.
One of the most overlooked aspects of “Amen” is Jeremih’s melodic hook, which helps shape the song’s infectious appeal. I just know this negro didn’t get paid the same as Drake.
1. Dreams and Nightmares
This is one of the greatest songs in hip-hop history. Argue with a wall.
Do you know what I always wonder? If Meek Mill knew “Dreams and Nightmares” would have this much of an impact on the hip-hop world. Over the years, I’ve heard just about everyone rap his lyrics from the track—whether in clubs, at the Super Bowl, or even in hardware stores.
So, why do I think people love it so much? For starters, it has one of the best build-ups in hip-hop history, with Meek reflecting on his come-up and the struggles he had to overcome. Then there’s the explosive drop, where he transforms into an unstoppable force, making it clear that nothing will stand in his way when it comes to partying and making money. What a certified classic.
SONG-BY-SONG RATING
Become an RGM+ Member to view this section.
To discover the ratings we’ve assigned to each track on this album, subscribe below.
OVERALL RATING
(84%)
Dreams and Nightmares is a throwback to the commercial rap era of the ‘90s, where artists seamlessly balanced mainstream appeal with raw street storytelling. Much like those iconic rappers, Meek flexes his ability to deliver flashy, high-energy bars while keeping it authentically gritty when necessary.
Tracks like “Amen” showcase his laidback, boastful side as he raps about the lavish lifestyle he’s built. Meanwhile, “Who You’re Around” strips back the glamour, diving into themes of loyalty and betrayal with hard-hitting honesty. This duality gives the album an undeniable depth, making it more than just a collection of bangers.
With a diverse tracklist that includes compelling storytelling, just the right touch of love songs, and standout features, Dreams and Nightmares feels like a well-rounded project that solidifies Meek Mill’s place in hip-hop. His energetic delivery and sharp lyricism make this album a full-blown success.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
