Meek Mill – HEATHENISM (Album Review)

Meek Mill drops a quick five-pack called “HEATHENISM.”

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TOP 3

3. Came From the Bottom

Meek Mill has been trying to make another legendary intro for a while now.

I probably like “Came From The Bottom” more than I’m supposed to because it follows a similar structure as “Dreams & Nightmares.” The track starts off with Meek Mill hitting us with grungy bars over this overly-dramatic beat, continues with him singing his ass off like the second coming of A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, and finishes with explosive rap deliveries over a mean-ass beat that you’re supposed to beat someone up to.

2. Times Like This

This is the Trenches Meek that he always promises to bring us.

In “Times Like This,” Meek Mill raps like he has his forefathers’ rent to pay. He talks about all the dawgs he’s lost, not wanting to do interviews, and counting serious money on vacations. He also boldly showcases his competitive side, which I love to see. All in all, if you are a fan of Meek over soulful beats, you’re going to rock with this track.

1. Big Boy

It’s actually fun as hell listening to Meek Mill rap over Detroit-styled beats.

Do you know how Meek Mill has been talking about prison reform and s**t lately? Well, ignore all that for these 2:30. In “Big Boy,” Meek comes across as someone who’s ready for every form of smoke, including carbon monoxide. Throughout his verses, he mentions riding around with guns and meeting up with people who talk s**t on the internet. Meek also talks about smashing chicks that seem more open than Larsa Pippen.

Meek switches his flow repeatedly and raps with this chill aggression that I think fits the menacing production extremely well. In my opinion, this is the pocket that Meek should be in.

SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. Came From The Bottom (3.5/5)

2. Times Like This (4/5)

3. Whatever I Like (3.5/5)

4. Big Boy (4.5/5)

5. Give Chanel (Ft. Future) (3.5/5)

OVERALL RATING

(C+)

Many may not realize it, but I’m a big fan of Meek Mill’s rap style. His projects always leave a lasting impression, thanks to his dynamic delivery. However, HEATHENISM, his latest five-track release, truly amps up the intensity with fierce deliveries and predominantly aggressive, boastful lyrics. The album’s dramatic beats complement Meek’s style well, but as an indie release, I find the audio quality slightly lacking and the overall flow a bit disjointed. Additionally, there’s a sense that Meek may be pushing a bit too hard to assert his street cred. All in all, for those who miss Meek, they’ll appreciate this project.