The Warner Music stable Maybach Music Group may very well be the next great powerhouse in Hip Hop to be acknowledged alongside the likes of Roc-A-Fella, Bad Boy and Death Row. The reason for this isn’t the magnitude of hype/output that its leader Rick Ross possesses, its the crew’s supporting cast who potentially will bring more than a few numbers to the table when history recalls MMG’s glories.
Arguably one of the breakout star of 2011, Meek Mill jumped at the chance to establish himself as a mainstay in Hip Hop, delivering verbal beatdowns as a featured artist and on his own impressive Dreamchasers mixtape, as the 23-year-old Philly young gunner delivers a sequel with more abrasive, young-wild-and-free narrations.
From the offset, everything expected of Dreamchasers 2 is contained in the intro. Milly’s loud, brash style cannonballs through the minute-plus introduction, spitting greasy and bragging. But it’s these traits of the MMG rapper that have propped him up into the circle of artists most talked about.
Meek Mill’s much-documented gangsta life is referenced in many of the tracks. The reworking of the sombre Fugees classic “Ready Or Not” is injected with Meek’s intense verses of street encounters whilst his collaboration with Teflon Don Rick Ross on “Everyday” provides more unadulterated stories of violence, power and more.
Meek Mill provides a consistent level of adrenaline-boosted performances (notably due to the volume of his delivery) which will keep listeners either amped or frustrated with the volley of loud verses. As expected, the tone does drop when dedicating a track to the ladies, as “Amen” includes contributions from female-thirsty artists Drake and Jeremih, providing one of a few moments the mainstream can embrace without heavy censoring.
But Mill is at his best when let off the leash to bark furiously over anarchic productions. Jahlil Beats, the producer who composed the smash “Imma Boss,” offers up another colossal record with “Flexing,” which offers up more chest-thumping bravado from Meek Mill. Stunting continues on “Burn” when G.O.O.D Music’s Big Sean helps out the Philly rapper with his flashy claims.
The guest appearances are numerous, with many of them being the ‘hood’s favourites. Kendrick Lamar finds time to offer a milder lyrical obliteration on “A1 Everything,” and New York’s Fabolous and French Montana bring the trademark Big Apple vibe on the power-flexing “Racked Up Shawty.”
Dreamchasers 2 remains in its comfort zone with regards to content. Meek doesn’t try to appear deep, conscious or offer an alternate side to his wild streak. But whilst content may be limited, its the mixture of youthful arrogance and pulsating instrumentals that makes the new mixtape a fun listen.
Still rapping from the role of the underdog, Milly does champion his rise to the top in an appealing manner. The track “Used To Be” lays out Meek’s uncompromising pre-fame reality, providing one of the more mellowed tracks on the mixtape.
The momentum Meek Mill carried into Dreamchasers 2 maintains its steam throughout the 20-track freeload, as the rapper’s brazen verses and explosive narration results in the sequel living up to the high standards of its predecessor. Although musical growth is limited, what has changed is Mill’s presence, even amongst some of the top names in rap today.
Although some material could have been omitted for the sake of keeping the duration low, the majority of Mill’s hollerings are solid and backed with the right productions from the Beat Bully, Cardiak and more to ultimately ensure Dreamchasers 2 keeps the Maybach Music brand strong as ever in 2012.
STREAM + DOWNLOAD: Meek Mill – Dreamchasers 2
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