Meek Mill gets introspective on his latest track, "5AM In Philly." Following a series of controversies and viral moments, Meek is attempting to shift focus back to his music. His new song borrows heavily from Drake's well-known timestamp series, a bold move given the weight these tracks hold in Drake's discography.
In "5AM In Philly," Meek Mill channels the introspective and moody vibes that characterize Drake’s timestamp records. The instrumental is reminiscent of the atmospheric production typical of Drake’s OVO camp, complete with wistful piano keys and a subtle drum pattern. Midway through the track, the drums mimic the cadence found in Drake's "6PM In New York," further solidifying the homage.
Lyrically, Meek explores familiar themes of struggle and perseverance, but with a rhyme scheme and narrative style that mirror Drake’s. "And the time meet the time, you forty without a dime (I'm just a man)," Meek raps with urgency. "And the only thing you own is a .40 and a little .9. So if he kill son, that's the only way he gon' shine." These lines, coupled with references to "scary times," hint at Drake’s influence and the thematic inspiration Meek draws from the "Scary Hours" EPs.
Despite the strong production and Meek's earnest delivery, the track struggles to escape the shadow of its influences. It runs the risk of feeling more like a tribute to Drake than an original addition to Meek Mill's catalog.
Meek Mill has faced criticism for his recent social media presence, and a strong musical comeback could be the remedy he needs. "5AM In Philly" showcases his lyrical prowess and ability to craft compelling narratives, even if it heavily leans on Drake's blueprint.
Listeners and fans are divided on whether this stylistic shift is a refreshing change or a distracting imitation. Does Meek's approach hit the mark, or do the Drake comparisons overshadow his artistry? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for the latest updates on Meek Mill and the broader music scene.
Quotable Lyrics:
"N**gas gettin' in your head, that sh*t might change your dog
I change my drawers, then put on my Glock when I wake up
Crazy part, that sh*t just made my block really break up
I'm the motivation, I made n**gas get their cake up"
Danilo Castro is a writer based in San Diego. He holds a B.A. in digital media from the Art Institute of Tucson and has previously written for Heavy.com, Rhyme Junkies, and PopMatters. His all-time favorite rap album is Kanye West's "Late Registration."
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