Meek Mill is one of the few rappers I’m waiting to hear from this year. His debut album? It’s still in the pressure cooker; getting those last minute bits of flavor flowing. Until then, Meek touched up Drake’s “The Ride” and made it his own: “Faded Too Long” with reflective lyrics about the kids who are lacking even the basics of life and at the same time putting a frame around his ambitions to make his life different, despite those - the D.A. - who wish him different.

This will likely appear on his soon-to-be-released “Dreamchasers 2” mixtape. If you want to believe Shaheem Reid (and why wouldn’t you) Meek Mill’s album is some of this and more.

Heard songs from @MeekMill new mixtape and his debut album. Lots of substance, ferocious story telling. Album is meeting the expectations.

— ShaheemReid (@ShaheemReid) April 13, 2012