Meek Got It: Reviewing “Wins & Losses”

I will always vividly remember the summer of 2015 and where I was. I actually remembered where I was, when the first Meek Mill tweet regarding Drake, Quentin Miller and ghostwriting allegations started hip hop’s biggest beef since Jay Z/Nas. Just laying in bed at a sleep away camp, checking my Twitter… and then it happened.

This really happened.

What transpired after was two years worth of diss tracks, subliminal’s and fans choosing sides between the two artists. But for Meek, it was bigger then that and definitely worse. While Drake came out the clear cut winner, Meek was deemed the loser and saw what should have been the prime of his career wasted by humiliation on social media, a failed relationship with Nicki Minaj and another notable beef with rapper “Game”. As for the music, it definitely came and went.

All of those moments and then some inspired Meek on his newest project, “Wins and Losses”. It’s the third album of his career and first in two years. Although, we’ve received a couple of projects from Meek like “DC4” and “4/4”, there is always a different feeling when it comes to an album. Time to dive in!

Figuring out the direction, Meek was going in was certainly interesting to discuss.
  1. “Wins And Losses”

This feels like a good theme song to walk to when you’re a boxer. Build up of Meek’s lyrics sound similar to “Dreams and Nightmare” intro. I’m liking the vibe so far. Introspective Meek is the best version of himself.

2. “Heavy Heart”

Low key, Meek has always had quotable’s. Nah seriously, he does. “I gave this hustle everything, I got. I kept it real from the very start.” The drops in Meek’s instrumentals are so well timed and hit the right spots consistently. Sheesh.

3. “F*** That Check Up” feat. Lil Uzi Vert

Damn this riding smooth so far. Meek is gliding with his flows. Punchlines have been better so far. I haven’t recognized much of his signature word plays or the “loud voice”. And I like that. All I’m hearing are new traits to Meek’s music. Uzi has a cool verse. I won’t remember it though.

4. “Whatever You Need” feat. Chris Brown & Ty Dolla $ign

Some of you guys know how I feel about this record. I absolutely enjoy it. It’s a certified summer record and definitely something that’s played for my lady, whenever I see her.

5. “1942 Flows”

Can’t remember if I heard a record like this by Meek. It’s in the neighborhood of other records like this, but the house is like all the way down. Oh snap, Meek using auto tune to sing a little! Did a good job with it, especially on the hook. Meek’s awareness of his life seems to be at a all time high.

6. “Issues”

Again the flows have been different for Meek. This one is very different. Call me crazy, but I’m saying it. Meek is finding different pockets to go in and out of it. Songwriting has been very good.

7. “We Ball” feat. Young Thug

This already sounds like a good record for Thugger to be on. Slow beat and drug talk + feelings? Aww man. Meek on the other hand is expressing his trust issues again. Second straight record, what that’s been stated. And yup, Thugger completely stole this record.

8. “These Scars” feat. Future & Guordan Banks

This sounds like a throwback Roc A Fella beat, that Freeway and Beanie Siegel would go off on. Perfect for Meek to go first on with how sharp, his verse was. Future’s verse is kind of, sort of… alright. Couple of lines happen to hit. Salute to Guordan who does his thing on the hook.

9. “Connect The Dots” feat. Yo Gotti & Rick Ross

Now this is something for Ross and Gotti. Those two kill records like this often and woah what was that! MEEK SNAPPING, AYO. “THIS THAT RAW, THIS THAT RAW, I BALL LIKE CHRIS PAUL.” But why Gotti is so good on these guest verses though? SHEESH. Yeah, he automatically has the best verse. I don’t care, I don’t care. Ross as the finisher is just good for the business, by the way.

Meek’s pen really went to work on this album.

10. “Fall Thru”

Time to take a lean back and enjoy slow vibes. Meek definitely inspired by Thugger and Future, with the way he’s singing. Wait what’s that? The realization of Meek’s potential to make dope R&B, rap street records. First it was “Whatever You Need” and now it’s this.

11. “Never Lose” feat. Lihtz Kamraz

Lihtz is settling up the table for Meek and guess what? The table was set. I really feel the effort from Meek, to improve expand his songwriting and flows. I honestly do.

12. “Glow Up”

Says more about this project, that on the 12th track, there’s finally a record I didn’t like. This gets a hard pass from me.

13. “Young Black America” feat. The Dream

During his interview with podcast host “Taxstone”, Meek had a incredible explanation regarding police brutality that received a lot of praise. Also good to hear Meek show a different type of awareness. He has that down when it comes to his life in terms of success and failure, but in more serious issues? Meek successfully did that right here.

14. “Open” feat. Verse Simmonds

Meek done developed a good eye for finding singers, who can crush “singing on the hook” duties. Salute to Verse who also delivers on the verses. Big time performance honestly.

15. Ball Player (feat. Quavo)

I’m lost when listening to this record lol. Seriously, I’m just lost. Quavo’s appearance is meh. First time, I’ve said that in a long time. “Wrap it up then” *three points for you, if you get the reference.

“Wins & Losses” definitely held it down with the guest features, especially by Young Thug.

16. “Made It From Nothing” feat. Teyana Taylor & Rick Ross

This feels like the softer version of “Shine” from DC4. Just the first minute or so, gave me that vibe. Taylor has a phenomenal voice and did the hook, justice. Meek’s writing has been very good on this album. I have to say it again. Side note… Ross has been delivering some stellar verses for the past few months. Man.

17. “Price”

So this is the record that was played in the album’s trailer on Twitter. It came out like a week ago. Meek’s ability to make good intro’s and outro’s can’t be overstated. “A dollar to my name and I remembered it”. “When I stunt on that Instagram, I’m just showing them more.” I really like this as a outro. Bravo Meek. Bravo.

“Wins And Losses” shows Meek at a place where he’s aware of his past and present, while constantly trying to dictate his future. I thought that vision was well executed via thoughtful songwriting and production that covered every single base and hit every single time. Despite what has happened to Meek over the last two years, I will happily say this… his comeback to the front is complete. Now he needs to stay there for good.

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