With Thanksgiving only days away, there is always much to be grateful for. If you're a Meek Mill fan, you also have much to be very grateful for during this holiday season. Having not released any solo musical projects since his 2018 Championships album, Philly's very own, Meek Mill has returned with the brief yet striking, surprise EP, "Quarantine Pack." Released Friday (Nov. 20), the concise project runs for only 13 minutes and contains 4 songs. The four-piece combo features the likes of 42 Dugg, Lil Durk and Vory. The EP is also accompanied by an all-out flashy visual for the Lil Durk-assisted, "Pain Away."
The EP begins with the fast-paced Middle of It. Produced by Xander (US) & Dreamchaser's own Papamitrou, Meek sets the tone for the EP. He raps about his extensive wealth, street life, and sexual encounters with women: "Bought her a blue Birkin now I got her whole crew workin' on me, s**kin' that d**k, woah (Woah, woah) / I do not parlay with thots (I don't) / I'd rather party with Glocks /Hangin' with killers and callin' the shots (Yeah)." The atmosphere shifts on the slow-burning "Pain Away." Here, Meek Mill is aided by Lil Durk as the two rap about using their wealth and success to divert their attention from the cruelties and injustices the world has brought to them.
Heartfelt and sincere, Meek raps: "I just hope this money take the pain away / And I've been tryna save my money for a rainy day / But I just bought that Rolls truck to take the pain away
And all these diamonds give me confidence / Don't judge my pain if you don't know the sh*t that I'm against." Lil Durk amplifies the passion rapping about using drugs to numb him from the pain of loss and betrayal that he has endured during his brief lifetime. "The Percocet, it take your pain away (Pain away) / One n***a tellin', done take the gang away (Gang away) / Washin' blood with bleach, don't wash the stain away (Stain away) / Seen my brother die, he died a stranger way (Stranger way)." He prays that when his daughter grows up she does not endure with men what he encounters with various women.
On the sinister, "GTA," Meek taps 42 Dugg and switches the tempo yet again. Alluding to the notorious Grand Theft Auto (GTA) video game serious, Meek raps, "Hood n***a, choppa to the jet, sh*t like GTA." Meek flows about the street life, flying to Bali, weirdos on Instagram, and engaging in vivacious sex with a woman reminiscent of the legendary actress, Lisa Raye. 42 Dugg brings that raw lively flow and delivery meshing well with Meek.
Before you know it, the EP reaches its end on the project's closer, "Think it's a Game." Meek taps Vory yet again here and the two make it clear to their opposition that the very life they live is not a game. They are about every single action they are rapping and are willing to prove it if necessary. Meek raps about old friends turning their back on him, fake tough guys, and a plethora of weapons. On the chorus, Vory boldly proclaims, he's not about the fluff and bluff rapping, "N***a, f**k this rap shit, ain't no cap sh*t / I was rich before this rap sh*t, f**k a caption / And your n***a said he want action, so he get clapped quick / F**k around and name that n***a Brad Pitt, 'cause he an actress and I'm a savage."
While QUARANTINE PACK is extremely short, the songs act as a pleasing appetizer to hold listeners while the 33-year-old gears up to release his anticipated album this year. He lets listeners know, "Hey, the main meal is coming; just hold on." Besides a couple of singles released earlier this year, the rapper has been relatively mute musically. QUARANTINE PACK is a simple yet blatant reinforcement that the young star is still here and still hungry. The project as a whole is a reassurance that he has not forgotten about his fans, the streets, and music listeners worldwide.
Stream Meek Mill's QUARANTINE PACK below on Apple Music or via other streaming services right now.