Challenges in the Life of Meek Mill in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Meek Mill's life and career.

Meek Mill, born Robert Rihmeek Williams, is a prominent American rapper from Philadelphia. He began as a battle rapper before forming the group the Bloodhoundz. In 2008, he signed with T.I.'s Grand Hustle Records but left in 2011. He subsequently joined Rick Ross' Maybach Music Group (MMG). Meek Mill gained widespread recognition through his contributions to MMG's Self Made Vol. 1 (2011), including the popular tracks "Tupac Back" and "Ima Boss," the latter marking his Billboard Hot 100 debut.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2007: Case from 2007

In August 2019, the case against Meek Mill from 2007 officially ended.

2007: Original 2007 case

In February 2018, the officer of Meek Mill's original 2007 case was brought under scrutiny for the potential mishandling of his arrest. This came upon a whistle-blower's testimony responsible for the revelation of hundreds of other corrupt officers.

2008: Initial 2008 Conviction

In 2008, Meek Mill had an initial conviction that was cited during his release from prison on April 24, 2018. The Philadelphia district attorney cited credibility issues with the arresting officer in his initial 2008 conviction.

2008: Federal drug and gun charges

In 2008, Meek Mill had federal drug and gun charges that led to his probation. This 2008 conviction would later be overturned in 2019.

2008: Conviction on Drug and Gun Charges

In 2008, Meek Mill was convicted of possession of drug paraphernalia and second-degree possession of a loaded firearm, leading to a prison sentence and probation.

2008: Conviction overturned, new trial ordered

On July 24, 2019, the Superior Court of Pennsylvania overturned Meek Mill's 2008 conviction and ordered a new trial to be overseen by another judge other than Judge Brinkley.

2012: Detained by city police after album release party

In 2012, Meek Mill was detained by city police after his album release party for Dreams and Nightmares in South Philadelphia. He was riding in a car that was pulled over. No charges were filed, and Mill was released. However, in December 2012, he was found to have violated his probation for his 2008 federal drug and gun charges because of the incident, resulting in Judge Brinkley revoking Mill's travel permit.

May 2013: Probation Violation

In May 2013, Meek Mill violated his probation by failing to report travel plans and social media posts resulting in death threats to his probation officer. He was ordered to take etiquette classes.

June 2013: Continual failure to report travel plans

In June 2013, the court noted that Meek Mill continually failed to report his travel plans. Brinkley established an August deadline for the etiquette classes, emphasizing their importance over concerts, and highlighting Mill's issues requiring a "big-picture perspective".

July 11, 2014: Probation Revoked

On July 11, 2014, Meek Mill's probation was revoked, and he was sentenced to three to six months in jail.

December 17, 2015: Guilty verdict for parole violation

On December 17, 2015, Meek Mill was found guilty of a parole violation for performing at the Pinkprint tour in Atlanta, the 2015 BET Awards, and the American Music Awards without gaining approval as related court orders. The judge refused to give him a second chance and ordered him not to work or perform before his sentencing.

February 5, 2016: Sentenced to House Arrest and Probation

On February 5, 2016, Meek Mill was sentenced to 90 days of house arrest, effective March 1, and an extended six years of probation. He was not allowed to work and was required to do daily community service.

June 2, 2016: Additional House Arrest

On June 2, 2016, Meek Mill was sentenced to eight additional days of house arrest due to not completing his required community service hours. His house arrest ended fifteen days later.

December 2016: Shooting outside Connecticut concert

In December 2016, Jaquan Graves was shot and killed in the parking lot outside a Connecticut concert, leading to a lawsuit against Meek Mill and Roc Nation in November 2017.

March 11, 2017: Arrest at St. Louis Airport

On March 11, 2017, Meek Mill was arrested at St. Louis Lambert International Airport in Missouri for assaulting two employees. He received a court summons shortly after.

November 6, 2017: Sentenced to State Prison for Parole Violation

On November 6, 2017, Meek Mill was sentenced to two to four years in state prison for violating his parole. He served five months at the State Correctional Institution – Chester in Chester, Pennsylvania.

November 2017: Sentenced to Prison for Parole Violation

In November 2017, Meek Mill was sentenced to two to four years in prison for violating parole, marking a significant challenge in his life and career.

November 29, 2017: Lawsuit filed by family of Jaquan Graves

On November 29, 2017, Meek Mill and Roc Nation were sued by the family of Jaquan Graves, who was shot and killed outside a Connecticut concert in December 2016. The lawsuit claims Mill and Roc Nation allowed "thugs" to remain on the premises after exhibiting disruptive behaviors.

February 2018: Officer under scrutiny for mishandling 2007 arrest

May 2019: Turned away from Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

In May 2019, Meek Mill was turned away from the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas when attempting to attend a show. His attorney alleged racial discrimination.

May 25, 2019: Intention to pursue legal action against Cosmopolitan

On May 25, 2019, Meek Mill said that he intended to pursue legal action against the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for racial discrimination after he was turned away from the hotel in May 2019.

August 2019: Pleaded guilty to misdemeanor firearm charge

In August 2019, Meek Mill pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor firearm charge in Philadelphia. All other charges were dismissed, officially ending the case against Mill from 2007 and temporarily dismissing him as a convicted felon.