After months of challenging prior convinctions, rapper Meek Mill was released on bail on Tuesday per an order from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Mill — b
After months of challenging prior convinctions, rapper Meek Mill was released on bail on Tuesday per an order from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Mill — born Robert Rihmeek Williams —and his supporters, have actively denounced the rapper’s imprisonment since November, when he was sentenced to two to four years in prison for violating his probation by popping a wheelie during a video shoot in New York. The probation stemmed from a number of gun and drug convictions in 2008, for which Mill was sentenced to up to 23 months in county prison (he served six), plus seven years of probation.
Judge Genece Brinkley, who has been presiding over Mill’s case since 2008, has been accused of having a vendetta against the Philadelphia rapper. Mill’s legal team filed a formal motion to remove Brinkley from the case, citing repeated instances of offering “inappropriate personal and professional advice to the defendant, who had become a successful professional entertainer during the pendency of this case.”
Mill’s lawyers also claim that in 2016, Brinkley allegedly asked Meek to record a cover of Boyz II Men’s “On Bended Knee” and include a shout-out to her in it. The motion to remove Brinkley from the case was ultimately denied.
Shortly after he was granted bail, Mill tweeted to thank individuals for their support in recent months.
“I’d like to thank God, my family, and all my public advocates for their love, support and encouragement during this difficult time,” he tweeted. “While the past five months have been a nightmare, the prayers, visits, calls, letters and rallies have helped me stay positive.
“To the Philly District Attorney’s office, I’m grateful for your commitment to justice,” he continued. “I understand that many people of color across the country don’t have that luxury and I plan to use my platform to shine a light on those issues.”
In the meantime, Mill said he was dedicated to working to overturn his unwarranted gun and drug convictions, reuniting with his family and returning to his music career.
But first, he made a stop at the Sixer’s playoff game.
Wearing a Joel Embiid jersey, Mill rang the ceremonial bell during the pre-game festivities the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series, receiving a standing ovation from the fans and cheers from the players.
Many of the Sixers, including Embiid and Ben Simmons, visited Mill while he was in prison and Michael Rubin, a co-owner of the team became one of his most public backers.
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