Following the murder of George Floyd, many throughout the country have taken to the streets to protest and exercise their first amendment rights. Many of the protests have turned into rioting although this is the product of anger that has been building up for centuries. The government has left some people behind and now, many are trying to reclaim their freedom in a way that the government will actually understand.

There have been some massive protests in Atlanta and the entire state of Georgia although there are some disturbing scenes coming from the area. Two separate tweets went viral that depict child soldiers with army fatigues, guns, and riot shields. These soldiers have been placed in front of stores and barricades and seem to be following orders to a tee.

Following the death of Pop Smoke, Meek Mill has been taking to Instagram to reflect on the dangers of the rap game and how they can be circumvented. A few days ago, he lamented that black men were killing each other at an alarming rate, using Smoke’s likeness to drive the distressing point home. Today he’s back with another word of advice on the topic, once again using Pop Smoke to reiterate the importance of his message. 

Meek shared a clip of Pop Smoke and DJ Kay Slay speaking on the dangers of ascension, in which Kay Slay maintains that soldiers should be kept close at all times. “Money don’t change you but when you become a boss, guess what?” says the legendary DJ. “That’s what soldiers is for! You the king, they supposed to protect you on the muthafuckin’ chess board. If your head drop, if you get locked down, what happens to them?” Smoke seems impressed by the take, agreeing with Kay Slay’s perspective — down his final warning, haunting in retrospect: “All ya’ll n***as around Pop Smoke, protect him with your mothafuckin’ life.” 

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Meek offered his own take on the discourse, showing Kay Slay some respect in the process. “YOUNGBULLS LISTEN!!!!! REST UP POP!!!! SOLID GAME!! @djkayslay,” he captions. “If you not protecting me or adding value it’s no place for you!!! #restuppop YOU CANNOT GO FROM WORKER TO BOSS AND SURVIVE WITHOUT CHANGE!”

At this point, Meek Mill appears to be taking on the role of a wizened OG, using his platform to share his experience to those transitioning from the streets to the industry. As it’s becoming abundantly clear, a few difficulties are inherent in making a change of that nature. Old grudges aren’t exactly quick to fade once money becomes involved — if anything, they only intensify. Check out Meek’s message below.

When Meek Mill shouted out the soldiers who fight for the safety of the United States on a daily basis, he did so with good intentions in mind. With all the chatter about a potential World War III (which likely won't happen) and the troubling reports concerning the USA and Iran, Meek Mill just wanted to send some positivity to the men and women defending us across borders. The Philadelphia artist and DJ Akademiks, a popular hip-hop commentator, have an interesting history. Previously, Meek has gone after the YouTuber for his continued support of Tekashi 6ix9ine. Now, the tables have turned and AK is the one criticizing Mill for his comments on the military.