Young Black America
by Meek Mill (featuring The-Dream)

Album: Wins & Losses (2017)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Here, Meek Mill raps about the challenges facing young black men growing up on the streets. Asked by the Associated Press what he would like listeners to take from the track, the MMG rhymer replied:

    "It's an eye-opener for the young people for my culture. It's to help them open their eyes and see what they are really dealing with in real reality. A lot of rap isn't based off reality most of the time. Sometimes it's ignorant. I just wanted to give young people in our culture an understanding of what's going on. In one video, we got young kids with guns with KKK masks on, basically saying we killing our own."
  • Producer Street Symphony's soulful beat samples Jay-Z's Blueprint cut "Blueprint (Momma Loves Me)."
  • The-Dream delivers the same urgent message on the song's hook. He also drove the point home on his Instagram page, writing. "#YBA beyond it all, we must rise beyond Petty and say the right words in bad times. Times for fighting with out brothers has passed!"

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell BluesSong Writing

When a song describes a wedding, it's rarely something to celebrate - with one big exception.

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Queen

QueenFact or Fiction

Scaramouch, a hoople and a superhero soundtrack - see if you can spot the real Queen stories.

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")Songwriter Interviews

A top country songwriter, Barry talks about writing hits for Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.

Don Brewer of Grand Funk

Don Brewer of Grand FunkSongwriter Interviews

The drummer and one of the primary songwriters in Grand Funk talks rock stardom and Todd Rundgren.

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In Songs

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In SongsSong Writing

Songs where something goes horribly wrong (literally or metaphorically), and help is needed right away.