Free Meek

Last updated

Free Meek
Free Meek series.jpg
Genre True crime [1]
Documentary [2]
Starring Meek Mill
Jay-Z
Van Jones
Michael G. Rubin
Tamika Mallory
Paul Solotaroff
Swizz Beatz
Composers Roahn Hylton
Jacob Yoffee [3]
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes5 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producersMichael John Warren
Erin Gamble
Eli Holzman
Jay-Z
Meek Mill
Aaron Saidman
Isaac Solotaroff
Paul Solotaroff
ProducerPatrick Altema
Production locations Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
New York City, New York
Los Angeles, California
CinematographyGregg de Domenico
Running time33–48 minutes
Production companies Roc Nation
The Intellectual Property Corporation [4]
Amazon Studios
Original release
Network Amazon Prime Video
ReleaseAugust 9, 2019 (2019-08-09)

Free Meek is a 2019 true-crime docuseries about American rapper Meek Mill's ongoing battle with the U.S. justice system following a disputed conviction in 2007. The five-part series premiered August 9, 2019, on Amazon Prime Video, [5] and is produced by his record label, Roc Nation and The Intellectual Property Corporation, and executive produced by Mill and Jay-Z. [4] [6] A trailer was released during the 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards ahead of its premiere. [7]

Contents

Background

The series examines how Mill has been repeatedly returned to prison based on trivial violations of his parole, and probes the problematic circumstances of the original charges, of which he maintains his innocence. The series includes interviews with Mill and his family, along with Jay-Z, CNN commentator Van Jones, Philadelphia 76ers co-owner Michael G. Rubin, Black Lives Matter activist Tamika Mallory, and Rolling Stone reporter Paul Solotaroff. [2] Quest Research & Investigations (QRI), a firm that collects and examines evidence for litigators, was featured in the docuseries after looking at the facts of Mill's case. The firm had previously worked on the docuseries The Case Against Adnan Syed . [7]

Episodes

No.TitleDirected by [8] Original air date [9]
1"Two Americas"Isaac SolotaroffAugust 9, 2019 (2019-08-09)
Meek Mill is a hip-hop superstar but got his start as a battle rapper on the streets of Philly's roughest neighborhoods. At age 19, a violent encounter with law enforcement sends him to jail and ensnares him in the justice system. He will spend the next 11 years trying to break free of its grasp.
2"The Trap"Isaac SolotaroffAugust 9, 2019 (2019-08-09)
Judge Genece Brinkley finds Meek guilty of gun and drug charges and sentences him to 11.5 to 23 months in jail and 10 years of probation. Once released, Meek's music career explodes as he joins forces with Rick Ross and Roc Nation, but a series of probation violations lands him back in Brinkley's courtroom and back in jail. He's now part of a trap that he can't escape.
3"Under Her Thumb"Isaac SolotaroffAugust 9, 2019 (2019-08-09)
Meek struggles with probation as his personal life spirals out of control. After a battle with addiction, a brawl in an airport and an arrest for popping a wheelie, Judge Brinkley sends him to prison for 2-4 years. The case ignites tensions about racial injustice and protesters take to the streets while an investigation into the judge by Meek's defense team produces shocking revelations.
4"Filthadelphia"Isaac SolotaroffAugust 9, 2019 (2019-08-09)
Private investigators take a deep dive into Meek's original arrest and discover new clues. Former cops share explosive allegations about Meek's arresting officer and the investigators learn that the version of events that was presented at Meek's trial may not be the truth. Meek's supporters feel a fresh sense of hope, but will the new revelations be enough to free Meek?
5"Free, Not Free"Isaac SolotaroffAugust 9, 2019 (2019-08-09)
Protesters surround the courthouse as Judge Brinkley decides Meek's fate. Even prosecutors agree that his case should be overturned, but the Judge's decision leaves lawyers scrambling for a new plan. Meek finds himself at the center of a huge national movement as he struggles to overcome the trauma of his prison experience and create a legacy that could change the system forever.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Game (rapper)</span> American rapper (born 1979)

Jayceon Terrell Taylor, better known by his stage name the Game or simply Game, is an American rapper. Born in Compton, California, he initially released a series of mixtapes under the wing of fellow West Coast rapper JT the Bigga Figga. After releasing his debut album Untold Story independently in 2004, he was discovered by record producer Dr. Dre and signed to his Aftermath Records label imprint. The Game rose to fame in 2005 following the release of his major-label debut album The Documentary, which peaked the Billboard 200 along with its 2006 follow-up, Doctor's Advocate. The former album received double platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and two Grammy Award nominations—Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for its single, "Hate It or Love It".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jay Baruchel</span> Canadian actor (born 1982)

Jonathan Adam Saunders Baruchel is a Canadian actor and director. He is best known for his voice role as Hiccup Haddock in the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, and for his lead roles in the comedies Fanboys (2009), She's Out of My League (2010), and This Is the End (2013). Baruchel was the co-lead in the Disney action-fantasy film The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010). Films in which Baruchel has had a starring role have grossed over $1.28 billion at the worldwide box office as of 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andrew Fried</span> American film director

Andrew Fried is an American documentary filmmaker, producer and director, and the president of Boardwalk Pictures. Fried is known for producing documentary films and television series, such as Chef's Table, The Black Godfather, Last Chance U, 7 Days Out, My Love, Men in Kilts, Booktube, Street Food, Cheer, Val and The Goop Lab with Gwyneth Paltrow. He directed the 2020 documentary film We Are Freestyle Love Supreme.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meek Mill</span> American rapper (born 1987)

Robert Rihmeek Williams, known professionally as Meek Mill, is an American rapper. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he embarked on his music career as a battle rapper, and later formed a short-lived rap group, The Bloodhoundz. He signed with T.I.'s Grand Hustle Records as a solo act in 2008, although he departed by 2011 and released no albums with the label. Meek Mill then signed with Rick Ross' Maybach Music Group (MMG) that same year, and rose to mainstream recognition following his performances on the label's Self Made Vol. 1 (2011) compilation album; his song "Tupac Back" served as the album's lead single while its follow up, "Ima Boss" entered the Billboard Hot 100.

Roahn Hylton, known as "First Born", is a Hip-Hop, R&B, and Pop music producer from Houston, Texas. He attended Oral Roberts University before becoming a professional music producer. First Born was a co-producer with Kane Beatz on Nicki Minaj’s first Billboard Top 5 single "Super Bass". In addition to the song being a platinum hit in the U.S., "Super Bass" spent several weeks inside the top 20 and is Minaj's highest charting solo single to date. First Born has also worked with Flo Rida, Plies, Ne-Yo, Trey Songz, Kaleena, Ludacris, Cassie, Ariana Grande, The Game, Gucci, and New Boys. Additional projects Hylton has worked on include Shonlock's LP Never Odd or Even and Darrell Vanzant's Broken: A Musical.

<i>Dreams and Nightmares</i> 2012 studio album by Meek Mill

Dreams and Nightmares is the debut studio album by American rapper Meek Mill, released on October 30, 2012, by Maybach Music Group and Warner Bros. Records. Mill intended for it to be authentic and more cohesive than his mixtapes, having a stronger connection through both vocals and beats. The album features guest appearances from Kirko Bangz, Rick Ross, Nas, John Legend, Drake, Wale, and Mary J. Blige, among others. Production was primarily handled by Jahlil Beats and Boi-1da, alongside the likes of Tone the Beat Bully and Key Wane. The recording took place from January to September 2012, including sessions in a studio bus on the Club Paradise Tour. Sessions were also held in Los Angeles and Miami, and multiple recordings were included on Mill's ninth mixtape, Dreamchasers 2 (2012). The dreams represent Mill making money as a performer, while the nightmares are based on coming up from his neighbourhood.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ari Melber</span> American television journalist (born 1980)

Ari Naftali Melber is an American attorney and Emmy-winning journalist who is the chief legal correspondent for MSNBC and host of The Beat with Ari Melber.

<i>Goliath</i> (TV series) American legal drama television series

Goliath is an American legal drama television series by Amazon Studios. The show was commissioned with a straight-to-series order of eight episodes on December 1, 2015 and premiered on October 13, 2016, on Amazon Prime Video. On February 15, 2017, Amazon announced the series had been renewed for a second season and confirmed that Clyde Phillips was joining the series as showrunner. The trailer for season 2 was released on May 1, 2018. Season 2, consisting of eight episodes, was released on June 15, 2018. On December 11, 2018, the series was renewed for a third season, which premiered on October 4, 2019. On November 14, 2019, Amazon announced the series was renewed for a fourth and final season, which premiered on September 24, 2021.

<i>Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story</i> American TV series or program

Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story is an American documentary television series that premiered on July 30, 2018 on Paramount Network. The six-episode series documents the killing of Trayvon Martin and explores the racial tension in the United States that was brought about in its wake. The series is executive produced by Sybrina Fulton, Tracy Martin, Jay-Z, Chachi Senior, Michael Gasparro, Jenner Furst, Julia Willoughby Nason, and Nick Sandow. Furst and Nason also directed the series as well.

Lorena is a 2019 American true-crime docuseries about the 1993 assault and subsequent court case involving John and Lorena Bobbitt. The four-part series premiered on February 15, 2019 on Amazon Prime Video. It was directed by Joshua Rofé who also served as an executive producer alongside Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld, Steven J. Berger, Jenna Santoianni, and Tom Lesinski.

<i>Championships</i> (album) 2018 studio album by Meek Mill

Championships is the fourth studio album by American rapper Meek Mill. It was released on November 30, 2018, by Atlantic Records and Maybach Music Group. The album features guest appearances from Fabolous, Anuel AA, Cardi B, Rick Ross, Jay-Z, Future, Roddy Ricch, Young Thug, Drake, Kodak Black, Ella Mai, 21 Savage, Melii, Jeremih, and PnB Rock. Meanwhile, production was handled by Bangladesh, Cardo, Cubeatz, C-Sick, Don Cannon, Hit-Boy, Hitmaka, Prince Chrishan, Tay Keith, and Wheezy, among others. It was supported by the singles "Dangerous" "Going Bad", and "24/7".

<i>Surviving R. Kelly</i> 2019 Lifetime documentary on sexual abuse allegations against R. Kelly

Surviving R. Kelly is a Lifetime documentary detailing sexual abuse allegations against American singer Robert "R." Kelly. Its first season aired over three nights, from January 3 to January 5, 2019. Filmmaker and music critic Dream Hampton served as executive producer together with Joel Karsberg, Jesse Daniels and Tamra Simmons. Musicians Chance the Rapper, John Legend and Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards appeared in the documentary. Its premiere episode on January 3, 2019, was Lifetime's highest-rated program in more than two years, with 2 million total viewers. It received critical acclaim, with a 95% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The documentary also spurred several musicians who previously collaborated with Kelly on projects, including Lady Gaga and Ciara, to condemn Kelly and remove their works with him from streaming services.

<i>Dont F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer</i> 2019 American true crime documentary series

Don't F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer is a 2019 true crime docuseries about an online manhunt. It is written and directed by Mark Lewis and was released on Netflix on December 18, 2019. The series chronicles events following a crowd-sourced amateur investigation into a series of animal cruelty acts committed by Canadian pornographic actor Luka Magnotta, culminating in his murder of Chinese international student Jun Lin. It was one of Netflix's Top 5 most-watched documentaries of 2019.

<i>Surviving Jeffrey Epstein</i> USA documentary television miniseries

Surviving Jeffrey Epstein is an American documentary television miniseries about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, directed by Anne Sundberg and Ricki Stern. It consists of 4-episodes and premiered on August 9, 2020, on Lifetime.

LuLaRich is an American documentary miniseries, directed and produced by Jenner Furst and Julia Willoughby Nason and executive produced by Blye Pagon Faust and Cori Shepherd Stern. It follows LuLaRoe, a clothing empire accused of being a pyramid scheme. It consists of four episodes and premiered on Amazon Prime Video on September 10, 2021.

<i>Phat Tuesdays: The Era Of Hip Hop Comedy</i> American television documentary series

Phat Tuesdays: The Era of Hip Hop Comedy is an American television documentary series about the 1990s comedy showcase hosted and created by Guy Torry. It premiered on Amazon Prime Video on February 4, 2022.

<i>Good Rivals</i> American sport docuseries

Good Rivals is a three-part sports docuseries exploring the unique and intense rivalry between the Mexico and United States national men's soccer teams. Produced by Meadowlark Media in association with Ocellated Media, the series is distributed by Prime Video Sports and Skydance Sports. It premiered on Amazon Prime Video on November 24, 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lil Snupe</span> American rapper (1995–2013)

Addarren Ross, known professionally as Lil Snupe, was an American rapper from Jonesboro, Louisiana signed to Meek Mill's record label Dream Chasers Records. His death at a young age was honored by several hip hop musicians and made him the subject of numerous musical tributes and documentaries.

<i>Coach Prime</i> (TV series) American documentary TV series

Coach Prime is an American television documentary series about college football head coach Deion Sanders.

References

  1. "Stream It Or Skip It: 'Free Meek' on Amazon Prime, a Documentary Chronicle of Rapper Meek Mill's Many Legal Troubles". Decider. August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
  2. 1 2 Williams, Janice (August 9, 2019). "Everything to know about Meek Mill's Amazon Prime Video documentary series 'Free Meek'". Newsweek. Retrieved August 14, 2019.
  3. "Composers Jacob Yoffee and Roahn Hylton Talk About Scoring Amazon's 'Free Meek Mill' Docuseries". Blackfilm. August 14, 2019. Archived from the original on August 15, 2019. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
  4. 1 2 Berman, Judy (July 31, 2019). "'Free Meek' Brings Meek Mill's Long Legal Nightmare to Life". Time. Retrieved August 14, 2019.
  5. Langmann, Brady (August 11, 2019). "Inside the Relentless Private Investigation That Granted Meek Mill a New Trial". Esquire. Retrieved August 14, 2019.
  6. Giorgis, Hannah (August 9, 2019). "The Revelations of Meek Mill's Legal Limbo". The Atlantic. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  7. 1 2 Ramos, Dino-Ray (June 24, 2019). "'Free Meek' Trailer: Amazon's Meek Mill Docuseries Exposes Criminal Justice System Flaws; Premiere Date Set". Deadline. Retrieved February 6, 2020.
  8. "Free Meek - TV Guide". TVGuide.com. Retrieved September 13, 2019.
  9. Orcutt, K. C. (June 24, 2019). "Meek Mill documentary series "Free Meek" to premiere on Amazon". REVOLT. Retrieved September 13, 2019.