Meek Mill was released from prison on Tuesday (April 24), after a lengthy legal battle spanning months.
The Supreme Court of PA made the decision, overruling the original decision made by Judge Genece Brinkley, who was heavily criticised for sentencing the rapper to a minimum of two years in state prison back in November 2017.
The sentence was for violating his probation related to gun and drug-related convictions in 2007. He was originally arrested for his involvement in a fight at St. Louis airport (the charges were later dropped), and for reckless driving in New York.
Judge Brinkley denied the rapper bail just last week, despite both the Philadelphia District Attorney and Governor Tom Wolf publicly supporting his release.
The Philadephia rapper – real name Robert Williams – took to Twitter to thank his fans and supporters.
I’d like to thank God, my family, and all my public advocates for their love, support and encouragement during this difficult time. While the past five months have been a nightmare, the prayers, visits, calls, letters and rallies have helped me stay positive.
— Meek Mill (@MeekMill) April 24, 2018
To the Philly District Attorney’s office, I’m grateful for your commitment to justice. 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.
— Meek Mill (@MeekMill) April 24, 2018
In the meantime, I plan to work closely with my legal team to overturn this unwarranted conviction and look forward to reuniting with my family and resuming my music career.
— Meek Mill (@MeekMill) April 24, 2018
Meek’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, told TMZ: “Meek was unjustly convicted and should not have spent a single day in jail. Meek is excited to be reunited with his family, and we, along with Meek, intend to continue to shine the light on a justice system in need of reform to prevent any other citizen from being put through what Meek has endured.”
Following his release, Meek Mill made an appearance at the Philadelphia 76ers’ basketball game against the Miami Heat in his home city of Philadelphia. Meek was flown in a private helicopter straight to the game by the team’s owner Michael Rubin. Kevin Hart was also at the game.
Meek Mill rings the bell before Sixers-Heat in a Joel Embiid jersey pic.twitter.com/1uuunHemNg
— AP (@Ananth_Pandian) April 25, 2018
MEEK WITH HIS SON IN HIS LAP SMILING I AM CRYING pic.twitter.com/g1Rzf26OJR
— Drew Corrigan (@Dcorrigan50) April 25, 2018
His release comes just days after the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office said in court that the rapper should get a new trial.
Following his conviction last year, Jay-Z slammed the sentence as “unjust and heavy-handed”
“The sentence handed down by the Judge – against the recommendation of the Assistant District Attorney and Probation Officer – is unjust and heavy handed,” Jay wrote on social media. “We will always stand by and support Meek Mill, both as he attempts to right this wrongful sentence and then in returning to his musical career.”
The rapper even had support from former rival Drake, who, during a show in Melbourne, Australia last November, pointed out a member of the crowd in a ‘Free Meek Mill’ t-shirt.
“Free Meek Mill. You right,” he stated on-stage.
Mill’s ex-girlfriend Nicki Minaj also spoke out about his sentence, saying: “I wouldn’t wish jail on anybody.”