Meek Mill's debut album Dreams & Nightmares was representation of all the things he's been through, good and bad, that still manage to haunt him. In light of his recent legal troubles, this week's #TBT is the intro track of the project which will forever go down as one of the most notable songs in his catalogs.
The "Dreams & Nightmares (Intro)" is arguably one of the best hip hop intro tracks in modern hip hop. The dichotomy between the first and second half of the song not only set the tone for the album but showed to contrasting sides to Meek Mill's music. The first half of the song finds Meek Mill detailing his rise to success over a melodic, upbeat piano progression with orchestral strings that feel like what would be played if one's heading to heaven. Once the beat switches in the second half into a much more aggressive tone, he goes into beast mode. While the first half highlights Meek's humble beginnings, the second half showcases Meek's hunger for success and greatness. The production consists of heavy hitting 808's and triumphant horns that take over the track and lead Meek into delving into his battle rap background.
To this day, "Dreams and Nightmares (Intro)" is a fan favorite. He's been brought out on stage with Jay-Z in the past to perform it. Even his arch-nemesis, Drake, said "Dreams and Nightmares Intro really one of the best rap moments of our generation...." However, that was prior to their beef. Either way, Drake isn't lying about it. It's a single that highlights the American dream of making something out of nothing. Hopefully, Meek's sentence gets appealed. We need more moments like this from him.
Quotable Lyrics
Hold up, broke nigga turned rich
Love the game like Mitch
But if I leave, you think 'em pretty hoes gon' still suck my dick?
There was something about that Rollie when it first touched my wrist
Had me feelin' like that dope boy when he first touched that brick, I'm gone
