Meek Mill is finally free. The Supreme Court on Tuesday, April 24, ordered the rapper be released from prison on bail.
The 30-year-old's case has created a discussion around the criminal justice system and how it treats the black community. Mill, whose real name is Robert Rihmeek Williams, was sentenced in November to two to four years in prison for violating the terms of his probation deal. He was first arrested for drug and gun possession charges in 2008.
The "Dreams and Nightmares" rapper received support from fellow celebrities including Kevin Hart and Jay-Z.
In addition, the lone cop who testified against Mill in court has had a record of corruption and was included in the list of cops who were declared unworthy of testimony by the district attorney's office, reported Philly Mag.
Judge Genece Brinkley, who sentenced Mill to 10 years of probation and then two to four years of prison last year, was asked by the prosecutors from the Philadelphia district attorney's office to vacate the original drug conviction. Brinkley also denied Mill bail last week.
Justice Sides With Meek Mill
"The Commonwealth has recently stated, on the record in open court, that there are credibility issues with a police officer who was a 'critical witness' at Petitioner's trial. As such, the Commonwealth agreed that Petitioner is entitled to PCRA relief," stated the court document released on Tuesday. "Moreover, as reflected in filings in this Court, the Commonwealth has stated it is not opposed to Petitioner being granted immediate bail."
The decision was met with supporters that included the rapper's son and his mother.
In a statement to TMZ, Mill thanked everyone who has fought for his release and supported him all these months. He specifically mentioned Jay-Z who manages him through the label Roc Nation, Desiree Perez, Michael Rubin, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and his fans.
"While the past five months have been a nightmare, the prayers, visits, calls, letters and rallies have helped me stay positive," he added.
Meek Mill At The Eastern Conference Semi-Finals
As soon as he was released, Mill was immediately herded into a private chopper to the Wells Fargo Center that flew him to the game in time to ring the ceremonial bell.
The Guardian revealed that the rapper privately visited the Philadelphia 76ers in their locker room prior the game. He then emerged from the tunnel shortly after 8 p.m. to thunderous applause and standing ovation from his hometown.
Mill watched the game from the courtside beside Rubin, Hart, Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, and Pennsylvania governor Tom Wolf.
The Sixers won the game 104-91 over the Heat and clinched the first round series.
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