Meek Mill Debuts 'Expensive Pain' Album, Compares Himself To Kendrick Lamar

Meek Mill's fifth studio album Expensive Pain is finally here, and the DreamChasers CEO has something to say.

At midnight on Friday, Meek released the 18-track follow-up to 2018's Championships; and just ahead of the highly anticipated debut, the Philly rapper got candid in an interview about his status in the hip hop game --- comparing himself to colleagues like Kendrick Lamar, YG and Mac Miller who came up around the same time as him. Meek shared:

"Personally, and it’s up for the fans to have an opinion, and that’s what keeps me going, I don’t feel like I get the credit that I deserve as far as the artists. I come from the 2012 era. If you go check the [2011 XXL Freshman Class cover], shout out to Vanessa, I’m on the cover. It’s me, YG, it’s Kendrick Lamar, it’s Mac Miller, rest in peace, Fred The Godson. But all them guys, I respect them highly, and a lot of them guys lasted in the game. I’m one of them guys that’s still here in 2021. I’m about to put on at a talented level, not a marketed level. I want to go straight to the fans.”

Expensive Pain's release also garnered some praise from Meek Mill's former frenemy Drake. The Certified Lover Boy took to his Instagram Stories to congratulate the rapper, writing:

“Proud of you boy. Since the Bahamas cook up we were planning the next chapter. Time to eat.

On Thursday, Meek debuted the tracklist to Expensive Pain, which includes his hit single "Sharing Locations" featuring Lil Baby and Lil Durk, as well as "Blue Notes 2" featuring his fellow Philly nativeLil Uzi Vert. The album also features appearances from Kehlani, A$AP Ferg, Moneybagg Yo, Young Thug, Giggs, Vory, and Brent Faiyaz. There is also a tribute to the late Nipsey Hussle and Lil Snupe called “Angels RIP.

Catch Expensive Pain, streaming now on all platforms.