Young Meek – First And Foremost

Album info

“First and Foremost,” released in 2007, is a compelling showcase of Young Meek’s evolution as a rapper and his solid grounding in the hip-hop world. This album, coming from M1 Muzik, unfurls Young Meek’s unfettered narratives over beats that capture the essence of the U.S. West Coast hip-hop style.

The intro is a brief prelude that wastes no time in setting the stage for what’s to follow: a deep dive into the world of a street savant. “Skrape” immediately immerses listeners in the depths of Sacramento’s vibrant scene, featuring a collaboration with Bandit, Floss, LIQ, and West Wing, whose distinct styles blend seamlessly with Meek’s flow.

In “Rep Yo Street,” featuring Bandit, Young Meek chants the street’s call, a homage to the roads that molded him, with a rhythm that carries the hard-hitting reality of his message. The title track, “First and Foremost,” stands as a personal manifesto, asserting his identity and mission in the game—a narrative of self-recognition and ambition.

A standout track, “No Trick Up My Sleeve,” sees Keak Da Sneak join the mix, delivering a track that combines lyrical finesse with street wisdom. “16 Bars,” a collaborative effort with Bandit and Lil G, is a lyrical exhibition of pure skill, while “Block Boi” brings in heavy hitters C-Bo, E-40, and Stressmatic for a potent blend of West Coast rap royalty.

“How We Do” and “Boss Type” continue to build on the album’s themes of street credibility and the relentless pursuit of success, while “Grind 2 Get It,” another team-up with C-Bo, reverberates with the grind and hustle that’s synonymous with Meek’s philosophy.

“My Dudes,” a collaboration featuring Bandit, LIQ, Tye, and West Wing, and “Kaint Let Go” with LIQ, delve into loyalty and the difficulty of letting go of street life. “I Just Look Like This” and “Hustle 2 Survive” extend the narrative, emphasizing survival and resilience.

“Fall Down,” with Big Hollis, adds a poignant touch, speaking to the falls and rises inherent to life’s journey. The subsequent track, “Reala,” reinforces Young Meek’s authentic portrayal of his experiences.

As the album nears its conclusion, “That Good,” featuring Mitchy Slick, touches on the good life, a reward for the hardships faced. And finally, “Love Don’t,” featuring Chill, wraps up the album with a reflection on the complexities of relationships in the midst of life’s chaos.

“First and Foremost” is an album that stands as a testament to Young Meek’s dedication to his craft and his community. It’s not just about the streets—it’s about the narratives that are born there, the music that emerges, and the truths that are told. With each track, Young Meek proves he’s not just another name in the game; he’s a voice of the streets, telling it ‘first and foremost.’