The story of Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill's latest prison sentence isn't over yet. And its new developments are haunted by the specter of an ugly history.
In early November, Meek Mill was sentenced to two to four years of prison for violations of probation. The violations included leaving the Philadelphia area to perform without permission and misdemeanor assault charges resulting from a scuffle with an excitable fan at an airport (those charges were later dropped). The sentencing—delivered against the recommendations of his probation officer—stirred outcry among fans and activists enraged at what looked like a depressingly well-worn story: a talented, young person of color drawn back into a criminal justice system that disproportionately punishes black Americans. Meek Mill's case is "just one example of how our criminal justice system entraps and harasses hundreds of thousands of black people every day," rapper and businessman Jay-Z wrote in the New York Times in mid-November.
However, a new development in the story indicates that Meek Mill's courtroom woes may have as much to do with music-industry scheming as systematic criminal justice inequalities in the United States. A week after Meek Mill was sentenced, Page Six reported that the Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the judge in the case, Genece Brinkley, to determine whether she attempted to use her judicial authority to influence business decisions in Meek Mill's music career. According to a Page Six source, FBI agents have been "in the courtroom" for Meek Mill's hearings since early 2016, looking into the possibility of an "extortionate demand" made of him by Brinkley. As is their standard practice, the FBI refused to confirm or deny the existence of an ongoing investigation.
Meek Mill's attorney, Joe Tacopina, who is appealing the sentencing, has previously argued that Brinkley exhibited "enormous bias" in her handling of Meek's case. Tacopina said that Brinkley has repeatedly suggested that the rapper drop his management team and sign with Philadelphia entertainment mogul Charlie Mack. A source told Page Six that Mack once told Meek Mill that he "knows the judge and he could help him with his case." Brinkley also reportedly suggested that Meek Mill re-record Boyz II Men's 1994 hit "On Bended Knee," and give her a shoutout on the track.
Such an investigation, if it is indeed ongoing, stands in sharp contrast to the FBI's long history of surveilling and harassing black musicians. These practices spanned decades, genres, and administrative concerns—from fears of communism to gang hysteria—all of which allowed the FBI to amass significant amounts of information on prominent black musicians. Pacific Standard compiled some notable (and egregious) examples below.
Source: psmag
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