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From prison to the Sixers game, Meek Mill’s first day out was legendary

Philadelphia truly is the city of brotherly love. Meek Milly is now back on the Philly streets after spending five months behind bars.

Traditionally, when rappers are released from prison they drop a “First Day Out” banger. For Meek Mill, who was released yesterday afternoon, it would be a much different story.

I’d like to thank God, my family, my friends, my attorneys, my team at Roc Nation including Jay Z, Desiree Perez, my good friend Michael Rubin, my fans, The Pennsylvania Supreme Court and all my public advocates for their love, support and encouragement during this difficult time. While the past five months have been a nightmare, the prayers, visits, calls, letters and rallies have helped me stay positive. To the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office, I’m grateful for your commitment to justice – not only for my case, but for others that have been wrongfully jailed due to police misconduct. Although I’m blessed to have the resources to fight this unjust situation, I understand that many people of color across the country don’t have that luxury and I plan to use my platform to shine a light on those issues. In the meantime, I plan to work closely with my legal team to overturn this unwarranted conviction and look forward to reuniting with my family and resuming my music career.

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When the news broke yesterday that Meek was released on bail, the internet was lit. The sports and hip-hop world celebrated his return to freedom with love and support. The Philly emcee took to social media, letting his fans and supporters know what it means to be back home.

“I’d like to thank God, my family, and all my public advocates for their love, support and encouragement during this difficult time. While the past five months have been a nightmare, the prayers, visits, calls, letters and rallies have helped me stay positive”

The Philadelphia Eagles historic Super Bowl run was due in part to Meek Mill’s imprisonment. The Eagles were able to come together, rally the entire city of Philly, and beat the New England Patriots.

Considering Meek’s influence on the Super Bowl, it’s no secret that he was going to attend the Philadelphia 76ers’ home playoff game vs the Miami Heat.

Upon his release from prison, Meek Mill was greeted by 76ers co-owner Michael Grubin.

From there, they would drive to a nearby parking lot where a helicopter awaited their arrival. From there, Meek & Grubin were escorted to the game via chopper.

#Repost @meekmilly215_ 😊😊😊😊😊 #meekmill

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In a statement to ESPN,

“You know, Meek told me every day we talked, ‘I just dream about the heli picking me up. That’s what I want.’ So when they released him, we said the helicopter’s gonna pick you up.”

When they touched down at Wells Fargo Arena, the atmosphere was electric. Before the opening tip, Meek Mill had the opportunity to visit with the 76ers players.

While draped in his #21 Joel Embiid jersey, he received a standing ovation from the Philadelphia faithful when he was introduced.

It all came full circle when Meek Mill walked to the middle of the court and rang the Liberty Bell.

He would then sit courtside with his son, comedian Kevin Hart, and of course Michael Grubin and watch the 76ers advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Just think, 5 months ago Meek Mill was written off. Mill was sentenced to a 2-4 year prison sentence for violating his probation.

Now, he’s out on bail and is able to continue his fight for freedom. Nevertheless, it’s beautiful to see Meek Mill back home, being embraced by the city he loves.

@meekmill started the day in prison. He ended it ringing in the Sixers' series win.

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Tee Grizzley says song sales tripled after LeBron’s post-Finals video

Tee Grizzley has had a meteoric rise to relevance over the last half a year. After being arrested and sentenced to 15 months in prison for a robbery on the Michigan State Campus in 2015, Grizzley was released in October 2016 and dropped his song “First Day Out” in November.

“First Day Out” was an immediate hit and Grizzley became an overnight sensation. Tee Grizzley was suddenly on all the curated playlists and discussed as an exciting new prospect in hip-hop.

While he received plenty of praise from across the hip-hop spectrum, and was a finalist for the XXL Freshman list, Grizzley’s greatest cosign came from outside the music world entirely.

In the aftermath of the Cleveland Cavaliers loss to the Warriors in the NBA Finals, LeBron was right back in the gym showing off a new bald head and singing along to Tee Grizzley’s “First Day Out.”

The video of LeBron went absolutely viral. Obviously anything LeBron does is met with wide public attention, but this particular video, a couple days after losing in the Finals, donning a new buzz, was the subject of wide internet conversation and part of the meme war between LeBron and Draymond during the Warriors’ parade.

Tee Grizzley had now gotten the infamous LeBron stamp of approval. Despite the fact that “First Day Out” had already been getting Grizzley attention, his numbers skyrocketed after LeBron’s video.

TMZ caught up to Grizzley in the airport and asked him how that LeBron cosign was working out. Turns out, it’s helped Grizzley go platinum. The Detroit rapper told TMZ,

“My record sales tripled after LeBron put that up. Shout out to LeBron, you done made me a couple dollars.”

Those are some pretty impressive numbers, especially for someone so new in the game.

This isn’t the first time LeBron has helped spark an artist’s career. Last year, Ohio rapper Jarreu’s “Really Got It” became the Cavaliers unofficial theme song, it even appeared in a LeBron Beats commercial.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sG0xaMe3LDs

Jarreau went on to perform the song at Game 4 of the 2016 NBA Finals, showing the power of the King’s influence.

Whether it’s Tee Grizzley, Jarreau, or Nipsey Hussle, a simple LeBron listening sesh can be a career-defining moment.