Meek Mill's attorney Joe Tacopina toldTMZ that the judge who sentenced the rapper to 2-4 years in prison has something against him. The lengthy sentence was still handed down even after prosecutors suggested no jail time for violating his probation. Prosecutors argued that Meek had grown as a person and been drug-free since January. Earlier this month, there was speculation that the Philly native could face around 20 months behind bars. Meek was on probation due to an almost decade-old gun and drug case.
"I've been trying to help you since 2009," Common Pleas Judge Genece Brinkley told Meek, citing his failure to comply with a court order restricting his travel, among other violations. "You basically thumbed your nose at me."
Tacopina reportedly claimed that the sentence was a byproduct of Meek and the judge coming from the same part of Philly and knowing some of the same people. Meek's attorney mentioned Brinkley spoke with them in the chambers last year and suggested that the rapper do a remake of Boyz II Men's "On Bended Knee" and give her a shout out. Meek laughed off the request, thinking she was messing around. The judge then allegedly said "I'm not kidding," and when Meek refused she responded with "Okay, suit yourself."
People took to social media to air their thoughts on the news.
Meek's legal team says they plan to appeal the sentence.
