The Manchester rapper’s second mixtape cultivates a self-reliant image, amplifying confident raps that portray a believable world beyond reasonable doubt.
Two years ago, Meekz Manny showed he can curate a tight-knit project in 2022’s Respect the Come Up. He’s had bubbling hits such as “Like Me” and “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” to justify the hype, and a standout verse on Dave’s “In the Fire” amongst UK rap royalty. It’s clear the public have faith in him, yet is still only getting started.
TRU marks Meekz’s grand return, and there’s an aggression to it. Whoever pissed off Meekz, it worked. On TRU, Meekz comes for all the fakes; he asserts his credentials while trampling over the naysayers. It’s the copycats that get it first on mixtape opener, “Mini Me’s”, an ominous trap cut that amplifies the Manny native’s influence. “GTA VI” gradually sees Meekz’s delivery turn from a nonchalant tirade to a bitter growl. “Trapstar” questions rappers’ so-called street creds; it’s like he can’t believe what he’s hearing come out these rappers’ mouths. That “Shame on them” attitude carries throughout TRU, a testament to creating a running theme throughout the 12 tracks that represents the mixtape’s title—stating the truth and weeding out the lies.
Meekz always raps with credence. He has that Skepta, Stormzy, Central Cee-type clarity despite owning a Mancunian accent. You believe Meekz because he conveys irrefutable confidence in his bars. What’s there to question from a guy who’s selling water to a well? Granted, hip hop is entertainment after all. But there’s always been an element of “living your raps” if you want the highest of stripes. Meekz paints himself as the truth-teller, the one you can rely on for verified verses. It’s practically become his USP at this point, even if multiple rappers in his lane could and do rap with the ‘truth’ agenda.
The best part about TRU is there’s no gimmicks (well, aside for that questionable Ja Rule sample on “Manny”). It’s a quick twelve-track effort with no guest appearances and competent beats. The West Coast bass protrudes on “Females”, while “Trapstar” has that Atlanta urgency. Although, some steam is lost towards the closing stages in favour of ruminating joints, made up of beats that could be on Potter Payper’s hard drive as you take in this sentence. The best of the bunch is “What It Is”, charming the listener with its meditative groove.
TRU is like Meekz carrying out his own interrogation. He asks his own questions and provides his own answers. In other words, everything’s in control.
7 / 10
Best tracks: “Mini Me’s”, “GTA IV”, “Trapstar”, “Rich or Poor”, “What It Is”
Mic Cheque 