For more than a decade, Meek Mill’s freedom has rested in the hands of a single judge, Genece Brinkley. After multiple lengthy stays behind bars (including one that just ended in 2018), Meek, Roc Nation, his record company, legal team, and legions of fans have campaigned that the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native continues his ongoing legal matters before a new court, and a new judge.

Following recent efforts from supporters including the office of Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, Meek will now get his hearing in appellate court. On July 16, the 32-year-old rapper and Dreamchasers Records founder born Robert Rihmeek Williams will be back in a Philadelphia court. Although released from prison in April of 2018, Meek remains in hearings tied to a 2007 weapons and drug arrest followed by a 2008 conviction. Before the new court, Meek and his team hope those original ’08 charges will be overturned, allowing the Maybach Music Group/Atlantic Records artist to capitalize on his talent. Previously, he has been prevented from touring and endorsement opportunities. As Meek told NBC News’ Lester Holt last year, the preventative measures in place for his rehabilitation have also affected his family dynamics as a parent and as a son.

JAY-Z & Meek Mill Have Joined Forces To Free Those Unjustly Held In Prison

An early 2018 Rolling Stone feature story by Paul Solotaroff chronicled controversy surrounding officers responsible for Meek’s arrest, including police brutality of the burgeoning rapper while in Philadelphia Police Department custody. Other elements of the investigation cited questionable behavior on Judge Brinkley’s part, including suggesting creative choices from the musician, and insistence that his career remain under the handling of former manager and local music executive, Charlie Mack.

“We’re looking forward to the oral argument before the Superior Court of Pennsylvania and to, hopefully, having Meek’s conviction vacated,” Meek lawyer Jordan Siev told CNN in a statement yesterday (June 4). “In light of the District Attorney’s recent filing, where he supports the granting of a new trial to Meek and the recusal of Judge Brinkley, we hope to have this injustice rectified once and for all.”

Meek Mill Wants To Get 1 Million People Out Of The Prison System

During recent years both on the streets and behind bars, Meek Mill has lent his celebrity and voice to assist others that have been wrongfully convicted and over-punished for their actions. From the MC’s Champions album late last year, Meek also released the video to “Oodles O’ Noodles Babies.”

Opening with the quote, “It’s the conditions in which you plant your seeds that determine how they will grow,” Meek and his team create a universe not unlike the North Philly he grew up in, or the Snyder Avenue section of South Philly where his legal problems intensified back in 2007. Although the Rap star does not appear in the vid’, it chronicles a self-raised boy, even with parents in the home.

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Clearly, before Meek faces a new court and judge, he wants greater understanding of his circumstance and what he has survived.