‘My father’s death in 1992 while doing robbery made me pursue riches’

American rapper Meek Mill has recalled how losing his father to a robbery at a young age drove him to pursue wealth and success in the music industry.

Meek Mill, whose real name is Robert Rihmeek Williams, was just five years old when his father was killed during an apparent robbery attempt in 1992 in their hometown of Philadelphia.

In a candid statement on social media, the 36-year-old MC opened up about how his father's death at such a young age shaped his ambition and drive.

"My dad died in 1992 doing a robbery... that made me wanna get rich that was the get back the person who killed my dad is probably 60... talking about dead people don’t hurt to me ... having all your homies killed behind your mistake you gotta drink lean constantly," Meek Mill wrote via X on Tuesday, March 12.

The tragic event left a deep scar and desire for vengeance in Meek Mill, who was raised in poverty by his mother Kathy Williams in North Philadelphia along with his older sister.

Without a father figure and living in financially difficult conditions, the Grammy-nominated found an outlet and means of support through hip hop.

He was heavily influenced by pioneers of Philadelphia rap like Grandmaster Nell, Chic Raw and Vodka during his formative years.