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Wins & Losses

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Wins & Losses is the third studio album by American rapper Meek Mill. It was released on July 21, 2017, by Maybach Music Group and Atlantic Records Group.[1] It is the follow-up to Meek Mill's second album Dreams Worth More Than Money (2015) and his Meekend Music EP series. It includes guest appearances from Rick Ross, Future, Quavo, Young Thug, Lil Uzi Vert, Chris Brown, Ty Dolla Sign, Yo Gotti, The-Dream, Teyana Taylor, and Verse Simmonds. Production derives from Meek Mill's first signed Dreamchaser producer Papamitrou, Streetrunner, DJ Mustard, Street Symphony, Wheezy, Maaly Raw, Dougie On The Beat and Honorable C.N.O.T.E.

Wins & Losses
Studio album by
Meek Mill
ReleasedJuly 21, 2017
Recorded2016–17
GenreHip hop
Length66:54
Label
Producer
Meek Mill chronology
Meekend Music
(2017) 		Wins & Losses
(2017) 		Legends of the Summer
(2018)
Singles from Wins & Losses
  1. "Whatever You Need"
    Released: June 1, 2017
  2. "Young Black America"
    Released: June 25, 2017

Wins and Losses received generally positive reviews and debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 with 102,000 album-equivalent units, of which 37,000 were pure album sales. It has gone on to sell more than 500,000 units in the United States and is certified gold. The album was supported by two singles: Whatever You Need featuring Chris Brown and Ty Dolla Sign, and "Young Black America" featuring The-Dream.

Background

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After releasing numerous EPs such as 4/4 (2016) and the Meekend Music series (2017), Wins and Losses was announced in May 2017 by Rick Ross, while the album cover and tracklist were revealed in mid-July 2017 a few weeks before release.[2] Meek Mill explained the concept behind Wins and Losses during an interview with Streetz 94.5, saying:

"I just wanted to give people a real perspective of my life, what we call wins and what we call losses. I lost my case, we lost Lil Snupe, Chino lost his brother. Where we come from, that's a loss. When you talk L's and W's, you get an L, that mean you got life in jail. It's critical, it ain't what they talking about, so I wanted to give my perspective on it, let people know what I've been through."

Promotion

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On June 2, 2017, Meek Mill partnered with Spotify and released a video of him freestyling. The video premiered on the playlist "Rap Caviar". Meek Mill officially acknowledged the album in it.[3] On July 10, 2017, Meek Mill released a trailer for the album as well as a trailer for a short film titled, Wins and Losses: The Movie. The movie was directed by Spike Jordan. He also released the official cover artwork for Wins and Losses the same day.[4] Wins and Losses: The Movie was released in 4 parts, and was uploaded to YouTube daily from July 17 until July 20, 2017, leading up to the release of the album.[5] The full movie was uploaded to YouTube the day the album was released, the film featured music from the album.[6] Meek Mill went on to promote the album with interviews from Hot 97 and Power 105.1 leading up to release.[7][8]

Singles

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The lead single, "Whatever You Need" featuring Chris Brown and Ty Dolla Sign, was released on June 1, 2017. The song was produced by DJ Mustard, with co-production from James Royo and Rance from musical ensemble 1500 or Nothin'.[9] The song samples "Whatever You Want" by Tony! Toni! Toné!.[9] It has since peaked at number 51 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[10]

The second single, "Young Black America" featuring The-Dream was released on June 24, 2017, accompanied by a music video.[11] The song was produced by Street Symphony and D.O. Speaks,[9] and samples "Blueprint (Momma Loves Me)", by Jay-Z.[9] On August 17, 2017 Meek performed the song on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.[12]

Other songs

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Meek Mill released "Glow Up" as a promotional single on May 22, 2017, and the music video was released the next day.[13] Meek Mill released the "Issues" on July 13, 2017, the music video was released the next day and features cameo appearances from PnB Rock, Jim Jones, XXXTentacion, and Danny García.[14] On July 24, 2017 it was revealed by YouTube personality DJ Akademiks that the clean version of "1942 Flows" features an extended second verse, that allegedly contains a subliminal diss aimed at fellow rapper Drake.[15]

On July 28, 2017 Meek Mill released the music video for "We Ball" featuring Young Thug.[16] WorldStarHipHop premiered the music video for "Price" on August 1, 2017.[17]

Critical reception

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Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic72/100[18]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic     [19]
Exclaim!5/10[20]
HotNewHipHop75%[21]
Pitchfork7.4/10[22]
PopMatters6/10[23]
Salute Magazine     [24]
XXL      (XL)[25]

Wins & Losses received generally positive reviews from critics upon release. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, the album received an average score of 72, based on four reviews.[18] Sheldon Pearce of Pitchfork praised the album's subject matter, commenting: "Much like his major label debut, Dreams and Nightmares, his new album juxtaposes rap dreams and hood realities, but draws more deliberate distinctions. He recognizes rapping as salvation from street life, not some gladiatorial clash inside an echo chamber. Meek makes the case there’s more than one way to win, and that being bested in the rap coliseum isn’t nearly as devastating a blow as seeing close friends die. Subliminal shots don’t hit the way real ones do. The album is a comeback by any measure, honest and gripping."[22] In a positive review for HotNewHipHop, Richard Bryan said Win & Losses "seems, primarily, to be about emotional growth for Meek Mill—even an outlet for it—and Meek coming to an understanding that life is about both successes and failures."[21] Writing for The Ringer, Justin Charity praised the album, declaring it Meek Mill's "most polished and passionate album of his troubled career."[26] M.T Richards of Exclaim! was more critical of the album, describing it as "a letdown." He wrote: "From 'Save Me' to '1942 Flows,' 'Glow Up' to 'These Scars,' the songs here are grayish and oppressively monochromatic, with stiff, sedate drums. 'Heavy Heart' is a lone reminder that intestinal fortitude used to be Meek's province, but overall, Wins & Losses is mostly the latter."[20]

In a mixed review for PopMatters, writer William Sutton called the album "safe." He added that the album is "a good listen in places and evidence of Meek’s skillset. However, it doesn’t feel like it will be enough to reverse the losses that so many feel he has suffered of late.[23] Writing for Mass Appeal, Khari Nixon wrote a largely positive review, saying: "while Wins and Losses may not be an instant classic, it stands as both a reminder and a statement of purpose for a talented MC whose skills bar for bar can’t be denied. Don't get lost in the hip hop soap opera, when it comes to this rap shit, Meek Mill is still winning."[27] Scott Glaysher of XXL commented that "Meek has visibly shifted his dial from 'completely lost' to 'approaching victory.'" He continued, "If nothing else, Wins & Losses is a display of optimism from a rapper who briefly yet substantially fell from hip-hop's good graces but aims to make his way back in a major way."[25]

Commercial performance

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Wins and Losses debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 with 102,000 album-equivalent units, of which 37,000 were pure album sales in its first week of release.[28] In its second week, the album remained at number three on the chart earning 37,000 album-equivalent units.[29] In its third week the album fell to number four on the chart.

Track listing

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Credits adapted from Tidal.[9]

Wins & Losses — Standard version[1]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Whatever You Need" (featuring Chris Brown and Ty Dolla Sign)
3:25
2."Heavy Heart"
  • Williams
  • Nicholas Warwar
  • Tarik Azzouz
  • Clemm Rishad
  • Sitara Kanhai
  • Streetrunner
  • Tarik Azzouz
4:10
3."Fuck That Check Up" (featuring Lil Uzi Vert)
4:17
4."Wins & Losses"
Papamitrou3:09
5."1942 Flows"
  • Williams
  • Douglas Whitehead
Dougie4:42
6."Issues"
3:31
7."We Ball" (featuring Young Thug)
3:47
8."These Scars" (featuring Future and Guordan Banks)
Papamitrou3:14
9."Connect the Dots" (featuring Yo Gotti and Rick Ross)
Papamitrou4:06
10."Fall Thru"
3:42
11."Never Lose" (featuring Lihtz Kamraz)
3:56
12."Glow Up"
Honorable C.N.O.T.E.3:30
13."Young Black America" (featuring The-Dream)
4:01
14."Open" (featuring Verse Simmonds)
4:28
15."Ball Player" (featuring Quavo)
Maaly Raw4:11
16."Made It from Nothing" (featuring Teyana Taylor and Rick Ross)
  • Streetrunner
  • Tarik Azzouz
4:09
17."Price"
  • Streetrunner
  • Tarik Azzouz
4:36
Total length:66:54
Wins & Losses — Deluxe version[30]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
18."Left Hollywood"
Stoopid on da Beat3:42
19."Save Me"
Dougie4:35
Total length:74:31

Notes

  • ^[a] signifies a co-producer
  • ^[b] signifies an additional producer
  • ^[c] signifies an uncredited additional producer
  • "Wins & Losses" features additional vocals by Dr. Eric Thomas
  • "Heavy Heart" features additional vocals by Sitara Kanhai
  • "Fall Thru" features additional vocals by Aria Minor
  • "Made It from Nothing" features additional vocals by Adela

Sample credits

Personnel

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Credits adapted from Tidal.[9]

Charts

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Certifications

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Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[44] Gold 500,000‡

‡ Sales streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

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  1. ^ a b "Wins & Losses by Meek Mill on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved July 14, 2017.
  2. ^ India, Lindsey (May 24, 2017). "Rick Ross Reveals Name of Meek Mill's New Album". XXL. Archived from the original on July 29, 2022. Retrieved June 16, 2017.
  3. ^ "Spotify". Retrieved July 22, 2017.
  4. ^ "Watch The Trailer for Meek Mill's Short Film 'Wins & Losses: The Movie". Complex. July 16, 2017. Retrieved July 21, 2017.
  5. ^ Wins and Losses: The Movie, Chapter 1-4
  6. ^ MeekMillTV (June 21, 2017). "Meek Mill's Wins And Losses: The Full Movie". YouTube. Retrieved July 22, 2017.
  7. ^ Hot 97 (July 20, 2017). "Meek Mill Addresses Ebro On 'Shether,' Talking To Drake Nicki & Safaree". YouTube. Retrieved July 22, 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ The Angie Martinez Show (July 21, 2017). "Meek Mill Reflects On His "Wins & Losses" Talks Nicki Relationship & Drake Beef". YouTube. Retrieved July 22, 2017.
  9. ^ a b c d e f "Wins & Losses / Meek Mill TIDAL". Tidal. Retrieved July 21, 2017.
  10. ^ "Meek Mill - Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved July 22, 2017.
  11. ^ MeekMillTV (June 24, 2017). "Meek Mill - Young Black America (feat. The-Dream) [Official Music Video]". YouTube. Retrieved July 22, 2017.
  12. ^ Meek Mill. "Meek Mill - Late Night with Jimmy Fallon". Instagram. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved August 17, 2017.
  13. ^ "Meek Mill - Glow Up [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]". YouTube. May 23, 2017. Retrieved July 21, 2017.
  14. ^ Fresh, Mikey (July 14, 2017). "Meek Mill Puts His "Issues" Behind Him In New Video". Vibe. Archived from the original on July 29, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2017.
  15. ^ DJ Akademiks (July 24, 2017). "Meek Mill Addressed Drake on a Hidden Verse on 1942 Flows on his album 'Wins and Losses'". YouTube. Retrieved July 24, 2017.
  16. ^ "Meek Mill Ft. Young Thug - We Ball (Lifestyle Visual)". YouTube. July 28, 2017. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
  17. ^ "Meek Mill - Price". WorldStarHipHop. August 1, 2017. Retrieved August 1, 2017.
  18. ^ a b "Reviews for Wins and Losses by Mek Mill". Metacritic. Archived from the original on August 19, 2021. Retrieved May 23, 2018.
  19. ^ Kellman, Andy. "Meek Mill - Win and Losses". AllMusic. Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved July 26, 2017.
  20. ^ a b Richards, M.T (July 27, 2017). "Meek Mill - Wins & Losses". Exclaim!. Archived from the original on July 27, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2017.
  21. ^ a b Richard, Bryan (July 27, 2017). "Meek Mill's "Wins and Losses" (Review)". HotNewHipHop. Archived from the original on August 4, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2017.
  22. ^ a b Pearce, Sheldon (July 27, 2017). "Meek Mill: Wins and Losses Album Review". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on April 11, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2017.
  23. ^ a b Sutton, William (July 31, 2017). "Meek Mill - Wins & Losses". PopMatters. Archived from the original on July 29, 2022. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
  24. ^ Glover, Adrian (July 21, 2017). "Review: Meek Mill Triumphant on Wins & Losses". Salute Magazine. Retrieved August 27, 2017.
  25. ^ a b Glaysher, Scott (August 10, 2017). "Meek Mill Makes an Optimistic Return With 'Wins & Losses' Album". XXL. Archived from the original on May 10, 2021. Retrieved August 10, 2017.
  26. ^ Charity, Justin (July 21, 2017). "Finally, Meek Mill Is Ready to Win". The Ringer. Retrieved July 27, 2017.
  27. ^ Nixon, Khari (July 23, 2017). "DO WE OWE MEEK MILL AN APOLOGY? 'Wins and Losses' makes the case". Mass Appeal. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
  28. ^ Caulfield, Keith. "Lana Del Rey Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart, Tyler, The Creator and Meek Mill Bow at Nos. 2 & 3". Billboard. Retrieved August 2, 2017.
  29. ^ Caulfield, Keith. "Arcade Fire's 'Everything Now' Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart". Billboard. Retrieved August 10, 2017.
  30. ^ "Wins & Losses (Deluxe) by Meek Mill on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved August 4, 2017.
  31. ^ "Repertory". Retrieved 2023-10-09.
  32. ^ "ARIA Chart Watch #431". auspOp. July 29, 2017. Retrieved July 29, 2017.
  33. ^ "Ultratop.be – Meek Mill – Wins and Losses" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved July 28, 2017.
  34. ^ "Meek Mill Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 3, 2017.
  35. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Meek Mill – Wins and Losses" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved July 28, 2017.
  36. ^ "Le Top de la semaine : Top Albums – SNEP (Week 30, 2017)". Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Retrieved August 1, 2017.
  37. ^ "NZ Heatseekers Albums Chart". Recorded Music NZ. July 31, 2017. Retrieved July 28, 2017.
  38. ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – Meek Mill – Wins and Losses". Hung Medien. Retrieved July 29, 2017.
  39. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 29, 2017.
  40. ^ "Meek Mill Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved August 3, 2017.
  41. ^ "Meek Mill Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 3, 2017.
  42. ^ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2017". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 12, 2022. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  43. ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2017". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 20, 2022. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  44. ^ "American album certifications – Meek Mill – Wins & Losses". Recording Industry Association of America.
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