What makes Expensive Pain by Meek Mill notable?

The album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 and received critical acclaim for its depth and vulnerability, further establishing Meek Mill as a significant artist in hip-hop. It also sparked conversations around mental health and resilience within the genre, particularly through its themes of pain and perseverance. Released in 2021, Expensive Pain is Meek Mill's fifth studio album, following 2018's Championships. At this point in his career, he was solidifying his position as a leading voice in contemporary hip-hop while navigating the complexities of fame and personal challenges, including legal issues and social justice advocacy.

Who is Expensive Pain for?

Expensive Pain works well if you're into steady flow for focused listening, introspective themes of success and hard-hitting beats for motivation.

How many songs are on Expensive Pain?

Expensive Pain has 18 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Expensive Pain

Meek Mill · 2021

55 min · 18 tracks · trap music

A vivid exploration of personal struggles wrapped in hard-hitting beats and introspective lyricism.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Expensive Pain — The title track encapsulates the album's central themes of struggle and sacrifice, showcasing Meek's introspective side against a backdrop of powerful production.
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Blue Notes 2 — This sequel to his earlier hit 'Blue Notes' features intricate storytelling and highlights Meek's lyrical prowess while addressing personal and societal issues.
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Angels (RIP Lil Snupe) — A poignant tribute that reflects on loss and remembrance, this track stands out for its emotional weight and heartfelt delivery.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album combines introspective themes with strong production, creating a compelling but not experience.

What we noticed

The album opens with a spoken intro that sets a reflective tone, followed by tracks that alternate between introspective lyrics and aggressive beats.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response patterns, enhancing the emotional delivery of the lyrics.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, allowing for a more contemplative conclusion to the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady flow for focused listening
introspective themes of success
hard-hitting beats for motivation
gradual progression throughout album
reflective moments in between tracks

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
dislike cohesive storytelling albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Continues to showcase Meek Mill's growth and relevance in hip-hop.
Career context: Released in 2021, Expensive Pain is Meek Mill's fifth studio album, following 2018's Championships. At this point in his career, he was solidifying his position as a leading voice in contemporary hip-hop while navigating the complexities of fame and personal challenges, including legal issues and social justice advocacy.
Stylistic neighbors: Rick Ross· Lil Durk· T.I.