Meek Mill begins his musical endeavor with the titular track “Dreams And Nightmares” by telling listeners about his struggle and then launching into an aggressive rap, filled with passion and angst. It’s refreshing to hear rap that isn’t completely focused on the party lifestyle and bitches and hoes. However, as the record progresses, “Young & Gettin’ It,” featuring Kirko Bangz, panders to hip-hop’s established audience by utilizing Auto-Tune and spitting out rhymes such as, “I just want the money, y’all can keep them bitches. ‘Cause I’m young and I’m getting it.” While it’s a pretty trite concept, the song is damn catchy. One highlight of the album is the song “Who You’re Around,” featuring Mary J. Blige. Mill’s gritty and bombastic style is complemented by Blige’s elegant crooning, giving the tune a well-rounded sound.

Grade B-