They made it easier to walk through the snowstorm. I always say Jay-Z and others that came before me was like a snowplow for people like myself.

I always felt like I had a responsibility to lead the culture as much as I can. Mill added: 'Me coming out of prison this time, I signed up for a bigger responsibility. It's fun too, but there's a responsibility that we carry for the entire culture.' We haven't made it to this point just to be like, 'Let's just irresponsibly live our life.' We had fun, don't get me wrong. (and) that responsibility is not lost on us. 'We're some of the few that made it through. 'We come from the same neighborhoods, been through the same things,' said Jay-Z, who grew up in the Marcy Projects complex in Brooklyn. He spent months in prison before a court ordered him released. Mill became a symbol for criminal justice reform activists after a judge in Pennsylvania sentenced him to two to four years in prison for minor violations of his probation conditions in a decade-old gun and drug possession case. Jay-Z, Mill and others joined forces earlier this year to form a coalition that lobbies for changes to state probation and parole laws, called the Reform Alliance. For us, it's way beyond signing hot artists and having a hot record.' (but) for us, we look at the big picture. Everybody can sign some artists, make some money and brag about how hot they are for.

'Everything that he's done leading up to this point, it showed that he can carry that weight for the next generation of people. 'His integrity, his honesty, his sense of responsibility,' Jay-Z rattled on about Mill. Jay-Z, hip-hop's ultimate businessman, said he and Mill not only bonded musically, but in other areas.

Meek mill dreamchasers 5