Meek Mill

From Times Square prayers to a radio debate over faith and fame.

American rapper Meek Mill released "Amen" in June 2012, featuring Canadian artist Drake. Originating from producer Key Wane's moment of prayer in New York's Times Square, the track blends hip-hop with pop and R&B elements over a gospel-inspired beat. The song interpolates the Doobie Brothers' "Minute by Minute," earning credits for Lester Abrams and Michael McDonald alongside Mill, Drake, Jeremih, and Jahlil Beats. While celebrated for its energetic flow and production, the release sparked controversy when Philadelphia reverend Jomo K. Johnson called for a boycott due to alleged lyrical disrespect toward the church. The dispute ended with Mill's public apology on BET's 106 & Park, leading Johnson to call off the protest.

Quick Facts

Released

June 19, 2012

Album

Dreams and Nightmares (2012)

Featured artists

Drake

Background vocals

Jeremih

Producers

Key Wane, Jahlil Beats

Songwriters

Meek Mill
Drake
Jeremih
Key Wane
Jahlil Beats
Lester Abrams
Michael McDona

Interpolation source

"Minute by Minute" by the Doobie Brothers

Hot r&b/hip-hop songs peak

Lore & Background

The genesis of "Amen" is rooted in producer Key Wane's personal struggle while stranded without money in New York's Times Square. Feeling on the verge of failure, Wane prayed for his situation to change before meeting Mill and presenting him with the song. He advised the studio team to avoid heavy equipment usage, emphasizing a relationship with God through prayer instead. Jahlil Beats co-produced the track, joining Wane as a songwriter alongside Mill, Drake, Jeremih, Abrams, and McDonald. The collaboration marked Mill and Drake's first musical involvement in 2012, sparking a friendship that saw them performing together on Mill's Dreamchasers Tour at the Fillmore in August 2012. However, this bond proved temporary; they collaborated again on "R.I.C.O." in 2015 before experiencing a fallout that same year.

Reader's Guide

Musically, "Amen" relies on a minimal gospel beat with prominent church organs and piano, where Mill lowers his tone by a few octaves. Critics praised Mill's rap style as energetic and urgent, noting the song's pop and R&B elements. The music video, released to YouTube on June 15, 2012, juxtaposes footage from Drake's Club Paradise Tour with scenes of the two artists partying at night. Commercially, the single reached number 57 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 5 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in 2012. It was later certified gold by the RIAA. While some critics like Jayson Greene of Pitchfork hailed it as a best new track, others like Mosi Reeves at Spin felt it read like "old news" on the album since it had already appeared on Dreamchasers 2. The mixtape version credited both Drake and Jeremih, whereas the album version only credits Drake despite Jeremih's background vocals.

Did You Know?

Producer Key Wane conceived "Amen" in New York's Times Square after praying for help while stranded with no money and unable to return to Detroit.
The song interpolates the Doobie Brothers' 1979 hit "Minute by Minute," written by Lester Abrams and Michael McDonald, who received songwriting credits.
Reverend Jomo K. Johnson called off his boycott of the song on July 16, 2012, after Mill apologized for any offense caused during a public debate on Hot 107.9.