By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

AMERICAN HIP HOP recording artist Meek Mill got more than he bargained for when he came to the Bahamas over the weekend to headline a major concert in Grand Bahama. He was ticketed, handcuffed and allegedly “unfairly treated” by police for a traffic infraction committed while riding a motorcycle, according to event promoters.

The Philadelphia-based rapper whose real name is Robert Williams was stopped by police after riding with a group of bikers without a helmet an hour after arriving in Freeport on Saturday. He was issued a $300 traffic ticket according to Damian Thomas of MVP Entertainment, the promoter for the show.

He eventually hit the stage with fellow American rapper Trina for the Dreams & Nightmares weekend concert. Thousands were in attendance to see the Maybach Music recording artist according to Thomas, despite the incident that threatened to derail the weekend.

Meek Mill was discovered by multi-platinum artist and producer Rick Ross, who heads the Maybach Music label. Ever since his big break in 2011, he has been known as one of hip hop’s hottest stars

Grand Bahama police are denying knowledge of the event. Acting police press officer Avado Dames said his investigations produced no record of the event when questioned by the Tribune. ASP Kenwood Taylor, officer in charge of the Traffic Division said: “I am not aware of the incident taking place. However people are often ticketed for not wearing helmets because it is an offence. If he was stopped by police, then he would be ticketed.”

Mr Thomas said although the police were doing their job, he felt they were unprofessional in their conduct. Instead of simply issuing a ticket to the musician he was handcuffed and held in a police car, where he was questioned by police officers with a “rude attitude”.

“Before Meek Mill came over, he requested to have bikers from Nassau and Freeport join him for the weekend because he loves to ride bikes. What we originally wanted to do was have the group of bikers meet him at the airport but we decided that was not a good idea. Instead they met him at the Club 54 Bar and Lounge. He was so excited when he saw all the bikes, he jumped on one and started riding.

“Shortly after, the police tried to stop the bikers. He is a foreigner and he did not want to get in problems so he stopped. They were very rude to him while they questioned him. He was not given an opportunity to say anything or defend himself. They did not know who he was before stopping him, but after finding out he was an international rapper they got even more rude. They handcuffed him and put him in the back of a patrol car. We tried talking to them, they did not listen at all. I just believe all of that was a waste of time and unnecessary,” he said.

ASP Taylor said the if persons believe a police officer acted inappropriately or unprofessionally a complaint can be made to the Complaints and Corruption Unit in Grand Bahama.

After the ordeal news began spreading that the concert had been cancelled. However, Mr Thomas said he reassured concert goers the event was still on.

“It was sad how the police handled the situation. I am looking at it from a tourism stand point. We are supposed to be a country whose main industry is tourism and Meek Mill was over here to perform for a major event. The industry in Freeport needs a boost and events like this help. It just left a bad taste,” he said.

Despite being stopped and ticketed by police, Meek Mill remained in high spirits and enjoyed the entire experience in Grand Bahama. His last trip to the Bahamas for a concert at Club Charlies in 2012 was short. This time around he stayed longer and took full advantage of the time.

“He was not upset at all about the situation. The first thing I did when we got in the car together was apologise to him. He told me I did not have to. He was still in very good spirits and was willing to enjoy the island and the entire experience. He could have left but he chose not to. He stayed, performed and he did what he came to Freeport to do. When he got to the hotel, he did not even go up to his room, he just got on another bike and started riding on the beach, letting people know that the show was still happening,” said Mr Thomas.

His fellow artist Trina was more disturbed. Mr Thomas said she felt “it was petty of them to carry on in such a manner”.

Several of the events slated for that weekend like the beach and pre party were washed out by heavy rain fall. However things cleared up for the concert which turned out be a “huge success”.

“Event though things started out bad the weekend ended great. About 2000 people turned out the concert and had a great time. Meek Mill was as energetic and lively as he always is when he performed. He was looking forward to coming over and enjoying himself and he did that,” said Mr Thomas.

During the highly fuelled show the rapper performed hits like I’m A Boss, Young N Getting It, Amen, House Party, Burn and Face Down.

Meek Mill recently released the song “Levels” and is also working on a video. Footage from the concert, the bike show, and Meek Mill’s hotel stay at the Our Lucaya Resort in Freeport will be featured in the video.