Meek Mill escapes solitary confinement with prison transfer

Jailed rapper Meek Mill has been transferred out of solitary confinement to a new prison.

The Ima Boss hitmaker, 30, is currently serving a two-to-four year prison sentence for violating the terms of his probation relating to a 2008 drug and firearm conviction, but is contesting the severity of his sentence.

He was being kept in solitary confinement in Camp Hill prison in Pennsylvania for safety reasons, but according to TMZ.com, he has now been transferred to a new institution.

An official at the State Correctional Institution in Chester, Pennsylvania tells the gossip website that the hip-hop star, real name Robert Rihmeek Williams has moved to the facility and is living in the general prison population.

Meek's lawyers filed for a transfer as they were concerned for his mental wellbeing. According to TMZ, in his new jail the rapper has access to sports facilities and a library.

His attorneys Brian McMonagle and Joe Tacopina have appealed against the severity of the musician's prison term and have requested his probation be terminated.

They are requesting Pennsylvania Judge Genece Brinkley be removed from Meek's case, citing inappropriate conduct as they claim she attempted to coerce Meek into signing a contract with her friend.

His incarceration has sparked outrage among the rap community for its severity, as he is serving an elongated probation period, which was originally due to end in 2013. It was extended due to probation violations. Meek was jailed this year (17) after arrests for assaulting airport staff and dangerous driving.

JAY-Z penned an opinion piece for the the New York Times supporting his fellow hip-hop star, while Kevin Hart and Big Sean have also backed his case.