Rapper Meek Mill freed on bail on order of Pennsylvania Supreme Court

(AP) – Meek Mill walked out of prison Tuesday after Pennsylvania’s highest court granted his bail request — but the Philadelphia-born rapper had no intention of lying low.

He was ready to celebrate.

Mill was released from a prison in Chester — and then whisked away in a helicopter courtesy of Philadelphia 76ers co-owner Michael Rubin, NBC Philadelphia reported.

His release at around 6:45 p.m. ET came just in time for him to attend the Sixers playoff game against the Miami Heat, where he rang the ceremonial Liberty Bell replica to wild applause at the Wells Fargo Center. He also sat courtside with Rubin and comedian Kevin Hart, and watched as his hometown team closed out the series 4-1.

The hip-hop star was in prison after Common Pleas Court Judge Genece Brinkley sentenced him in November to two to four years for a probation violation stemming from a 2008 conviction on drug and firearm charges.

“I’d like to thank God, my family, and all my public advocates for their love, support and encouragement during this difficult time,” tweeted Mill, whose given name is Robert Rihmeek Williams. “While the past five months have been a nightmare, the prayers, visits, calls, letters and rallies have helped me stay positive.”

Judge Genece Brinkley denied the request from Mill’s lawyers to recuse herself from the case.