Josh Shapiro's Meek Mill cameo adds to his growing national profile

Catch up quick: The two have known each other since at least 2023.

• That's when Mill — one of Philly's most beloved rappers — appeared alongside Shapiro as the governor signed a probation reform bill the rapper championed after his own experience with the criminal justice system following his 2008 drug and weapons convictions.

Driving the news: The recent footage was filmed during Mill's appearance at last month's One Philly Unity Concert for America, where the rapper performed a high-energy set in the early morning hours.

• Shapiro's office told CNN that the governor's kids first spotted their dad in the video, which debuted this month.

Reality check: Shapiro hardly needs the extra publicity this year.

• He's published a memoir, hosted the World Cup, landed a basketball legend and made primetime appearances, including on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert."

By the numbers: With less than three months until the election, the popular Democratic incumbent has a huge campaign cash lead over Republican challenger Stacy Garrity.

What they're saying: Shapiro isn't just the governor of an important swing state anymore, political commentator Randall Miller tells Axios. He's become a bona fide celebrity in his own right.

• Palling around with Mill tells younger voters who may be on the fence that Shapiro isn't just another stuffy politician but someone who's "with it," Miller says.
• "It's an attention grabber" that keeps the governor in the public eye.