PHILADELPHIA - A judge has ruled Meek Mill should remain behind bars while appealing a prison sentence for violating probation, saying the rapper's drug use, arrests and other issues while under supervision merited the jail time.

Judge Genece Brinkley turned down Mill's bid for release on bail in a ruling late Wednesday while he appeals the 2- to 4-year sentence she issued for what she said was his fifth probation violation.

The judge also defended herself against attacks by Mill's legal and public relations team, which continued after her latest decision.

"This court has impartially and without prejudice presided over numerous proceedings in this matter since 2008, long before his current counsel became involved one week before the violation of probation hearing," Brinkley wrote. "None of the allegations by (the) defendant constitute evidence that this court is unable to act impartially and without personal bias or prejudice with respect to this matter."

She said Mill has raised "unmeritorious claims of impropriety in an attempt to unfairly judge shop."

An attorney for Mill, Joe Tacopina, said in a statement that the latest ruling "reaffirms the fact she has turned Meek Mill's case into a personal vendetta."

He pointed to a statement two weeks ago by city prosecutors, who said they are not opposed to having Mill released on bail because of what they said was a likelihood the original conviction may be partly or completely reversed. - AP