If a creature that dies leaves the graveyard before Meathook Massacre II's second or third ability (as appropriate) resolves, that creature won't return to the battlefield whether or not life was paid
Once that spell or ability starts to resolve, however, and its controller chooses which permanents and players will get new counters, it's too late for anyone to respond
History of Evoke According to Mark Rosewater, evoke was originally supposed to be a way for instants and sorceries to have alternate casting costs to make them into creatures
Put a flying counter, a first strike counter, and a lifelink counter on that creature
Pair it with cards like Cathars' Crusade, Hardened Scales, Rattlechains, or Supreme Phantom to maximize whichever direction you choose