Killer Mike (Michael Render) is a well-known rapper, actor, and political activist based out of Atlanta, Georgia. As an Atlanta, Georgia native myself, we all know Killer Mike and his undeniable impact on the city! With a career spanning over two decades in the music industry, he has solidified himself as a major talent in the rap game. However, in recent years, he has earned the title of political activist as well. Particularly during the 2020 United States presidential election, he was a vocal proponent of social justice and civil rights issues. He has been known to speak out against police brutality, the prison industrial complex, and other forms of systemic oppression. Today we’ll spotlight Killer Mike’s career accomplishments leading up to his latest album, MICHAEL.
sO, who is killer mike?
Killer Mike’s music career began in the late 1990s, a time when the music industry was rapidly evolving and changing. Despite facing significant challenges, he managed to establish a name for himself and gain recognition for his unique style and approach to hip-hop. After his successful collaboration with Outkast on their album Stankonia, Killer Mike released his debut album Monster in 2003. The album received positive reviews from music critics and fans alike, and it was clear that he was here to stay.
Over the years, Killer Mike continued to evolve as an artist, experimenting with different sounds and themes. In 2008, he released his second album, Ghetto Extraordinary, which showcased his growth as an artist and cemented his place in the hip-hop community.
In 2013, Killer Mike formed the hip-hop duo “Run the Jewels” with El-P, a fellow rapper and producer. This collaboration proved to be a turning point in Killer Mike’s career, as the duo’s unique sound and political themes quickly gained them a loyal following and critical acclaim. Since then, Run the Jewels has released four highly acclaimed albums, each one showcasing Killer Mike’s growth as an artist and his commitment to social justice.
Aside from his music career, Killer Mike is also known for his political activism. He has been a vocal advocate for social justice and has been involved in various political campaigns and initiatives, particularly in his home state of Georgia. Killer Mike’s activism has earned him widespread praise and respect from his fans and peers, who see him as a true leader in the fight for a more just and equitable society.
Despite his string of popular joint albums, his latest MICAHEL is a solo project. This 2023 release features a unique blend of political commentary and personal storytelling and is his first solo album. With his raw and powerful lyrics, Killer Mike continues to be a force to be reckoned with in both the music industry and the political sphere.
MICHAEL THE ALBUM
Killer Mike’s new solo album MICHAEL features an impressive lineup of guest artists. His features include Andre 3000, Future, 6LACK, Eryn Allen Kane, Young Thug, and El-P. The album showcases Killer Mike’s versatility as an artist, with a wide range of sounds and themes explored throughout. From the slow-paced and thought-provoking “SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS” to the upbeat and energetic “RUN”, this album offers something for everyone. Killer Mike’s lyrics are powerful and thought-provoking, touching on topics like social justice, science, and personal growth. The album’s production is fantastic, with each track featuring unique and memorable instrumentals that complement Killer Mike’s delivery perfectly.
While Killer Mike keeps most of the focus on himself, he finds new angles to do so, examining the trauma. On the track “Something for the Junkies,” he explores an ecosystem of drug dealers and users with humanizing sensitivity. For “Slummer,” he remembers what it was like to deal with his lover getting an abortion. This is a perspective that’s rarely addressed by men.
While Killer Mike’s new album MICHAEL features a unique blend of different genres and sounds, it does bring back the feel of old-school hip-hop in Atlanta. With its hard-hitting beats, raw lyrics, and socially conscious themes, the album harkens back to the early days of Southern hip-hop. The album’s features add to the album’s “old-school” feel. They represent the next generation of Southern hip-hop artists carrying on the legacy of Atlanta’s rich hip-hop culture. MICHAEL is truly a great addition to the canon of Atlanta hip-hop. It serves as a testament to his influence on the genre.
HOW I FEEL ABOUT MICHAEL
Overall, I absolutely loved Killer Mike’s new solo album. In my opinion, it is one of the best albums of 2023. I believe it is a must-listen for anyone who is interested in hip-hop and personal struggle. His lyrics are powerful and thought-provoking, addressing a wide range of social and political issues that are relevant today. His delivery is impeccable, with a unique and captivating style. It draws the listener in and keeps them engaged throughout the album.
One of the standout features of this album is its production. The beats are diverse and expertly crafted, with each track offering a unique sound and feel. The use of live instrumentation on some tracks adds an extra layer of depth and texture, creating a rich listening experience.
The album also features a number of guest artists, each bringing their own unique style and perspective to the project. From established hip-hop veterans to up-and-coming artists, the guest appearances add another layer of excitement and variety to the album.
Overall, I give this album a 9.5/10. It’s not only a great work of art but also an important social statement. It deserves to be heard by as many people as possible. If you are a fan of hip-hop and social justice, this album is a must-listen.
