Killer Mike

Killer Mike Lands Features From André 3000, Lil Wayne & More On New Album

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A new album from Atlanta’s own Killer Mike is finally on the way over a decade after the release of the critically acclaimed, R.A.P Music album. During SXSW in Austin, the Run The Jewels member hosted a listening party for this forthcoming album, Michael. Per DJ Kenny Perez, the new opus from the Dungeon Family graduate includes the previously released “Run” ft. Young Thug, and appearances from hip-hop luminaries, as well as a comedic legend. “The project is journey through his life and he doesn’t hold back. Collabs with Andre 3000, Lil Wayne, Dave Chapelle [sic] and more,” he said.

Recent reports from Perez and Spin Magazine indicate that Michael will be an autobiographical effort that delves into Killer Mike’s past and present. One song that he performed at Spin’s SXSW showcase is reportedly titled “Shed Tears,” which is described as carefully pairing elements of gospel and drum-and-bass. Another record, “High + Holy,” serves as a tribute to his wife, who has stood by his side and pushed him to reach further.

Killer Mike Celebrates “Michael”

The rapper shared a heartfelt message at his recording party where he expressed his gratitude for his longevity. “My life truly is a testimony for what happens when you show up and keep believing something is calling you to do better for yourself,” Killer Mike. “I don’t know what’s after this life, but I will treasure this night for the rest of my life.” Though it’s been over a decade since his last album, Mike remains a critical voice in hip-hop who continues to use his platform to shed light on his community in Atlanta and America as a whole.

Though fans could anticipate the release of Michael this year, Killer Mike also hinted that he and El-P are back in the studio. During an interview with Consequence Of Sound in 2022, he said that Run The Jewels 5 is currently in the works. Though he didn’t reveal a release date, perhaps we could expect to see it on DSPs after the release of Michael. We’ll keep you posted on any more updates surrounding Killer Mike’s next album. In the meanwhile, check out his single “Talk’n That Shit” produced by DJ Paul and TWhy Xclusive.

[Via]

YSL’s RICO Case Will Be Featured In A Hulu Documentary, With Help From Killer Mike, Fat Joe, And More

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young thug BET awards 2021
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A deep dive into Young Thug (real name Jeffery Lamar Williams) and YSL’s RICO case is heading to the small screen, thanks to ABC News Studios. Despite the fact that the trial is still ongoing, the hour-long documentary titled Rap Trap: Hip-Hop On Trial will feature commentary on the initial indictment of Williams, his brother Unfoonk, and fellow rapper Gunna back in May.

When news of the indictment hit social media, fans of the rapper and other musicians began to push back against the prosecutor’s office for including Williams’ lyrics as alleged evidence in the full 88-page indictment against him. The trailer for Rap Trap: Hip-Hop On Trial teases that Williams’ label 300 Entertainment CEO Kevin Liles, his ex-girlfriend Jerrika Karlae, fellow musicians Fat Joe, Killer Mike, Will.I.Am, and more will explore that further.

In the trailer, rapper and activist Killer Mike says, “Rap music is judged unlike any other genre like Black people are judged, unlike any other people.”

Former No Limit rapper McKinley “Mac” Phipps Jr.’s case will also be featured in the documentary, as several of his lyrics were used to help convict him of manslaughter in 2001 over the death of a 19-year-old man at a Louisiana nightclub the year before.

Rap Trap: Hip-Hop On Trial will air on Hulu beginning February 23. To watch, click here.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Demi Lovato, Rick Ross, Killer Mike, And More Will Guest Star On Season 3 Of ‘Dave’

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FX Networks

After a nearly two-year hiatus, Dave is set to return for a third season this April. The show sees rapper Lil Dicky play a fictional version of himself as he navigates the rap game, with his hype-man GaTa, and his producer, Elz (Travis Bennett).

In the previous two seasons, several of Lil Dicky’s peers in the industry have made guest appearances on the show, including Gunna, Trippie Redd, Doja Cat, and Benny Blanco. The upcoming third season will continue the show’s run of star-studded guest line-ups. Today (January 13), the show’s official Twitter account revealed a list of who to expect on Dave this season.

Among this season’s guest stars are rappers Killer Mike, Rick Ross, and Machine Gun Kelly. Kelly’s fiance, actress Megan Fox, is also set to appear this season. Pop icon Demi Lovato and superproducer and drummer Travis Barker will also appear, as well as actor Don Cheadle.

Not much else is known about Dave‘s upcoming third season, however, the show’s namesake took to Twitter to promise a treat for the fans.

“third time’s the charm – most rapping, most funny, most cinematic, most romantic, most definitely the most exciting season ever!!!!!!,” said Lil Dicky.

You can check out the revealed guest stars above.

Season 3 of Dave premieres on Wednesday, April 5 on FXX at 10 p.m. EST Episodes will air weekly and be available to stream the following day on Hulu.

Lyor Cohen, Killer Mike Among 28 Names On Young Thug’s RICO Trial Witness List

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Young Thug maybe facing life in prison if convicted of the YSL RICO charge he faces at trial this month, but that won’t stop him from calling on his entertainment industry colleagues and friends as potential witnesses at trial.

According to WSBTV‘s Michael Seiden, music exec Lyor Cohen and ATL rapper and political activist Killer Mike were just two of the 28 names listed as potential witnesses for Young Thug’s defense, which is called the “state’s witness list.”

Cohen co-founded 300 Entertainment along with Kevin Liles, who signed Thugger to the label back in 2014. Liles, who took the stand during one of Thug’s bond hearings, called for legislators to stop using song lyrics in court against entertainers like Young Thug.

Eight of Thugger’s co-defendants have already taken plea deals, dodging prison time with an admission of guilt in the conspiracy to violate the RICO Act. Two of his co-defendants, Tenquarius “Nard” Mender and Derontae Bebee, rejected their plea deals and will be at trial with Thug next week. Nard faces 50 years with a conviction, while Bebee is looking at a life sentence.

The post Lyor Cohen, Killer Mike Among 28 Names On Young Thug’s RICO Trial Witness List appeared first on The Source.

Young Thug’s Witness List Includes Killer Mike, Lyor Cohen & More

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Young Thug’s defense team submitted a list of witnesses in the YSL RICO trial, which begins this month.

With the trial beginning on Jan. 9th, WSB-TV reports Young Thug has nearly 30 people listed who could potentially take the stand. The 28 individuals include high-profile names such as record executives to city councilmembers.

ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 17: Young Thug attends The Future: A Gentlemans Club at a private location on November 17, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

Killer Mike could be called to the stand if asked as one of Young Thug’s witnesses, as well as Kevin Liles and Lyor Cohen. The two executives have worked with Thugger for years at this point with Liles previously appearing in front of a judge during the rapper’s bail hearing in 2022.

Additionally, the defense’s list includes Thug’s fiancée, Jerrika Karlae, and his father, Jeffrey Williams. The defense also said that any co-defendants in the original indictment could also take the stand if asked.

Check out a few of the names below via WSB-TV.

  1. Michael Render, a.k.a. Atlanta rapper Killer Mike
  2. Kevin Liles, co-founder of Young Stoner Life records and current 300 ENT COE
  3. Lyor Cohen, YouTube’s Global Head of Music
  4. Atlanta City Councilman Antonio Lewis
  5. Corey Jackson, a.k.a. rapper Lil C-Note, and protégé of Young Thug
  6. Jerrika Karlae, Williams’ fiancé since 2015
  7. Jeffrey Williams, Young Thug’s father
  8. Attorney Ashleigh Merchant, criminal defense attorney hired by Ross Harris, accused in the hot car death of his son, Cooper; and Ryan Duke, one of the men accused in south Georgia beauty queen Tara Grinstead’s murder.

Young Thug is one of 14 defendants to face RICO conspiracy charges later this month on Jan. 9th. Prosecutors previously indicted 28 individuals they said were part of YSL. However, eight co-defendants, including Gunna, copped deals while six are either without lawyers or remain fugitives.

Following the holidays, the jury selection process begins today (Jan. 3rd) in front of Judge Ural Glanville.

We’ll keep you posted on anymore updates surrounding the YSL RICO case.

[Via]

Killer Mike Talks Social Justice Work + Music On CBS Sunday Morning

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Killer Mike

Killer Mike, known for his lengthy rap career, is also recognized for helping Atlanta communities. To highlight his multiple contributions to his hometown, he was interviewed on CBS Sunday Morning. Atlanta rapper Killer Mike is known for more than just his music. He is also an activist and a businessman. To discuss his life as […]

The post Killer Mike Talks Social Justice Work + Music On CBS Sunday Morning appeared first on SOHH.com.

Run The Jewels Bring The High-Energy ‘Ooh La La’ To ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’

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Jimmy Kimmel Live aired from New York City’s Brooklyn Academy Of Music for the first time in three years on Monday night (September 26). To mark the occasion, Kimmel welcomed famous New Yorkers Charlamagne Tha God and Amy Schumer. It was Brooklyn-bred El-P and Atlanta’s very own Killer Mike, best known as innovative hip-hop duo Run The Jewels, who stole the show with “Ooh La La” featuring Greg Nice and DJ Premier.

The high-energy performance showcased RTJ’s natural command of any and every stage, but it was relatively tame compared to the April 2020 “Ooh La La” music video that trashed piles of money and “imagined the world on the day that the age old struggle of class was finally over.” The provocative track is housed on RTJ4, their fourth studio album that dropped in June 2020. RTJ4 (Deluxe Edition) arrived in September 2021.

There were glimmers of hope that RTJ’s fifth studio album might be cooking this spring. Nothing has been confirmed, but RTJ are plenty active anyway.

RTJ played the main stage at Coachella in April. They opened on tour for Rage Against The Machine throughout the summer, including five nights at Madison Square Garden in August. Around the same time, they stopped by The Late Show With Stephen Colbert to perform RTJ4 track “A Few Words For The Firing Squad.” And earlier this month, RTJ released their theme song for Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm

Watch RTJ on Kimmel above.