Killer Mike has a busy summer ahead of him. In June, he will release Michael, his first solo album in 11 years. The following month, he will kick off his North American solo tour, The High & Holy Tour.
During his upcoming tour, Mike will be joined by the Midnight Revival Choir, who will perform with Mike several songs from various albums, mixtapes, and projects in his catalog.
“[We] will perform songs from my new album MICHAEL, as well as classic hits from [my albums] R.A.P. Music, PLEDGE, and more,” said Mike in an Instagram post.
In September, Mike will be joined by his Run The Jewels bandmate EL-P, as they embark on a special 10th-anniversary tour.
You can see the full list of Killer Mike’s solo tour dates below. Tickets are available for purchase here.
07/10 — Birmingham, AL @ Saturn
07/11 — Charleston, SC @ Music Hall
07/13 — Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle
07/14 — Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium
07/15 — Charlotte, NC @ Underground
07/17 — Norfolk, VA @ Norva
07/18 — Washington D.C. @ Lincoln Theatre
07/20 — New York, NYC @ Apollo Theatre
07/21 — Philadelphia, PA @ Lincoln Music Hall
07/23 — Chicago, IL @ Pitchfork Music Festival
07/24 — Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
07/27 — Seattle, WA @ Showbox
07/28 — Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
07/29 — San Francisco, CA @ Fillmore
07/31 — Los Angeles, CA @ Theatre At Ace Hotel
08/01 — Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren
08/03 — Houston, TX @ House Of Blues
08/04 — Dallas, TX @ House Of Blues
08/05 — New Orleans, LA @ Joy Theater
2023 marks the tenth anniversary of Killer Mike and El-P’s first album together as Run The Jewels. To celebrate, they announced a 10-year anniversary tour for September and October, where they will perform each Run The Jewels album over the course of four shows in four different cities. This tour announcement also comes on the heels of their new song “Don’t Let The Devil,” from Killer Mike’s new album Michael, his first solo album in 11 years.
The duo first teamed up in 2012 when El-P produced Killer Mike’s R.A.P. Music album in its entirety. Then, Mike appeared on El-P’s Cancer 4 Cure before they released Run The Jewels in 2013. The success of the first installment became the launching pad for the three monumental albums that followed to critical acclaim. Run The Jewels 1, 2, 3, and 4 are undoubtedly one of the greatest four-album runs in rap history.
Run The Jewels have never missed on any of their albums, making it difficult to rank one album over the other. The difficulty in making a list like this proves how consistent Killer Mike and El-P have been together and why they are one of hip hop’s most legendary duos. With their fifth album nearly completed, we’ve ranked each of the Run The Jewels albums from worst to best.
4. Run The Jewels (2013)
This is where it all started. Following R.A.P. Music, Killer Mike and El-P’s self-titled debut album as Run The Jewels was fresh and exciting as the two rappers traded verses over El-P’s cutting-edge production. The Run The Jewels sound was new for both of them and ten years later, it still holds up in terms of quality and replay value.
Run The Jewels is a concise ten songs, leaving their rapidly growing fanbase longing for more music. It originally started as a one-off collaboration between Killer Mike and El-P but their chemistry developed on their later albums and they continued to raise the bar. The only aspects of this album that keep it at the bottom of the list are the hooks on certain songs. Despite being incredibly well-produced, El-P’s production exceeded expectations on their sophomore effort.
Essential Tracks: “Run The Jewels,” “Banana Clipper,” “36” Chain,” “Job Well Done,” “Get It”
3. RTJ4 (2020)
The impact of RTJ4 was almost immediate, arriving at the height of Black Lives Matter protests in June 2020. The politically-charged themes were just as prevalent in prior albums. However, the timely messaging regarding police brutality and systemic racism hit differently on RTJ4, at a time when people around the world flooded the streets in protest of these very issues. The lyrical content on this album ties together the past and present, and will almost definitely continue to ring true for many years to come.
Musically, the production on this album is some of the best they have ever rapped over. RTJ4 was among the best albums of 2020 and it only ranks third because the above albums contain the most essential Run The Jewels songs.
Essential Tracks: “Yankee and the Brave,” “Ooh LA LA,” “Out Of Sight,” “Holy Calamafuck,” “A Few Words for the Firing Squad (Radiation)”
2. Run The Jewels 3 (2016)
Run The Jewels 3 also was very impactful upon release as it came out soon after the 2016 presidential election, adding a sense of urgency to songs like “Talk to Me” and “2100.” Unlike the first two installments albums, Run The Jewels 3 starts on a calmer, more positive note but its toughest tracks pack a very hard punch. Musically, it is their most varied album, as far as tempos and instrumentation go. They have their signature bangers like “Legend Has It” and “Panther Like A Panther,” but the album contains their most vulnerable moments such as “Thursday in the Danger Room,” dedicated to their friends who passed away.
Essential Tracks: “Legend Has It,” “Call Ticketron,” “Stay Gold,” “Panther Like A Panther (Miracle Mix),” “Thursday in the Danger Room”
1. Run The Jewels 2 (2014)
Run The Jewels 2 is relentless. Its lean 12-song tracklist consists of nothing but bangers as the intensity grows quickly with each song. Across the 42-minute runtime, Killer Mike and El-P do not take their feet off the gas. They showed fans what they can do together on Run The Jewels but they strengthened their chemistry on Run The Jewels 2, resulting in some of their greatest moments together. Most importantly, El-P’s production on this album defined Run The Jewels’ signature sound. Though every song is energetic, the beats rank high among El-P’s best productions. “Oh My Darling Don’t Cry” is already thrilling, but the song’s electrifying beat switch takes things to another level. There are plenty of explosive moments on the album, such as the unpredictable “Lie Cheat Steal.”
There is also “Close Your Eyes (And Count to Fuck),” which is arguably the group’s best song, containing a show-stealing appearance from Zack De La Rocha who went on to appear on their following albums. The first Run The Jewels was a very loose and exhilarating album that highlighted Killer Mike and El-P’s humorous lyrics. Still, Run The Jewels 2 built upon that excitement and moved into uncharted territory to establish their legacy.
Essential Tracks: “Oh My Darling Don’t Cry,” “Blockbuster Part 1,” “Close Your Eyes (And Count To F**k),” “Early,” “All Due Respect”
Killer Mike is celebrating his birthday by formally launching the countdown for his new solo album MICHAEL via the release of “Don’t Let The Devil (feat EL-P & thankugoodsir).” MICHAEL marks the celebrated MCs first solo project since 2012’s critically lauded R.A.P. Music and serves as an introduction to the totality of Michael Render, a lifelong rap fiend whose consciousness is seeped in the sounds of community that raised him – multiple eras of southern rap flows, Sunday church service, and barbershop discourse. Speaking on his most autobiographical and independent album to date, Mike states “RTJ is the X-Men, this is my Logan.” For the new single Mike linked with his Run The Jewelspartner in rhyme EL-P, trading verses over a lilting soul loop produced by No I.D., EL-P, & Little Shalimar. “My favorite group (US) with my favorite producers! It’s our 10 year anniversary and MICHAEL is an origin story so I wanted to start w/ El.”
“DON’T LET THE DEVIL” arrives in the wake of RTJ announcing a 10 year anniversary run this Fall, the release of theircollaborative sneakers with Nike this week, and Mike’s recent appearance at SXSW, where he performed an intimate career-spanning show at Stubb’sflanked by a choir, and previewed several new songs that are expected to appear on the Atlanta MC’s new album (read more here). He further brought the album to life at a private listening event in NYC this past Monday, where a couple hundred attendees crowded into St. Ann’s & the Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn to hear Mike present the album in his own words.
Killer Mike, the esteemed rapper, and activist, has fans chomping at the bits as he announces a new album in June. You probably were introduced to Killer Mike from his feature on OutKast’s “Snappin’ & Trappin’” off their classic album Stankonia. Despite not having any music of his own until 2008 with I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind II, and later shaking the rap game with his 2012 classic R.A.P Music, Killer Mike has become one of rap’s biggest staples. When you’re getting a shoutout from Kendrick Lamar on the impact of your album you know you’re doing something right.
While we all know the Atlanta native for his countless contributions to the Black community, whether it’s speaking at the REVOLT Summit or kicking knowledge with Stacey Abrams on how we can move forward as a people, we forget how nice he is on the mic. However, Killer Mike reminds us all that he is indeed really like that. Announcing a new solo album after a 10-year hiatus since his critically acclaimed album R.A.P Music in 2012. Although we’ve gotten consistent from him and his longtime collaborator EL-P as the rap duo Run The Jewels, it’s been a minute since we’ve heard from just Killer Mike. To kickoff his birthday Killer Mike announced that his album MICHAEL is dropping June 16.
Killer Mike Announces New Album In June And Drops New Single
Not only that, but Mike also dropped a single called “Don’t Let The Devil” accompanied by his RTJ partner EL-P. The track is soulful and could easily be a cut from a Run The Jewels project. Furthermore, Mike’s lyricism has only gotten better with time. The new single follows two previously released singles, “Run” featuring Young Thug and Dave Chappelle, and “Talk’n That Shit!.” Given that it’s been so long since we’ve got solo work from Mike, it appears he has not lost a single step.
Judging from the latest single along with the other two he dropped, it looks like we’re in for a treat. Mike’s unique blend of fiery and witty lyrics and impeccable production make for another classic in the making. However, that’s not all Killer Mike has on the docket for himself. Upon the release of his new album, he and EL-P are hitting the road to tour for the 10-year anniversary of RTJ. It’s clear Killer Mike is coming out with a bang and fans couldn’t be more ecstatic. Stream “Don’t Let The Devil” and let us know what you think below!
Today (April 20) is a big one for Killer Mike for two reasons: It’s 4/20 and it’s his birthday. In celebration, the rapper made a big announcement: Michael, his first solo album since 2012’s R.A.P. Music, is set for release on June 16. (The project was previously revealed unofficially.)
He also shared “Don’t Let The Devil,” a single featuring thankugoodsir and Run The Jewels partner El-P. The track sees Mike and El-P swapping verses over a soul loop produced by No I.D., El-P, and Little Shalimar.
Mike said of the song, “My favorite group (US) with my favorite producers! It’s our 10 year anniversary and MICHAEL is an origin story so I wanted to start w/ El.” He also said of the album, “RTJ is the X-Men, this is my Logan.”
While it’s been over a decade since his last proper solo album, Mike has of course kept busy with Run The Jewels, one of hip-hop’s most beloved duos. They’ve had four well-received albums, with the latest, RTJ4, arriving in 2020 and becoming their first release to hit the top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Killer Mike just announced his first solo album in more than a decade. The new project is called MICHAEL. The rapper last released a solo album before his time with Run The Jewels. his previous album, R.A.P. Music, dropped in 2012. Mike is touting this new project as his most personal work yet. “[Run The Jewels] is the X-Men,” he said. “This is my Logan.” Along with the announcement, Mike dropped a song called “Don’t Let The Devil.” It features his Run The Jewels cohort El-P and Thank You Good Sir.
Killer Mike is a multi-hyphenate talent. He is a rapper, activist, actor, and businessman. He rose to fame in the early 2000s, releasing several solo albums and collaborating with various legendary artists such as OutKast and Jay-Z. Killer Mike is known for his socially and politically conscious lyrics. He often addresses issues related to race, poverty, and police brutality. Additionally, he has been a vocal advocate for black empowerment. Mike has used his platform to support various social causes, including the Black Lives Matter movement. In addition to his music career, Killer Mike has also been involved in various entrepreneurial ventures. He owns a barbershop and has launched his own line of cannabis products. Most recently, Mike appeared on Lil Dicky’s Dave.
Mike Won’t Let The Devil Coerce Him
Killer Mike’s “Don’t Let The Devil” follows last year’s singles, “Run” and “Talk’n That Shit.” The new song features some gospel samples and a classic sounding drum loop. The samples are used to perfection as Killer Mike expertly flows over the beat. The song is definitely not a disappointment. It feels like a perfect throwback, familiar without sounding dated.
“Watch the world go to hell as I’m laughing saying, ‘it’s perfect’ / Catch me after Sunday service disturbing the church’s workers,” Mike raps on the song. For anyone that grew up in the south, the track is going to sound extremely familiar. From the gospel samples to the lyrics about not “letting the devil coerce you,” the entire song is reminiscent of what summers feel like in the south: Sunday church services, insane humidity, potlucks, and block parties. If this is the kind of material we have to look forward to on MICHAEL, it looks like we are in for an amazing album. What do you think of the new Killer Mike track? Let us know in the comments!
Quotable Lyrics:
Fly satellite height As I’m looking at the earth’s surface Keep your eyes on the prize And don’t let the devil coerce you
With a new album on the way, Killer Mike certainly isn’t holding back. The legendary Atlanta rapper, who also serves as one-half of Run The Jewels, has been revving up for the release of Michael, his first solo album since R.A.P. Music. He revealed new information regarding the project including some of the features. Killer Mike tapped Dave Chappelle, Lil Wayne, and more for the project. Additionally, expect to catch former Dungeon Family members, Future and Andre 3000, on the song, “Scientists & Engineers” alongside Killer Mike.
A snippet of the upcoming collaboration surfaced this week from a recent listening party. Killer Mike debuted the project in its entirety during the session on Monday, April 17th. “Scientists & Engineers” is a gospel-influenced record with Andre and Future. A soulful choir holds down the hook on “Engineers & Scientists” while Future dives into his emotional banger. “Standin’ in the rain, washing off my sins/ The streets ain’t the same,” he raps. Already, the song sounds like it’ll be an immediate highlight that ties together Killer Mike’s storied career. Considering the recent listening parties, it seems like this project could be coming sometime soon.
Killer Mike Taps Heavy-Hitters For “Michael”
SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS (FEAT. ANDRE 3000 & FUTURE)
In addition to Future and Andre 3000, it’s rumored that another feature on the project comes from Young Thug, who reportedly listed Killer Mike on his witness list in the YSL RICO case. Mike previously released the single, “Talkin’ That Sh*t,” produced by DJ Paul and TWhy Exclusive, which will land on the official tracklist for the project. Michael will include 14 songs in total, though he hasn’t unveiled the credits yet. “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,” said Killer Mike during SXSW. “I don’t know what’s after this life, but I will treasure this night for the rest of my life.”
Besides his upcoming solo effort, Killer Mike and El-P have some big plans to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Run The Jewels. Along with a fifth album in the works, they announced their upcoming tour, which will hit Chicago, Atlanta, New York City, and Los Angeles. They will perform four shows in each city. Each night will include the two “performing a different set… spanning the band’s full discography, bolstered by a plethora of special guests and surprises along the way.”
Lil Dicky’s tour stopped in Atlanta for this week’s cameo-packed episode of Dave, leading to appearances from some of the city’s most recognizable faces. The plot revolves around Dave and GaTa‘s efforts to retrieve Rick Ross‘ stolen chain after a night at the strip club as Dave agonizes over possible Twitter beef with Killer Mike. Dave tries to get Usher and Lil Gotit, Mike’s fellow Atlantans, to assist before he goes to confront the man himself at a Black business brunch (don’t worry… he was invited!).
The episode gave Ross and Mike, two charmingly effective comedians in their own right, a chance to really flex their funny muscles alongside Lil Dicky, playing off of his neurotic energy with a combination of sanguine interest and outright confusion. Mike really gets the upper hand on Dave Burd’s heightened self-parody, conning Dave into giving the money he didn’t have to ransom Ross’s missing chain to support the cause. The show’s fans certainly seemed to enjoy Dave’s Atlanta-based misadventures:
Of course, if you’ve been following Rick on social media at all, you know the man born Leonard Williams is about as naturally funny as a human being can be. From self-gardening his massive estate to save money, to keeping a herd of buffaloes as pets, to avoiding Teslas because he doesn’t trust self-driving cars, he’s a walking meme — and seems to be a pretty good sport about it. Just check out his reaction to almond milk.
For more about season three of Dave, check out our interview with the show’s creator and star Dave Burd (aka Lil Dicky).
SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS (FEAT. ANDRE 3000 & FUTURE)
KILLER MIKE
& rick ross. This shit od