Travis Scott and Killer Mike are keeping beef alive in 2024. Fans are waiting to see if Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar will resume, but there’s trouble brewing Huncho Jack and one half of Run the Jewels. And it’s for an odd reason. Mike won three awards at the recent Grammys. Travis Scott was competing in the same categories, and went home empty handed. Fans then overran the internet with claims that Killer Mike stole from their favorite rapper. It seemed like a done deal, until Mike released his new album. On said album, he threw some pretty blatant shots at “Sicko Mode” star.
The alleged diss came on the album’s closer, “STILL TALK’N THAT SH*T.” Killer Mike makes it clear that he didn’t steal anything, he merely cooked Travis Scott in terms of artistry. “You gon respect me like a motherf*ckin’ Grammy winner,” Mike spits. “Like I cooked your favorite rapper like a Granny dinner.” It doesn’t take a lot of analysis to get the message. Killer Mike obviously felt a way about the backlash to his crowning Grammy moment. The rapper’s justification, though, did not stop Travis Scott’s manager from getting into the mix. David Stromberg was not pleased with what Mike had to say, and mocked him back on Twitter.
Stromberg took the wind out of Killer Mike’s by making some heinous comparisons. He aligned the ATL rapper with other artists who won Grammy Awards that were deemed to be unworthy in retrospect. The kind of artists that Killer Mike would not be compared to under any other circumstances. “Macklemore and Cardi B tour selling out Chuck E Cheese karaoke nights near u,” he tweeted. Stromberg also made note of the fact that the artists in question have since fallen off. Macklemore infamously beat Kendrick Lamar for Best Rap Album in 2013, and he effectively doomed his career by apologizing. He also beat Kanye West’s Yeezus, which Scott co-produced. Cardi B, on the other hand, won Best Rap Album over Travis Scott in 2019.
Killer Mike’s bars likely struck a chord with Travis Scott and his management. Scott has been open about his desire to win a Grammy, and has been nominated ten times. “The award is just like at one point was held up to a higher stature, but I still believe it,” he said during an appearance on The Shop. It’s crazy… You gotta perform at 8:30. So imagine losing at 1:30 and having to sit there for seven hours. Like f*ck this sh*t.” Travis Scott has generally avoided rap beefs throughout his career. We’ll see if he takes the bait and decides to go at Mike.
Killer Mike is an underground legend. The rapper came up as an Outkast protege in the 2000s, before striking gold as one half of Run the Jewels. He doesn’t have hits, per say, but he’s widely praised for his lyrical ability. He’s the sort of artist that wins Grammy Awards, not the sort that tops the Billboard charts. The fact that he did just that during the 2024 Grammys, actually led to controversy. Many fans felt that Mike robbed Travis Scott of a chance to secure his first ever golden statue. This narrative is something that Mike decided to dig back up on his new album.
Songs for Sinners & Saints is an excellent release. Killer Mike does his thing over a batch of soulful beats. The closing track, though, “STILL TALK’N THAT SH*T,” made it clear that he had some bones to pick as a result of the Grammy controversy. He decided to remind Travis Scott, and the rapper’s fanbase, that he’s deserving of taking home hip-hop awards. As far as Killer Mike is concerned, he “cooked” Scott, and will happily do it again. “You gon respect me like a motherf*ckin’ Grammy winner,” he raps. “Like I cooked your favorite rapper like a Granny dinner.” There are no names mentioned, but the Grammy reference makes it clear who Mike has in mind.
Travis Scott has been nominated for ten Grammy Awards throughout his career, and has yet to win. He admitted frustration over this fact during an April appearance on The Shop. “You play football to win a Super Bowl, you play basketball to win championships,” he noted. “It’s what that Grammy used to mean is the idea I hold on to. I love to create music.” Scott’s fanbase was irate over the fact that he lost in three hip-hop categories to Killer Mike. Adin Ross and Kai Cenat ranted about the snub during their respective Twitch streams, and the latter even admitted to not knowing who Killer Mike was.
Cenat’s comments, in particular, sparked a debate within the larger hip-hop community. Older fans felt that Mike was deserving of his three Grammy wins, and younger fans felt like Scott was due. Joe Budden highlighted this divide on his podcast. “Shut up for a change. I’m so sick of these n**gas,” he exclaimed. “We gotta rush behind Killer Mike. Killer Mike won, we gotta let these n**gas know what the f*ck we really think.” Evidently, Killer Mike feels the same way.
Killer Mike really struck a chord with his 2023 album MICHAEL. He decided to move away from the aggressive sound that characterized his work in Run the Jewels. Instead, he spit over smooth, soulful, and often gospel-influence beats. We all loved it. Killer Mike decided to dig further into this gospel vibe, and the religious imagery that accompanies it, on his new album. Where MICHAEL took a nostalgic POV, though, Songs for Sinners & Saints opts for a grittier, grounded approach. Fans are going to love this too.
The aggression of the opener is going to be jarring to some. “BUSSIN BRICKS INTRO” feels more in line with the glitchy, angry energy that Killer Mike perfected with RTJ. The rest of Songs for Sinners & Saints takes a more laid-back approach. Anthony Hamilton sounds fantastic on the funky “NOBODY KNOWS.” The one-two punch of “HUMBLE ME” and “HIGHER LEVEL” distill the sounds and themes of the album down to perfect Southern rap cuts. Both feature soulful instrumentals and stellar flows from Killer Mike. The latter is especially fun, thanks to an interpolation of Outkast’s “Ms. Jackson.” Offset and Blxst keep the quality bar high on the touching Rico Wade tribute “EXIT 9 (SCENIC ROUTE).” Key Glock and Project Pat, meanwhile, bolster the hardest song on the entire album: “STILL TALK’N THAT SH*T.” Killer Mike is at the peak of his powers here. All Killer, no filler.
Lil Yachty really set the internet on fire. The rapper made several public appearances during the last few days of July, each time making a statement that incited debate. He got pushback for defending Drake in the Kendrick Lamar battle. He was chastised for leaking a song he couldn’t get a sample cleared for. The most notable Yachty, controversy, though, stemmed from his comments about fashion. He claimed that Atlanta sets the fashion trends in hip-hop, which led to lots of criticism from rappers living in the rest of the country. One of the few rappers who seemingly agreed with Lil Boat was Killer Mike.
Killer Mike hopped on Twitter on August 1 to set the record straight. He referred to the Yachty debate as “lame,” but did provide examples of Atlanta setting trends. He pointed to his Dungeon family mentor, Big Boi, in particular. “I have Zero Interest in this lame ass debate,” he wrote. “BUT Big Boi Started the Throw Back Jersey Trend with that cold a*s Houston Astros Jersey.” He then noted that Ye, despite his Chitown roots, gave proper credit to the Outkast rapper. Ye’s impact on hip-hop fashion goes without saying, but Killer Mike said it regardless. “Kanye (Atlanta Born) set the record straight on that, God Bless Him,” he wrote. “Honorable Mention the ‘Flip Flop’s and Sox’ look was Some sh*t from the Dungeon Family.”
Killer Mike Claims ATL Has Influenced All Pop Culture
I have Zero Interest in this lame ass debate BUT, Big Boi Started the Throw Back Jersey Trend with that cold ass Houston Astro’s Jersey. Kanye (Atlanta Born) set the record straight on that, God Bless Him. Honorable Mention the “Flip Flop’s and Sox” look was Some shit from the… https://t.co/6VhlvS5zIOpic.twitter.com/sEaWnCoaa9
Mike included a photo of Big Boi rocking the aforementioned Astros jersey as proof. A Twitter user went the opposite direction and claimed that Phife Dog actually started the throwback jersey trend. Killer Mike respectfully disagreed. “[Phife] was a sports fan and inspired us all,” he wrote back. “With that said, the Throw back Era is Something Big Boi who is also like us a Tribe Fan Started in 98 with that Black Ice Vid Houston Jersey. Long Live Tribe and Kast.” The rapper continued to go back and forth with fans about the specificity of throwbacks, and the relevance of sports merchandise within the genre.
Killer Mike and Lil Yachty are about as far apart as artists can be. That said, the former has also repped Atlanta in his music and art. During a 2023 appearance on the Hip-Hop Made podcast, Mike claimed that the ATL has influenced every element of popular culture for decades. “When they say Atlanta influences everything it’s true,” he declared. “If you’re talking about Black culture in America, you talking about ATL, Georgia, and I’m not just talking about the last 25 years… I don’t think you can talk any Black culture — Rock n’ Roll, Blues, and Gospel — without talking about Atlanta.” Yachty may have ditched the internet due to the East Coast backlash, but he’d be pleased to know Killer Mike is in his corner.
Earlier this month, Killer Mike released “HUMBLE ME,” a new single that addresses his arrest at the Grammys on Feb. 4th. The incident and the growing acclaim for his album MICHAEL fueled a burst of creativity, bringing him back to the studio the following night. Upon the single’s release, Mike assured fans of a new project that would serve as an epilogue to the MICHAEL era and a gesture of gratitude for their unwavering support.
“I had a year to live with MICHAEL,” he states, “and I realized I had more I wanted to do with this sound before moving on.”
The result is Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival: Songs For Sinners & Saints, a ten-song collection set to release digitally on Friday, August 2nd. Mike describes the project as a “testimonial,” reflecting on his struggles and victories. “After the celebratory atmosphere that followed MICHAEL I was reminded that tribulations never cease, but God is always with me and this is a testimonial of my tumultuous times, my trials, and my continued triumph in spite of doubt, outright hate, and fear. I am here to speak to and with my fellow sinners and Saints.”
The album begins with a track that encapsulates his current state of mind, featuring the line, “Fame and money brought some factors I ain’t factor in.” It also includes a reimagined medley of two standout tracks from MICHAEL, inspired by their evolution during his tour with his gospel group, The Mighty Midnight Revival.
“Not only was I not done with the sound and feel of MICHAEL, I realized I might not be done with some of the songs from it as well. ‘SLUMMER’ & ‘SOMETHING FOR JUNKIES’ happened in the same Universe,” states Mike. “I always looked at both songs as one long play of sorts so this was a chance to try that out. These are songs that deserved another approach and now I’m torn on which version I like better.”
Following the release of “a href=”https://uproxx.com/music/killer-mike-humble-me-2024-grammys-arrest-video/” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>Humble Me” earlier this month, Killer Mike has said in a statement, “I had a year to live with Michael, and I realized I had more I wanted to do with this sound before moving on.”
Michael is his previous album, and the statement is regarding a new project: Today (July 29), Mike announced Songs For Sinners & Saints, a fresh album that we won’t have to wait long for, as it’s set to drop this week, on August 2. The project is credited to Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival.
Mike says in a statement, “For me, this is a testimonial. When I was growing up an important part of church service was people having the opportunity to stand up and give public testimony on their trials, tribulations, and triumphs. After the celebratory atmosphere that followed Michael, I was reminded that tribulations never cease, but God is always with me and this is a testimonial of my tumultuous times, my trials, and my continued triumph in spite of doubt, outright hate, and fear. I am here to speak to and with my fellow sinners and Saints.”
Check out the Songs For Sinners & Saints cover art and tracklist below.
Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival’s (Killer Mike) Songs For Sinners & Saints Album Cover Artwork
VLNS/Loma Vista
Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival’s (Killer Mike) Songs For Sinners & Saints Tracklist
1. “Bussin Bricks Intro”
2. “Nobody Knows” Feat. Anthony Hamilton, Jordan Alyssa, Troy Durden, and Adonica Nunn
3. “Humble Me”
4. “Higher Level” Feat. Jori and Adonica Nunn
5. “Exit 9 Scenic Route” Feat Offset, Blxst, Lena Byrd Miles, and Troy Durden
6. “Lord Prepare Me” Feat. Bellygang Kush, Jane Handcock, and Adonica Nunn
7. “Slummer 4 Junkies” Feat. Lena Byrd Miles, Alicia Peters-Jordan, Jori, Adonica Nunn, Jordan Alyssa, and Troy Durden
8. “Had To Go Get It” Feat. Troy Durden
9. “’97 3-6 Freestyle”
10. “Still Talk’n That Sh*t” Feat. Key Glock and Project Pat
Songs For Sinners & Saints is out 8/2 via VLNS/Loma Vista. Find more information here.
At the BET Awards last week, Killer Mike delivered a poignant speech as he accepted the award for Best Rap Album – another triumphant award show night for the Atlanta rapper in 2024. “Technically, I was not supposed to be here,” Killer Mike said about his infamous arrest outside the Grammy Awards earlier this year. That same night, he took home three Grammy Awards for Michael. “I was put in handcuffs, and I was marched out of this building. But I wanna tell you, look at God because I’m back, baby. I’m back.”
His faith in God is at the forefront of his efforts, naturally sprinkling references to his faith across his catalog, whether alongside El-P as Run The Jewels or in his solo catalog. His latest album Michael is an autobiographical body of work that explores his Atlanta roots, both through vigorous levels of rhyming over soulful backdrops and a deep dive into how God brought him through hardships to glory. These Grammy wins and accolades symbolize how he overcame trials and tribulations throughout his life and still surpassed the circumstances that could’ve led him astray. But this message becomes more urgent during his live shows. Accompanied by the Mighty Revival and DJ Trackstar, Killer Mike brought the good folks of Quebec City to a church sermon (albeit, with a bit more cussing and weed smoke).
As part of his summer 2024 tour dates, he made his way through several Canadian cities in support of his excellent 2023 album, Michael. His performance at Festival D’Été Quebec on Friday night (July 6th) felt like another victory lap in a storied career that has seen him reach incredible heights without compromising his artistic integrity. His stage show brought a distinctly Southern feel that embodied his resilience, tenacity, and faith in a Higher Power. The jewels he dropped weren’t those of solely a rapper but one who delivers his words with the conviction of a pastor.
He admittedly tried to stray from religious reference, though stories about Solomon prefaced the emotionally charged “MAMA” and his mini-speeches in between songs felt like notes of inspiration for those who’ve also felt like their back were against the wall. Still, this was a rap show after all, and songs like “RUN” and “DOWN BY LAW” got the energy right for the remainder of the evening. But, at the core of Killer Mike’s performance was bringing Atlanta to the Canadians. The album cuts got the audience excited, for sure, but hard-hitting bangers including Big Boi’s “Kill Jill” and Bone Crusher’s “Never Scared,” alongside cuts from Run The Jewels and R.A.P Music, kept the crowd’s vibrancy at an all-time high.
Following such a triumphant year so far – even with a few mishaps – Killer Mike’s performance felt like a victory lap for an artist who never played the industry game yet exceeded every expectation set against him. But with a breath of gratitude to his tone, his recent feats and festival performances are a testament to his grind and reaping the fruits of his labor.
The Final Lap Tour Makes Its Way To Quebec City
via Etienne Dionne/FEQ
The greatest measure of an artist’s hit-making prowess is how it translates to crowds outside of their prime demographic, specifically those that don’t even really speak the same language. At le Festival D’Été Quebec in Quebec City (a primarily non-English city), 50 Cent served up a platter of bangers for an hour-and-a-half that affirms his presence as one of hip-hop’s greatest showmen. Following 50 Cent’s epic Final Lap tour in 2023, which saw him celebrate the 20th anniversary of Get Rich Or Die Tryin’, he’s clearly in high demand for the summer festival circuit across the world. As we covered in 2023, the Final Lap tour was undoubtedly the tour of the summer, one that brought hip-hop fans, both old and new together, to witness one of rap’s greats perform his biggest hits; timeless classics that have become a staple in hip-hop and pop catalogs.
50 Cent initially stated the Final Lap tour would be his final haul on the road before focusing on his television and film productions. But, after surpassing over $100M in ticket sales last year (making it one of the highest-grossing hip-hop tours of all time), there are plenty of markets that ha highly sought after in plenty of markets that he didn’t hit last year. Joined by his hypemen, Tony Yayo and Uncle Murda, the G-Unit trifecta delivered a more toned-down version of what they brought across North America last year, likely due to the venue change. Festivals provide ample room for pyrotechnics but the setup didn’t necessarily welcome some of the more theatrical elements, such as the wild t-shirt change that went viral last year and even the complex transitions throughout the set (i.e. popping out from under the stage).
The People Love 50
via Etienne Dionne/FEQ
Nonetheless, his performance in Quebec City is a microcosm of 50 Cent’s global appeal. Though the audience might not be entirely tuned into Power (“Big Rich Town” certainly wasn’t even close to being the highlight of the evening), the epic run as a solo artist and with G-Unit throughout the 2000s formed the baseline of his set that transcended language barriers, further emphasizing the grip he’s had on the world since the release of Get Rich Or Die Tryin’.
“I’m On Some Sh*t” may have felt like a bit of a lackluster opener for this audience, especially since the majority seemed unfamiliar with his mixtape run. But, you could imagine that records like “What Up Gangsta,” “Just A Lil Bit,” and “If I Can’t” had the nearly 80,000+ in attendance singing along word-for-word. But once he started going into the real hit records, from his collaborations with The Game to songs like “Candy Shop,” “In Da Club,” and other definitive songs of the mid-2000s, it further affirmed Fif as one of the culture’s pivotal figure who contributed to hip-hop’s global appeal, from his days bullying his peers on his early mixtapes to outshining each of them once he formally entered the game.
Killer Mike was involved in a lot of controversy at this year’s GRAMMY Awards. The veteran lyricist from Atlanta was nominated for three categories –Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song, and Best Rap Performance– and took home the honors in each one. For a lot of casual rap fans, it was an utter shocker, but it was also quite surprising overall. Not only did Mike usurp Travis Scott, Drake, Metro Boomin and more, but he also got the attention from an inconsistent panel of voters. However, the night was a bittersweet one. The Run The Jewels rapper would be arrested for a misdemeanor battery charge in the nearby area surrounding the award show. Overall, this is why we have this new Killer Mike single, “HUMBLE ME”, in front of us.
This is his first release since dropping a longer version of “EXIT 9” with Offset a few months ago. On “HUMBLE ME”, Killer Mike compares his ordeal to the Biblical story about Daniel and the lion’s den, according to Billboard. The accompanying visuals are equally powerful, as it shows him losing his chains, rings, and other expensive pieces, just like how he was stripped of his moment at the GRAMMYs. Additionally, his son Mikael “Pony Boy” Render makes an appearance in the video, too after his life-altering kidney transplant. This song is the perfect encapsulation of something good coming out of something negative.
I won at the Grammys for spitting my grammar, did that for Atlanta Did that for Atlanta bruh, swept up like a janitor Got sent to the slammer bruh Treat me like an animal or some kind of hannibal, vicious and cannibal The devil be doing you, right when you doing it, the devil will ruin you Behind me Satan I walk out the door with my head up and handcuffs with pride
In a surprising turn of events following the 2024 Grammy Awards, rapper and activist Killer Mike, known for his outspoken advocacy on social issues, found himself in the spotlight once again after being arrested on the night of the prestigious event. However, what followed was an unexpected twist: Killer Mike was not charged, sparking discussions about justice, accountability, and the influence of public figures.
The incident occurred amidst the glitz and glamour of the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, where Killer Mike, a prominent figure in the hip-hop community, was attending festivities surrounding the music industry’s biggest night. Reports indicate that the arrest stemmed from an altercation involving the rapper and security personnel at a private event, although specific details surrounding the incident remain somewhat murky.
What sets this episode apart is the subsequent decision by authorities not to press charges against Killer Mike. This outcome has prompted scrutiny and speculation, given the high-profile nature of the event and the public figure involved. Critics and supporters alike have weighed in on social media, debating the implications of the decision and its broader significance.
For Killer Mike, who has built a reputation not only as a talented artist but also as a vocal advocate for social justice and community empowerment, the incident raises questions about accountability and the treatment of celebrities within the justice system. Supporters argue that his activism and positive contributions to society should be taken into account when assessing the situation, emphasizing his commitment to effecting positive change.
Conversely, skeptics question whether the outcome would have been the same for individuals without Killer Mike’s status and influence. They argue that justice should be blind, regardless of one’s fame or societal standing, and that the decision not to pursue charges may reflect unequal treatment under the law.
Beyond the legal ramifications, the incident has reignited conversations about the intersection of celebrity, responsibility, and the impact of public actions. As public figures continue to wield significant influence, both in cultural discourse and societal norms, their conduct and the consequences thereof are scrutinized more than ever.
In conclusion, Killer Mike’s experience following the 2024 Grammy Awards serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding fame, justice, and public perception. While the decision not to charge him has sparked debate, it also underscores broader issues of equity and fairness within the legal system. As discussions unfold, the incident prompts reflection on the roles and responsibilities of public figures in today’s interconnected world.
On February 12, the Atlanta rapper, actor, and activist addressed the arrest on The View, but he really addressed it on “Humble Me,” his new spiritual song that uses his personal experience to shed light on the broader, deep-rooted injustices.
“I won at the Grammys for spitting my grammar / Did that for Atlanta,” Killer Mike raps, while hands grab at him in the accompanying black-and-white video. “Did that for Atlanta, bruh / Swept up like a janitor / Got sent to the slammer, bruh / Treat me like an animal / Or some kind of Hannibal, vicious and cannibal / The devil be doin’ you, right when you doin’ it / The devil will ruin you.”
“I was in the studio the very next day,” Killer Mike said in a statement, as per press release. “I’m as inspired as ever, and I’m just following the music at this point. “All my heroes have been cuffed and mishandled in some way. I just thanked God in that moment of being Daniel in the lion’s den.”
Mike continued, “I came out of the jailhouse in the pouring rain to my wife waiting for me, lit a joint, celebrated a bit and then woke up and got the news about my son’s kidney. I believe that humility and worship granted me God’s grace in the face of that test, and I believe my son receiving his kidney was a blessing from God.”
By the video’s end, Killer Mike is joined by Pony Boy and puts his arm around him while rapping, “The devil put me on his whipping post / The Lord did not allow him to whip me / So, I went to sleep as free as can be, and the next day, my son got a kidney / Lord, humble me now.”
On Sunday, June 30, Killer Mike returned to Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, the site of his 2024 Grammys arrest, for the BET Awards 2024, where he got the last laugh by winning Album Of The Year for Michael.
