Killer Mike

Killer Mike Announces His New Album “Michael”

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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!

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Killer Mike Announced His First Solo Album In Over A Decade And Linked Up With El-P On ‘Don’t Let The Devil’

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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.

The news of Mike’s solo album comes shortly after he and El-P announced a 10th anniversary tour for Run The Jewels.

Listen to “Don’t Let The Devil” above.

Michael is out 6/16 via VLNS/Loma Vista.

Killer Mike Drops Solo Single “Don’t Let The Devil”: Listen

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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

Killer Mike Reunites Andre 3000 & Future On New Song Snippet

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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”

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.” 

Rick Ross And Killer Mike Showed Off Their Comedic Chops In ‘Dave’s Latest Cameo-Packed Episode

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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).

Run The Jewels Announces 10-Year Anniversary Tour

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The union of Killer Mike and El-P as Run The Jewels was unexpected yet perhaps, the most successful endeavor in their respective careers. Since 2013, the legendary underground figures emerged as the people’s champ through their unique strain of hard-hitting production and razor-sharp lyricism. Since then, they delivered three other projects including 2020’s RTJ4, as well as a number of remixes and guest appearances while becoming mainstays on the festival circuit in America and across the world. Within a decade, they’ve left an indelible mark on the rap game. 

We recently hit the 10-year anniversary of Run The Jewels and the two will be celebrating the occasion with their fans through a slew of concerts.  This morning, the duo announced that they would be celebrating the milestone with a four-city tour. The upcoming tour will touch New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Chicago where they’ll be “performing a different set each night spanning the band’s full discography, bolstered by a plethora of special guests and surprises along the way.” 

Run The Jewels 10-Year Anniversary

In a statement shared in the press release, Killer Mike and El-P expressed their gratitude over the years. “It’s mind blowing to us that it’s been 10 years since we joined forces as RTJ,” Killer Mike and El-P said in a statement. “The best way we can think to celebrate is to get the whole family together and do what we love for the people who love us back. It’s going to be amazing, just like this entire ride has been, and we are grateful to get a chance to celebrate with our Jewel Runners this year and finally get back into clubs to destroy some stages for you.”

Run The Jewels will perform in each city for four nights. Each night will include dedicated performances for each of their albums. “We’re doing four cities, four nights each, and four full albums worth of jams, many we have only performed a small handful of times during our whole existence. So on night one it’s RTJ1 in full, plus many more songs from the other records; night two it’s RTJ2… etc. etc. We can’t wait to get out there and see you.”

Run The Jewels Announced Their 10th Anniversary Tour, On Which They Will Perform Their Four Albums In Full

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Rapper Killer Mike and producer El-P are hitting the road beginning this fall, to celebrate 10 years of performing as the duo, Run The Jewels. Run The Jewels will perform in four different cities — New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Los Angeles — for four nights each.

“It’s mind-blowing to us that it’s been 10 years since we joined forces as RTJ,” the duo said in a statement. “The best way we can think to celebrate is to get the whole family together and do what we love for the people who love us back. It’s going to be amazing, just like this entire ride has been, and we are grateful to get a chance to celebrate with our jewel runners this year and finally get back into clubs to destroy some stages for you.”

On Twitter, EL-P revealed that each of the four nights will see the duo performing one of their four albums in full. He also revealed that fans can “expect guests and surprises.”

Tickets will be available for purchase here, beginning Friday, March 31.

You can see the tour dates below, as well as upcoming festival appearances.

05/12-14 — Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Block Party
09/13 — New York, NY @ Terminal 5
09/14 — New York, NY @ Terminal 5
09/15 — New York, NY @ Terminal 5
09/16 — New York, NY @ Terminal 5
09/24 — Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life
09/27 — Chicago, IL @ The Salt Shed
09/28 — Chicago, IL @ The Salt Shed
09/29 — Chicago, IL @ The Salt Shed
09/30 — Chicago, IL @ The Salt Shed
10/02 — Atlanta, GA @ The Eastern
10/03 — Atlanta, GA @ The Eastern
10/04 — Atlanta, GA @ The Eastern
10/05 — Atlanta, GA @ The Eastern
10/11 — Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium
10/12 — Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium
10/13 — Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium
10/14 — Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium

Killer Mike Has A New Record, ‘Michael,’ Arriving With Features From Lil Wayne, Dave Chappelle, And More

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Killer Mike had a big 2020 with the release of the new Run The Jewels album RTJ4. Now, it looks like he’s stepping out on his own for a new solo record titled Michael.

“Yesterday I got the chance to sit and listen to @killermike new solo project ‘Michael,’” DJ Kenny Perez, a Milwaukee radio host, wrote in an Instagram post on March 16, during SXSW. “Without a doubt, RUN and embrace it when it drops. The project is a journey through his life, and he doesn’t hold back. Collabs with Andre 3000, Lil Wayne, Dave Chappelle, and more.”

Meanwhile, Killer Mike unveiled the song “Talk’n That Sh!t” in October of last year. “The song is self-explanatory,” he said in a statement. “With the video, I wanted to show the freedom and beauty in being able to turn up in spite of all the f*ck-sh*t. That upsets the bourgeoisie even more — in spite of all your criticisms, we’re gonna live free and stay lit.”

He also revealed nearly a year ago that a new Run The Jewels album was in the works. “I say this with a smile, and a wink — me and El-P were in the studio together,” he said. “We may have messed around and started Run the Jewels 5. So we’ll see what happens.”