Whether you like it or not, Killer Mike has been having one of his most successful years in his storied career. Since the release of MICHAEL and its deluxe last summer, he’s been on one heck of a tear. The solo sophomore album went onto take multiple categories at this year’s GRAMMY Awards, upsetting one fan base in particular along the way. Those incredible achievements didn’t make him complacent, though. He went on to drop Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival, Songs For Sinners And Saints on August 2, a continuation of that rap/gospel mixture. Now, Killer Mike is working with video game giant Activision for a new single called “Detonator”. The record is essentially the theme song for the upcoming Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 which drops on October 25.
Hip-hop and this iconic video game series have been linked together for quite a while. Eminem did a similar thing for Call Of Duty: Ghosts with “Survival” back in 2013. Now, its Killer Mike’s turn and he’s recruiting some close friends to help him. Rapper Rock D The Legend and MC/producer El-P are here to bring this thing to life, and it’s always a blast to see the Run The Jewels reconnect. It’s been quite a bit since we’ve gotten a new project from the duo. If you remember, 2020 was the year when they put out the fourth RTJ tape. El-P did contribute to MICHAEL, but hearing Mike over his good buddy’s production is always a treat. “Detonator” comes with a music video, which you can view below, and the song is also out now on DSPs.
Music’s biggest night is here. The 2024 Grammys are proving to be a night to remember. So far, the ceremony has been filled with stunning performances and long-deserved wins. One of the lucky musicians taking home a coveted gramophone is Killer Mike.
But he isn’t taking home just one trophy. Killer Mike will be going home with three in total. That’s one for every category he was nominated for, including Best Rap Album for Michael, Best Rap Song for “Scientists & Engineers,” and Best Rap Performance (again for “Scientists & Engineers”).
During his final acceptance speech, Killer Mike didn’t play modestly. Instead, he leaned into the significant accomplishment, bragging about the feat. “That’s a sweep,” screened Killer Mike after taking the stage for the last time. The line was echoed by Silk Sonic at the 2022 ceremony.
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod (@big_business_) February 4, 2024
Killer Mike’s last win at the Grammys was over 20 years ago. During the 45th annual ceremony, Killer Mike took his first Grammy in 2003 for Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group (“The Whole World”).
Killer Mike’s Michael was one of this year’s most nominated rap projects. Others nominated in the rap category included Drake, Doja, and Lil Durk.
Rapper Killer Mike has an impressive level of wealth and net worth. This isn’t surprising, given the rapper’s talent, passion, and dedication to his craft. Born Michael Santiago Render, he’s not only a Grammy award-winning rapper but also a successful entrepreneur and activist.
As of 2024, Killer Mike’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, as reported by Celebrity Net Worth.
Factors Contributing To Killer Mike’s Net Worth
Photo by Hutton Supancic/Getty Images for SXSW)
Killer Mike’s journey to wealth wasn’t a straight line, but the result of years of hard work and perseverance. He gained recognition through his early work with OutKast and his impressive solo career. But his role as one-half of the critically acclaimed duo, Run the Jewels, has solidified his place in the music industry.
Additionally, Killer Mike’s net worth has been boosted by his involvement in various business ventures. These include his barbershop chain, SWAG Shop (Shave, Wash, and Groom), and Greenwood, a digital banking platform designed to serve Black and Latinx communities.
How Killer Mike’s Music Career Impacted His Net Worth
(Photo by Rick Kern/FilmMagic)
Killer Mike’s music has always been a significant part of his life, and it’s reflected in his net worth. His breakthrough came when he featured on OutKast’s Grammy-winning song, “The Whole World,” in 2001. His solo albums, like R.A.P Music, and his collaboration with El-P as Run the Jewels, have further increased his popularity and wealth.
Killer Mike’s Business Ventures
(Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)
Beyond his music, Mike’s entrepreneurial spirit contributes to his impressive net worth. His barbershop, SWAG Shop, provides high-quality grooming services, and has become a community hub in Atlanta. Greenwood, his digital banking platform, focuses on providing financial services to underserved communities, reflecting Mike’s commitment to social justice.
Killer Mike’s Activism
(Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
While his activism doesn’t directly contribute to Mike’s net worth, it does enhance his overall public image, indirectly influencing his income. Mike is a well-known social and political activist, advocating for issues such as racial equality, police reform, and economic justice.
The rapper’s net worth of $5 million in 2024 is a testament to his talent, business acumen, and dedication to his community. As he continues to make music and drive his business ventures forward, there’s every reason to expect his net worth to grow in the coming years.
Conclusion/TLDR
In conclusion, Killer Mike’s net worth is a reflection of his multifaceted career. He’s more than just a rapper; he’s an entrepreneur, an activist, and a leader in his community. His story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about financial wealth, but also about making a positive impact in the world.
Zack De La Rocha of Rage Against The Machine returned to the stage for the first time in over a year last week, joining Run The Jewels to perform their 2014 collaboration “Close Your Eyes And Count To F*ck” during RTJ’s show at the Palladium in Hollywood on Thursday. You can check out the video below:
Although he finished the first handful of shows seated, it was clear that he needed to rest and rehabilitate his leg, which would be extremely difficult with the grueling schedule of a summer tour. From the video above, it does look like he’s recovered enough to stand alongside El-P and Killer Mike, and could likely perform a few full shows provided he doesn’t move around too much, but Rage fans would certainly be expecting a different level of activity. Even Tom Morello admitted he didn’t know if Rage would ever be able to tour again; even with De La Rocha fully recovered, the band’s health concerns include bassist Tim Commerford’s recent cancer diagnosis.
Fingers crossed, though. If ever there was a time we all needed some Rage Against The Machine, it’s certainly now.
The last decade has been busy for Killer Mike. From headlining festivals to campaigning for political and social change, the Atlanta rapper is a tireless man of industry. Of course, not every moment of this period has been sunny. In 2017 Killer Mike lost his mother, Denise, who was a huge influence on him in every aspect of his life. On his sixth studio album, Michael, Killer Mike reflects on the highs and lows of his life in what is his most personal album to date.
It’s been eleven years since Killer Mike has graced listeners with a solo project. Musically speaking, the last decade for Mike has been heavily focused on Run the Jewels with rapper/producer El-P. While some of the tracks feature the fierce lyrical cadence Killer Mike wields in RTJ, the majority of Michael is a sonic departure. Michael plays like a personal journal. It’s a mishmash of self-reflection, trash-talking, and social commentary.
With its raw lyrical content and gospel production, Michael is something of a hood sermon that exemplifies Killer Mike’s best musical instincts. However, it also features some of his less-than-stellar tendencies. At times, Michael feels unfocused. Some of the tracks tend to wander away on idiosyncratic sonic detours that might leave some listeners feeling stranded. While these moments are few and far between, they are speedbumps for what is overall a smooth and satisfying ride.
In the opening track, “Down by Law” Killer Mike drops his thesis for the entire album. The track reflects on the current state of being a Black man in the United States. It’s a sobering look at how minuscule change only shifts social perspective, but never addresses systemic issues. Mike has never been one to mince words or stand on ceremony. He’s a raw nerve that scraps any notion of rap ephemera. There are songs on this album that will certainly endure.
The lyrics Mike spits hold a universal truth. They come from personal experience and never shy away from the dark subject matter. This might be the most prevalent on the track “Something For Junkies.” The song humanizes those who struggle with substance abuse disorder while warning the hazards of habitual drug use. Mike’s pragmatic view on the subject comes from his own history with family members falling down the holes of addiction.
The following track, “Motherless” delves into Mike’s loss of maternal figures in his life. The song is the second blow of a one-two emotional punch in the back half of Michael. Lyrically speaking, “Something for Junkies” and “Motherless” are the strongest tracks on the album.
Legendary producer No I.D. handles the lion’s share of crafting the sonic landscape on Michael. Each track is gorgeously crafted in layers of gospel, soul, funk, and classic speaker-busting hip-hop. Tracks like “Two Days” play like musical gumbo, shifting sonically mid-track from a guitar-driven, high hat-riding beat to a full-blown gospel symphony. While some of these sudden shifts might be jarring to some listeners, they mostly provide a sonic variety that flows naturally throughout Michael’s 14 tracks.
In fact, most of the speedbumps Michael are its in-track interstitials. Some songs, even great ones, contain opening monologues or closing sonic explorations that don’t always make for a cohesive listening experience. At best, they act as unique transitions. At worst, they offer sonic dissonance that will have some hitting the “next song” button.
Regardless of some of its themes of isolation and loneliness, Killer Mike is anything but on Michael. He has a cavalcade of high-profile guests populating the tracks, including Future, Young Thug, and CeeLo Green. Some of the more notable guest spots come from longtime collaborators.
The track “Scientists & Engineers” features a rare appearance from the elusive rapper/multi-instrumentalist Outkast member, Andre 3000. Over twenty years ago, Killer Mike made his debut on Outkast’s Stankonia. Now, Andre showing up on Michael feels like a homecoming of sorts, a celebration of two kids from Atlanta continuously making great music. The other half Run the Jewels, El-P also makes an appearance on the track “Don’t Let the Devil.” With its soulful hook and boom-bap beat, it’s something of a departure from RTJ’s output, but it feels right at home on Michael.
Overall, Michael is a standout release in Killer Mike’s already impressive oeuvre. While the album can sometimes feel a bit bloated, its high points overshadow its gluttonous tendencies. Michael is an album about growth and living a storied life. Its lyrics are raw, honest, and often beautiful. Killer Mike continues to be a force of change and enlightenment in hip-hop, and Michael is a soulful example as to why that is.
Killer Mike is best known for his music. For the past ten years, he has seen significant success alongside El-P as Run The Jewels. This year, Killer Mike is releasing his new album, Michael, his first solo project in over a decade. We recently looked back at his last solo album, R.A.P. Music, for its 11th anniversary. Though his success can be attributed to his skills as a rapper, Killer Mike has expanded his repertoire. He has ventured outside of music into other businesses.
The Atlanta rapper often emphasizes the importance of Black ownership in his various business ventures. He has appeared as himself in a number of movies and TV shows such as ATL, Baby Driver, and Ozark. Killer Mike also has his own docuseries on Netflix called Trigger Warning with Killer Mike. On the show, he investigates social issues within Black communities.
Killer Mike & Politics
Aside from music and other forms of entertainment, Killer Mike is also very politically active and outspoken, fighting for causes he believes in. He has spoken out against issues of racism and police brutality. Additionally, he has given lectures at various universities, bringing a course on race and hip hop to Morehouse College. Killer Mike also campaigned for Bernie Sanders during the 2016 Presidential election, endorsing various other political figures in their elections. Most recently, Killer Mike endorsed Raphael Warnock for Senator in the 2022 election in Georgia.
Killer Mike’s politics and beliefs appear in his lyrics on his solo albums and, most notably, in the Run The Jewels albums. The RTJ4 album in 2020 was a direct response to protests following the death of George Floyd. He was also vocal about the proposed bill to use rap lyrics as evidence in court, teaming up with JAY-Z and many other rappers to block the bill from being passed. Killer Mike’s success as a rapper has allowed him to explore other businesses and help give back to the community that raised him.
Killer Mike’s Businesses
Outside of his rap career, Killer Mike has given back to his hometown of Atlanta, starting various businesses and emphasizing the importance of Black ownership and economic empowerment. He also stresses the importance of Black and generational wealth in addition to his activism and social justice work. Here are Killer Mike’s business ventures outside of music.
SWAG Barber Shop
In 2011, Killer Mike and his wife Shana opened a barbershop called the “SWAG” shop, an acronym for “Shave, Wash, and Groom.” In a short documentary, Killer Mike told Noisey that aside from being a rapper, his dream was owning a barbershop. The SWAG Shop has done so well that Killer Mike and his wife expanded their barbershop business into multiple locations in Atlanta. They have shops in Edgewood, Southside, and a barber shop inside the State Farm Arena where the Atlanta Hawks play. At one point, the SWAG Shop was planned to expand into cities outside of Georgia, including Tampa and New Orleans. Aside from cutting hair, Killer Mike’s barber shops have become places for social gatherings for Atlanta residents.
Greenwood Bank
In 2020, Killer Mike’s next business venture was Greenwood Bank, an online bank. The bank’s goals are geared towards “Black and Latinx communities and anyone else who wants to support Black-owned businesses.” The digital banking system helps people who have been denied the opportunity to build credit to do so, and it has its own set of benefits. Preceding Greenwood Bank, Killer Mike partnered with Black-owned bank Citizen’s Trust in 2016 and encouraged people to join.
Alongside Ryan Glover and Andrew Young, Killer Mike launched Greenwood Bank and received a high demand from people on the waiting list who wanted to use its services. Following the George Floyd protests, Greenwood Bank grew in popularity. The bank is named after the Greenwood Neighborhood in Tulsa, known as “Black Wall Street” before it was destroyed in 1921. Greenwood Bank has seen much success since its initial launch.
Bankhead Seafood
Bankhead Seafood was once a staple restaurant in Atlanta and operated for 50 years before closing its doors in 2018. Alongside fellow Atlanta rapper T.I., Killer Mike’s latest business venture plans to bring back Bankhead Seafood. This time, the restaurant will run on a larger scale. They plan to stick to the restaurant’s original foundations of being a staple for Atlanta residents. Parking will be expanded, as will the size of the actual restaurant. The place will grow in seating capacity and will be a two-story establishment. The food and location will remain the same, but prices will increase. Still, the neighborhood seems to favor the restaurant’s reopening. Bankhead Seafood has yet to reopen as its building has been delayed numerous times but is currently set to open later this year.
Rapper Killer Mike has an impressive level of wealth and net worth. This isn’t surprising, given the rapper’s talent, passion, and dedication to his craft. Born Michael Santiago Render, he’s not only a Grammy award-winning rapper but also a successful entrepreneur and activist.
As of 2023, Killer Mike’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, as reported by Celebrity Net Worth.
Factors Contributing To Killer Mike’s Net Worth
Photo by Hutton Supancic/Getty Images for SXSW)
Killer Mike’s journey to wealth wasn’t a straight line, but the result of years of hard work and perseverance. He gained recognition through his early work with OutKast and his impressive solo career. But his role as one-half of the critically acclaimed duo, Run the Jewels, has solidified his place in the music industry.
Additionally, Killer Mike’s net worth has been boosted by his involvement in various business ventures. These include his barbershop chain, SWAG Shop (Shave, Wash, and Groom), and Greenwood, a digital banking platform designed to serve Black and Latinx communities.
How Killer Mike’s Music Career Impacted His Net Worth
(Photo by Rick Kern/FilmMagic)
Killer Mike’s music has always been a significant part of his life, and it’s reflected in his net worth. His breakthrough came when he featured on OutKast’s Grammy-winning song, “The Whole World,” in 2001. His solo albums, like R.A.P Music, and his collaboration with El-P as Run the Jewels, have further increased his popularity and wealth.
Killer Mike’s Business Ventures
(Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)
Beyond his music, Mike’s entrepreneurial spirit contributes to his impressive net worth. His barbershop, SWAG Shop, provides high-quality grooming services, and has become a community hub in Atlanta. Greenwood, his digital banking platform, focuses on providing financial services to underserved communities, reflecting Mike’s commitment to social justice.
Killer Mike’s Activism
(Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
While his activism doesn’t directly contribute to Mike’s net worth, it does enhance his overall public image, indirectly influencing his income. Mike is a well-known social and political activist, advocating for issues such as racial equality, police reform, and economic justice.
The rapper’s net worth of $5 million in 2023 is a testament to his talent, business acumen, and dedication to his community. As he continues to make music and drive his business ventures forward, there’s every reason to expect his net worth to grow in the coming years.
Conclusion/TLDR
In conclusion, Killer Mike’s net worth is a reflection of his multifaceted career. He’s more than just a rapper; he’s an entrepreneur, an activist, and a leader in his community. His story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about financial wealth, but also about making a positive impact in the world.
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”
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