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