Atlanta’s Killer Mike is a rapper, actor, and outspoken social activist who frequently addresses subjects such as police brutality and systemic racism through his lyrics, speeches, and interviews. Introduced to the world through his association with OutKast, Mike made his solo debut with the Billboard Top Ten-charting Monster in 2003. He formed his own Grind Time Official imprint and released a series of I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind albums and underground mixtapes while building up his résumé as an actor. His 2012 full-length, R.A.P. Music, was a widely acclaimed breakthrough, and its success led to the formation of Run the Jewels with the album’s producer, El-P. Matching politically charged yet wryly humorous lyrics with hard-hitting, experimental production, the duo made a major impact with their raucous live shows and critically praised albums, each of which was more successful than the last, with 2020’s RTJ4 hitting the Top Ten of the Billboard 200. Mike also gained media attention as a vocal supporter of Senator Bernie Sanders during his presidential campaigns in 2016 and 2020. Mike’s first solo material in a decade, the single
Born in Atlanta’s Adamsville neighborhood, Michael Render became interested in hip-hop at an early age, and participated in rap battles, going by the name Killer Mike. After graduating from high school, he briefly attended college, where he connected with CeeLo Green of Goodie Mob, as well as the future members of production group the Beat Bullies, who helped bring Mike to the attention of OutKast’s Big Boi. Mike was featured on the Stankonia album cut
Mike released Ghetto Extraordinary, a mixtape with targets his second album in 2005. In 2008, I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind II appeared the same year, charting in the Billboard 200, unlike the first volume. Mike presented the 2009 Grind Time Official compilation Underground Atlanta, which featured appearances by Gucci Mane, Soulja Boy, B.o.B, and others. Runnera SwimGhite provided
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