Killer Mike

Killer Mike is Michael Render, an Atlanta based firebrand hip-hop artist known for his hard-hitting style, sermon-like delivery, and political activism. He is probably best known as one half of the duo Run The Jewels, which started as a side project with producer El-P but became a big hit right out of the gate, so Render ended up putting his solo work and his follow up to 2012's highly acclaimed release, R.A.P. Music on hold for about 11 years. His music often has a visceral rock edge with a punch, mixed in with a level of funkiness that was also part of his work with RTL. The intensity of his delivery and his bravado may be reminiscent of the classic Ice Cube sound. His 2023 album, Michael, which was perhaps his most personal album to date, opens his sound to soul-based themes, gospel elements, and trap beats.