After a decade of rebuilding, rebranding and establishing his presence within HOP music, Killer Mike returned back to the roots of his music with the heavy introspective ‘Michael.’ Since the release of ‘R.A.P. Music’ in 2013 Killer Mike has garnered an audience 180 degrees from the audience he came in with. There is no issue with this but an act like Killer Mike doesn’t seem the type to “forget where he came from.” ‘Michael’ is unapologetically southern in its approach, from the music, to the stories and colloquialism that help the listener understand who is Michael Render. Production is mainly handled by No I.D. with tracks from Cool & Dre, D.J. Paul, longtime Run The Jewels collaborator Little Shalimar and others. Features are plenty but fit the idea and execution of this album that include Ty Dolla $ign, Cee-Lo Green, Mozzy, Future, Currency, El-P, 2 Chainz, a bigfoot on the mic sighting from Andre 3000 and others. Killer Mike showcases his ability to keep audiences interested with his commanding voice and rapping ability while showcasing the dichotomy of his personal life. Tracks like ‘Motherless’, Something For Junkies’ and ‘Shed Tears’ provide the pain and struggle one will hear on this album while ‘Spaceship Views’ and ‘Talk’n That Sh!t!’ allow complete turn up for those complaining in the back. “I add a motherfu..er so you ignant nig..s hear me,” is a Lauryn Hill quote that best describes this album. Killer Mike understands the idea of meeting people where they are and this is why the album works. The music might not sound ideal for the messages one will hear but those tuned into this frequency of music should be able to enjoy the “medicine within the candy.” Killer Mike deserved the accolades and awards for this album as one can tell he put a lot of effort into it. Only those who continue to lose against real music complained when he was recognized for it. What did you think of the album?
Singles include:
‘Run,’ ‘Talk’n That Shit!,’ ‘Don’t Let The Devil,’ ‘Motherless,’ ‘Down By Law,’ & ‘Exit 9’
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