Killer Mike — Photos

By:

April 9, 2018 8:14AM EDT

1 of 10

Killer Mike — PICS

Killer Mike — PICS — Killer Mike is the pride of Atlanta. Born Michael Render, the rapper began his career in Atlanta’s mid-90s hip-hop scene. He connected with the production duo The Beat Bullies, who connected him with Big Boi of OutKast. This resulted in Killer Mike making his major-label debut on “Snappin’ & Trappin’” off of Stanktonia. Killer Mike also appeared on the duo’s 2001 single, “The Whole World,” which won the three of them the Grammy for Best Rap Performance by Duo or Group. Killer Mike released his debut album, Monster, in 2003. In the following decade, he would release a handful of studio albums, including R.A.P. Music. In 2013, he teamed up with El-P, producer of R.A.P. Music, to create Run The Jewels. The rap duo was a cult smash and found commercial success, most notably with their 2020 album, RTJ4. Killer Mike is also an outspoken activist. He voiced his disgust at the apathy of the American public in response to the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Mike also spoke after the killing of George Floyd, delivering a memorable speech that went viral online.

(REX/Shutterstock)

2 of 10

Killer Mike Is About Run The Jewels

Killer Mike Is About Run The Jewels — Killer Mike holds up his hands in the fist-and-gun position. That is the logo/gesture for his rap duo with El-P, Run The Jewels

(REX/Shutterstock)

3 of 10

Killer Mike Is For The Culture

Killer Mike Is For The Culture — Killer Mike is an outspoken activist. He famously endorsed Bernie Sanders for president in 2015 (and supported his run in 202020.

(REX/Shutterstock)

4 of 10

Killer Mike Speaks

Killer Mike Speaks — Killer Mike is an advocate for Black business and Black-owned banks. During an episode of ‘Trigger Warning,’ his Netflix special, Mike attempted to spend his money on only Black-owned enterprises.

(REX/Shutterstock)

5 of 10

Killer Mike In Concert

Killer Mike In Concert — Killer Mike looks out at the crowd. When Selena Gomez handed over her Instagram to activists within the Black community, following the killing of George Floyd, Killer Mike was one of them.

(REX/Shutterstock)

6 of 10

Killer Mike Performs

Killer Mike Performs — Killer Mike is the son of an Atlanta police officer. His grandfather was described as a ‘libertarian,’ while his grandmother believed in the power of the collective.

(REX/Shutterstock)

7 of 10

Killer Mike Throws Out The First Pitch

Killer Mike Throws Out The First Pitch — Killer Mike and El-P threw out the first pitch at a Chicago Cubs game in 2017. Mike’s pitch made it straight down the plate. El-P, not so much.

(REX/Shutterstock)

8 of 10

Killer Mike Salutes

Killer Mike Salutes — Killer Mike and El-P released ‘Meow The Jewels,’ a remix album of ‘Run The Jewels 2’ where all the instrumentals were replaced by the sound of cats. It’s real and it’s…not that bad.

(REX/Shutterstock)

9 of 10

Killer Mike Waves To The Crowd

Killer Mike Waves To The Crowd — Killer Mike dubs himself a ‘compassionate capitalist.’ He owns barber shops, rental properties, and about $2 million in land across Atlanta.

(REX/Shutterstock)

10 of 10

Killer Mike Can’t Be Stopped

Killer Mike Can’t Be Stopped — Killer Mike will always stand up for the Black community. He doesn’t care if a political is conservative or liberal. He wants equality, justice, retribution, compensation, and dignity for his people

(REX/Shutterstock)

Click to Subscribe to Get Our Free HollywoodLife Daily Newsletter to get the hottest celeb news.