Story highlights Rapper Killer Mike urges supporters to make sure everyone has "felt the bern"

Photos of Sanders eating and posing with Killer Mike go viral, inspire fan art

(CNN) Bernie Sanders' rally in Atlanta got off to a flying start Monday when hometown rapper Killer Mike took the stage to offer a passionate welcome to the Vermont senator.

"I'm talking about a revolutionary," the hip hop star and activist told supporters. "In my heart of hearts, I truly believe that Sen. Bernie Sanders is the right man to lead this country."

Killer Mike, who headlines "Run the Jewels" along with rapper and producer El-P, has backed Sanders for months, first offering the candidate his blessing in late June.

"Make sure that wherever you go, you take the name, the ideas, the philosophies and the ideology of Bernie Sanders and you make sure when you leave they are on fire, because they have 'felt the bern,'" he said on Monday, channeling the campaign catchphrase.

Then, quoting from his own song "Untitled," Killer Mike, whose given name is Michael Render, delivered a rousing introduction.