Killer Mike released R.A.P Music on May, 15 2012 to widespread critical acclaim, but is sixth studio album only sold 5,300 copies in its first week. Killer Mike is deeply embedded into contemporary rap culture, and he has worked with and is respected by a variety of famous artists.

Killer Mike is often over-looked for two reasons: he has generally rejected the rap industry and major labels because he wants to keep his subject matter (which happens to be the second reason behind his lack of mainstream success. Mike is politically active and outspoken, and while he occasionally slips into conspiracy theory talk in interviews; however his music is undoubtedly powerful.

His song “Reagan” compiles all of his hatred for our the way our government is run through the controversial yet revered President. Killer Mike has pointed criticisms of the Reagan Administration, current politicians, and rappers at large.

What makes his work so powerful unfortunately might be what makes him less commercially successful and widespread. He is so controversial and brazen that his music could be unpalatable to many people. However, this bravado is what makes Killer Mike the man he is.

This disregard for selling records can be seen in the lyric “I’m glad Reagan dead”. This blunt statement leaves the listener simultaneously jarred and wanting more. He even take his sheer hatred further in an interview saying, “I threw a barbecue when Reagan died.”

Killer Mike is delightfully thought-provoking and he mixes it with his political musings with his love of strip club, Atlanta life and his wife and kids. Although they many seem contradictory, one can see in an interview with Killer Mike that he is not a character.

As our society becomes increasingly concerned with political correctness artists are trading in controversial statements for the opportunity to make money. Examples of this trend are Macklemore and Kendrick Lamar. Macklemore certainly has political messages, but they’re safe ones. Kendrick Lamar released his masterpiece good kid, m.A.A.d. city with relatively toned down and more subtle undertones than his previous release Section.80.



Killer Mike still has ambitions to make his music more widespread, and he is even discussing signing to a label. The trajectory and success of Killer Mike’s music will be something to pay attention to. Contemporary political rap needs a shot in the arm, and it might just get it from Killer Mike.