It’s amazing how you can call yourself “KILLER” nationally and not have FBI agents come after you. I’m not talking about your boy that rocks the color pink as a fashion statement. I’m speaking of that serial mic destroyer and rap artist Killer Mike.
“I got the name Killer Mike by battling seven dudes and at the end, everyone was like this guy’s a killer,” said Killer Mike.
You may remember Killer Mike on the last verse of the “Whole World” track from the outrageous rap duo Outkast. In fact, he was actually discovered by Big Boi’s brother. Georgia born hip-hop artist Killer Mike is trying to crush all competition with his title track and debut album, “Monster.”
“Akshon,” “Re-akshon Remix” and “A.D.I.D.A.S.” are some of the songs receiving constant airplay and music video rotation. You can also find him lending his lyrical skills to Bonecrusher’s latest single, “Never Scared.”
Killer Mike describes the title “Monster” as feelings of hurt, anger and passion that you go through in life.
For those of you wondering why “New, New” is shouted on the majority of his songs, it’s simple.
“New, new means the newest of the new, not refurbished or something innovated, like the all red Jordans when they first dropped,” said Killer Mike.
Killer Mike also stressed that he wanted to make this album affordable so that his fans can grasp his music.
“I want my fans to appreciate the music so that’s why I dropped the price,” said Killer Mike. “You can buy my album for $6.99 at Target and $5.99 at Best Buy.”
Killer Mike grew up in a metro part of Atlanta called Adamsville. His favorite down-home dishes are cornish hens, collard greens, oxtails and rice. But food isn’t the only thing being served in the heart of Georgia. He learned at an early age about some of the harsh realities of the streets.
“I knew what crack was in ’84,” said Killer Mike. “In ’86, ’87 and ’88, my boys were selling 25s, going to Jellybeans skating ring fighting and then running errands for pimps.”
On his latest track “A.D.I.D.A.S.,” Killer Mike spits the controversial verse, “Plus, we don’t need no DNA mixin’ between us. We just need to keep this thing friendly and hush hush, on the down low, like R. Kelly and youngsters, but over eighteen only cause baby I’m no perv.”
When asked about the verse during a phone interview, Killer Mike didn’t hesitate to answer.
“I have five sisters, an aunt and a little girl. On my block if you messed with a little girl you get looked at funny and handled,” he said.
He also spoke highly of his grandfather, who seemed to be quite the playa instructor for Killer Mike growing up.
“My grandfather used to say old phrases all the time,” said Killer Mike. “He was a slick old school G and a player back in the day.”
The Columbia records recording artist is no stranger to finding true friendships in the music business. Killer Mike hung out with many of the Dirty South artists in Buckhead and other areas in Atlanta.
“It was nice seeing people like Bonecrusher and T.I.P. representing the best guys from these neighborhoods. Bonecrusher provided the scene for us and it’s good knowing you got a friend from the block,” said Killer Mike. “I’m going to make money and it’s either do it or die. You have to keep up a piece of your humanity to become a bigger star.”
Killer Mike is just one of many new rap artists who hopes to delight his audience with his lyrics and send his messages loud and clear.