By Jamil Weeks

In a year where rap album sales are down and people are beginning to question the state of the hip hop music genre, Killer Mike proves there is still quality music being made with album-of-the-year-contender, MICHAEL. The album is a thoughtful self-examination of his life translated onto 14 amazing records. Oftentimes, people look at the success of celebrities without a real appreciation for the journey it took to reach such plateaus. The hard work, sacrifice, self-doubt, and obstacles one has to overcome to attain success. On MICHAEL, Killer Mike reflects deeply on his life pouring his soul into each heart-wrenching track. Heavyweight producers like Cool N Dre, No I.D., and DJ Paul provide the soundtrack for Killer Mike’s life journey. MICHAEL is a moving story about Killer Mike battling his two main enemies throughout the course of his life, the devil and himself.

Make no mistake, MICHAEL is Killer Mike’s testimony. Anyone who grew up in the church, especially in the South, can appreciate the sound from MICHAEL. The style of music on this album can best be described as gospel trap hip hop. Most tracks featured on the album are rich with harmonic singing from choirs and soloists, organs, and pianos over trap music-like production that makes you want to tap your feet and clap your hands as if you are in Sunday service. Killer Mike is on his pulpit testifying before the congregation while delivering his fiery sermon on wax. Religion is a consistent theme on Michael as the subject matter centers around temptation from the devil, the power of prayer, and leaning on God during hard times. On songs like “HIGH AND HOLY”, Killer Mike reminds us that despite whatever mistakes we make in life there is always a shot at redemption if you get right with God. “DON’T LET THE DEVIL” is a symbolic song where Killer Mike uses metaphors to urge his audience to resist the devil’s urges to throw you off the path you were destined for in life. Conceptually this is what makes MICHAEL stand out from other formulaic rap albums released this year. The subject matter coupled with this black southern gospel sound serves as the perfect pairing. Killer Mike wrestles with his own sense of morality as he maneuvers through the harsh realities that surround him. There is a real soulful vibe to the music as Killer Mike uses his personal pain to inspire people.

MICHAEL is very introspective as Killer Mike discloses some of his own personal demons he has fought. Rather it be grappling with his own pride on “Shed Tears” or addressing the guilt from a teenage abortion of his first child on “SLUMMER”, the album touches on how we can get in our own way and block our blessings. The album is in part a coming-of-age story where Killer Mike points out how black children, like himself, are groomed for self-destruction. The mistakes you make can lead to devastating path of crime or the penitentiary. Take a song like “NRICH”, where Killer Mike talks about the mentality that young black males develop keeping them mentally in shackles. The activist in Killer Mike further expands on this idea with “TALK’N THAT S***”, an anti-hater anthem, where he addresses our youth’s “hood politics” while encouraging them to embrace the leaders within themselves. The idea of holding ourselves accountable so that you can be the best version of ourselves is a theme that rings throughout the LP.

In part, this album is a celebration of triumphing over the setbacks you face in life. Emotional pain is a concept explored on “MOTHERLESS”, a song about the loss of his mother and grandmother. If you have ever suffered a personal loss, you know how it can be paralyzing from the emptiness you feel. The touching track features Killer Mike talking to his deceased family members explaining to them how far he has come since their passing, as well as exposing his own grief. Despite the defeats suffered in life, having resilience when you feel your back is against the wall is a topic Killer Mike tackles on “TWO DAYS”. With the help of Ty Dolla $ign, Killer Mike expresses how he still aspires to be successful in a world where nobody seems to want you to win. The highlight of the album is “SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS”, featuring the legendary Andre 3000, where both artists rap about wanting to maximize their life experience through deeper intellect. A creative way to engage our youth of not settling for the bare minimum in life. On a deeper level, Killer Mike is also saying what type of mentality you should adopt to truly be successful. The verse from Andre 3000 will leave you scratching your head as to why he will not deliver us an official solo album or reunite with Big Boi for one last Outkast album.

In a time when most mainstream rap is centered around flaunting one’s financial status, MICHAEL is a refreshing departure from that trend. Instead, Killer Mike speaks directly to the average person. The people that are struggling with bills, drug addiction, self-confidence, and people who are generally trying to find their way in this world. MICHAEL is a motivational autobiography from someone who has overcome their trials and tribulations and has gained wisdom from lessons learned to face tomorrow’s battles. A personal album that is relatable for anyone who is going through misfortune or trying to make sense of life. MICHAEL is intimate, emotional, and entertaining, as it should be since Killer Mike is giving you a glimpse into his own voyage through the course of his existence. Congratulations to Killer Mike for getting nominated for Best Rap Album of the Year at the Grammys. MICHAEL is truly an album that people can listen to and gain something from it. Full of jewels, the album is about navigating through life’s ups and downs and ultimately finding your place in this world.