Killer Mike is a respected member of the music duo Run The Jewels. However, he has recently been focused on his solo career. His highly anticipated solo album, titled MICHAEL, has finally been released. At the start of the project, Killer Mike's collaborator Cuz Lightyear took on the official role of A&R. For his role, he received a salary, which is a common practice in the music industry. However, what sets this situation apart is that Mike personally funded Cuz Lightyear's salary out of his own pocket.
As the project progressed, Killer Mike brought No ID on board to elevate the project from a mixtape to a full-fledged album. By this point, Mike had already invested more than $250,000 of his own money. As the album continued to develop, the total cost escalated to over $500,000. Typically, such a substantial financial commitment would pose challenges with a record label. However, at that time, Killer Mike was not signed to any label. Eventually, Mike secured a deal with Loma Vista Records. Fortunately, the advance payment from this deal reimbursed Mike for the money he had personally invested in making the album, alleviating the financial burden he had carried.
Killer Mike Stays "High And Holy"
On the latest single from MICHAEL, Killer Mike enlisted the talents of Atlanta legends. "Scientists & Engineers" features contributions from Andre 3000, Future, and Eryn Allen Kane. This track served as the fifth single off of Mike's new album. Like the previous singles, it continued the theme of gospel-inspired hip-hop. That sound is prevalent throughout the entire album. However, that's exactly what makes it feel so powerful. There is so much soul and heart in every track.
It is next to impossible to pick standout tracks from the album. It is no exaggeration to say there are no skippable tracks. However, some of the tracks, like "High & Holy," have some standout lyrics. "Men have died for dollars / Men have killed for pennies," Mike raps on the track. "But too few have made a difference so they life is finished." What do you think of MICHAEL? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
Tracklist:
- DOWN BY LAW (Feat. CeeLo Green)
- SHED TEARS (Feat. Mozzy)
- RUN (Feat. Young Thug)
- NRICH (Feat. 6LACK, Eryn Allen Kane)
- TALK'N THAT SHIT!
- SLUMMER (Feat. Jagged Edge)
- SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS (Feat. Andre 3000, Future, Eryn Allen Kane)
- TWO DAYS (Feat. Ty Dolla $ign)
- SPACESHIP VIEWS (Feat. Curren$y, 2 Chainz, Kaash Paige)
- EXIT 9 (Feat. Blxst)
- SOMETHING FOR JUNKIES (Feat. Fabo)
- MOTHERLESS (Feat. Eryn Allen Kane)
- DON'T LET THE DEVIL (Feat. El-P, thankugoodsir)
- HIGH & HOLY (Feat. Ty Dolla $ign)