Making his debut on OutKast’s fourth album, Stankonia, was Killer Mike with his boisterous rhymes, which led the group to gain their second Grammy with his verse in 2001’s “The Whole World.” From there the rapper expanded his discography with his 2003 solo debut, Monster. He continued to develop his soul-rap style with the production duo Smiff & Cash. His hard work has made him a cross-generational Atlanta rap legend who contributed to several of the city’s games.
His recent work is a testament to that including his 2023 album, MICHAEL, where he celebrates his success and how far he has come since childhood. He often includes his religion in his music, showcasing ways his faith and career have been more of a helping hand toward a better life. The production of slow and steady trap beats mixed with gospel choirs displays its influence on him and is heard in MICHAEL. This influence is also heard on his newest album, Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival, Songs For Sinners And Saints.
The production of the album is filled with vocals from a choir, keyboard and organ melodies with a few songs that boom and rattle. Most songs have a calm tonality, including “Had To Go Get It” with Troy Durden, “Exit 9 (Scenic Route)” with Offset and Blxst and “Slummer 4 Junkies.”
To add on, Pitchfork album review of Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival, Songs For Sinners And Saints further addresses the topics Killer Mike covers throughout the album including his Grammy night where he won three awards and was arrested because of an altercation with a security guard. The article shares track three of the album, “Humble Me,” describes what occurred that night and uses the biblical story of Daniel in the lion’s den to rap about the arrest while also sharing he’s proud to have the same experience as his heroes , “Cause all of my heroes wore handcuffs, the FBI shot some of them and they died / Betty and Coretta cried, Jaquelyn went into hidin’ / I was sitting there in a room full of cops like Daniel was sitting with the lions.” As the lyrics continue, he paints a scene where he sits quietly and prays to calm his mind for the rest of the night. The song portrays someone who has been touched by the divine and feels newly attuned to their power after being arrested.
Mike continues the conversation about how his faith has guided and supported him on “Lord Prepare Me (featuring Jane Handcock, Adonica Nunn, and Bell Gang Kushington).” The song begins with a choir singing, “Lord prepare me” which continues to serenade the listener as the song continues. The gospel-inspired song includes organs playing in the background as Mike tells the story of his faith, how the Lord has prepared him and guided him to where he is, “Shoulda been dead or in jail, but look at me standin’ here praisin’ the Lord / You’re my strength, gimme my faith, Lord I need you.” As the song concludes, Jane Hancock shares her story, emphasizing how her faith has positively influenced her life. The song showcases the shared experiences Killer Mike has encountered regarding his faith.
Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival, Songs For Sinners And Saints told an amazing story, displaying his personal experiences alongside his walk with faith. The album’s production allowed the stories to be told so the listeners could grasp the gospel-inspired beat mixed with trap beats creating Killer Mike’s soul rap style.
Leave a Comment