2. Killer Mike
Album in 2014: Run The Jewels – Run The Jewels 2 ~ Notable Song: Run The Jewels – “Oh My Darling Don’t Cry”
Mike is now firmly cemented as one of my top 5 rappers ever in history. Period. From the moment we heard him commercially, he’s done nothing but grow and get better in and out of the studio. With the worsening social climate that has us, as a people and a culture, looking for the next leader and spokesperson, Mike has stepped up and represented the culture in ways that many others miss. He’s handled interviews with a proficiency reserved for most politicians and an honesty envied by them at the same time. He often leaves the reporters amazed because Hip-Hop isn’t articulate, Hip-Hop isn’t poised, Hip-Hop doesn’t know and obey the law… Hip-Hop isn’t thoughtful or focused…that’s what they want you to believe.
Mike isn’t just talking shit when he says “I feel I have to be politically active and I have to be a credit to my race”. He’s become someone to rally around locally with his Graffiti SWAG barbershop in ATL, his stance and opposition to the prison system and police brutality to name a few causes. When Ferguson erupted, Mike used his stage, literally, to stop, speak out and take a stance and let folks know that we’re tired of being murdered. His passion for his craft, his culture and his people is infectious and important. While we’re innundated with rappers who’d rather talk about fuckin’ bitches and stay away from current events (some choosing to hide behind their pigment when convenient but using that same pigment to cash checks on a culture they hijacked) Mike has loudly declared himself the change he wants to see in the world. It’s truly bigger than Hip-Hop. – Saule Wright