What Killer Mike Learned From Outkast, Being Canceled & How He Risked $500k on His Album ‘Michael’
Aug 25, 2023
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Grammy award-winning rapper Killer Mike discusses his career, authenticity in the Atlanta rap scene, and the transformative power of therapy in a live listening party for his latest album. The podcast delves into his roots, resilience, and creative process while exploring the impact of producers on his music and his tough persona 'Super Mike'.
Killer Mike shares insights on perseverance in his music career.
Importance of engaging in local politics for community development.
Therapy as a transformative tool for personal growth and artistic expression.
Deep dives
Finding Identity and Purpose in Music
In this podcast episode, the guest, Michael, discusses his journey as a musician and how he found his unique style. He talks about his early experiences in the music industry, including his rookie season and collaborations with Jay-Z. Michael reflects on the challenges of being in a group and the importance of maintaining a strong bond with his partner, Big Boy. He also opens up about the process of creating his solo album, sharing personal experiences and addressing criticisms from both the left and the right.
Navigating Politics and Staying True to Yourself
Another key point discussed in the podcast is Michael's involvement in politics. He talks about his interactions with various political ideologies and the scrutiny he faced from both conservatives and liberals. Michael emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and being sincere in one's intentions. He highlights the need for pragmatic approaches to political issues, urging individuals to have real conversations and engage in local politics. He also mentions important figures such as Alonzo Herndon and Herman Russell as examples of successful black entrepreneurs who made significant contributions to their communities.
The Power of Local Engagement and Community Building
Lastly, the podcast explores the significance of local engagement and community-building efforts. Michael shares his experiences working on grassroots initiatives and his belief in the power of making a difference on a local level. He encourages individuals to actively participate in community meetings, advocate for their needs, and understand the importance of positions such as city council members, county commissioners, judges, and prosecutors. Michael's message emphasizes the impact that can be made when individuals come together to address the needs of their communities.
The transformative power of therapy and self-reflection
The podcast episode delves into the role of therapy in the artist's life, emphasizing that therapy is a form of art itself. The artist discusses the positive impact therapy has had on him, particularly through the guidance of a black, non-traditional therapist who provided a safe space for him to be honest and unashamed. Therapy has allowed him to confront and release guilt, to accept forgiveness, and to grow as a person. It has also enabled him to deepen his self-awareness and personal transformation, empowering him to be more transparent and empathetic in his music and artistic expression.
The evolution of sound and artistic growth
The episode highlights the artist's journey in exploring and evolving his musical style. He expresses a yearning to push artistic boundaries and challenge conventions. His collaboration with producer ID, and the mentorship he received, played a crucial role in this artistic growth. The artist describes ID pushing him beyond his comfort zone, encouraging him to go deeper and invest more into his craft. Through this process, he discovered a newfound purpose and passion, resulting in a powerful album that reflects his growth and perseverance. He also emphasizes the importance of continuous growth as an artist, drawing inspiration from legendary musicians like Miles Davis and Buddy Guy.
For more stories rooted in the spirit of perseverance, check out Tres Generaciones Tequila: https://www.tresgeneraciones.com/
On June 8, 2023, IDEA GENERATION and Tres Generaciones Tequila hosted a listening party with Grammy award-winning rapper Killer Mike in celebration of his latest album, 'Michael.'
Killer Mike and IDEA GENERATION Founder Noah Callahan-Bever sat down together in Atlanta in front of a live audience to listen to the album, discuss Mike's career, and hear stories about how the legendary rapper constantly persevered throughout his entire career. The room was packed with fans sipping on Tres Generaciones Tequila, and the after party was popping as Mike once again performed records from the album.
Special thanks to our partners at Tres Generaciones for bringing this experience to life. More about Tres: https://www.tresgeneraciones.com/
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