Killer Mike's career has continued to soar over the past decade, marked by numerous accolades and achievements. Recently, one specific day has captured public attention: on February 4th, he clinched all three Grammy awards he was nominated for, including Rap Album Of The Year, for his defining solo album MICHAEL. However, within hours of his triumph at the awards show, Mike was unexpectedly arrested, sparking widespread speculation about the incident and its impact on him.
With the release of his new single "HUMBLE ME", Mike has signaled his readiness to delve into that fateful day.
"I was back in the studio the very next day. I'm as inspired as ever and just following the music now," Mike reveals. Reflecting on his arrest, he remarks, "All my heroes have faced adversity. In that moment, I felt like Daniel in the lion’s den. Emerging from jail in the pouring rain, I found solace with my wife, lit a joint, celebrated briefly, and then woke up to the news about my son's kidney," referencing the subsequent news that a kidney donor was found for his son Pony Boy. "I believe that humility and faith brought me God's grace during that ordeal, and my son receiving his kidney was a divine blessing".
The accompanying music video, which unfolds with artistry and subtlety, portrays Mike being gradually stripped of his symbols of success and then placed in handcuffs. It concludes with a poignant embrace between Mike and Pony Boy, symbolizing their reunion after enduring their respective trials. "The video and its triumphant, love-filled conclusion are a visual testament to that night and to God's glory in writing both mine and Pony's story," Mike affirms. The video made its debut on BET Jams, BET Soul, MTV Live, MTVU, Yo! MTV, and on the Paramount Times Square billboards, and is available for viewing online below.
The release of "HUMBLE ME" coincides with Mike's return to the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles for the BET Awards, where MICHAEL was honored as Album of the Year presented by Donald Glover. In his acceptance speech, Mike shared an inspiring message. The joy of this new accolade is tempered by the recent announcement that the LA City Attorney will not pursue charges against Mike for the February incident. Yet, as "HUMBLE ME" suggests, this tumultuous period has been creatively fruitful for Mike. Fans can look forward to a new body of work this summer, which will serve as an epilogue to the MICHAEL era and address the aftermath of February 4th.
Regarding the upcoming project, Mike reflects, "We deliberated extensively on its definition but ultimately concluded it doesn't matter. This is what I felt like creating after MICHAEL. In another universe, this too could have been MICHAEL, winning a Grammy." Further details about the imminent release are expected soon. Meanwhile, Mike has embarked on the extensive international Down By Law tour, accompanied by his choir The Midnight Revival, full tour dates can be found below.
KILLER MIKE TOUR DATES
July 3 - Montreal, QC - Festival International de Jazz de Montréal
July 5 - Quebec City, QC Festival D'Ete
July 6 - Ottawa, ON - Ottawa Blues Fest
July 7 - Toronto, ON - Danforth Music Hall
July 9 - Halifax, ON - Halifax Jazz Fest
July 12 - Winnipeg, MB - Winnipeg Folk Fest
July 26-28 - Nelsonville, OH - Nelsonville Music Fest
July 27 - Newport, RI - Newport Folk Fest
July 29 - New York, NY - Blue Note
July 30 - New York, NY - Blue Note
July 31 - New York, NY - Blue Note
August 2 - Detroit, MI - The Majestic Theatre
August 3 - Chicago, IL - Lollapalooza
August 5 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
August 7 - Denver, CO - Ogden Theater
August 8 - Salt Lake City, UT - Ogden Amphitheatre
August 9 - San Francisco, CA - Outside Lands Festival
August 10 - Seattle, WA - Thing Festival
August 19 - Amsterdam, NL - Paradiso
August 22 - Dublin, IE - National Stadium
August 23 - Glasgow, UK - O2 Academy Glasgow
August 26 - London, UK - O2 Forum Kentish Town
August 27 - Manchester, UK - Albert Hall
August 29 - Paris, FR - Bataclan
August 30 - Cologne, DE - Arlswerk Victoria
September 29 - St. Louis, MO - Evolution Fest
October 15 - Los Angeles, CA - The Novo
Find Killer Mike tickets:
Stream MICHAEL: