KILLER MIKE Vinyl & CDs

Review: Since Atlanta MC Killer Mike collaborated with New York Company Flow legend El-P on his previous 2012 full-length R.A.P. Music, the pair have maintained their newfound chemistry with Run The Jewels, whose global domination has enveloped both artist's time and energy over the past decade. Allowing himself some solo respite, Michael serves as Mr Render's sixth solo album and first outside of the RTJ moniker since their 2013 formation. Boasting a plethora of features from the likes of Young Thug, Andre 3000, Future, and 2 Chainz (among several others), as well as a much more introspective and sobering turn from the typically bragadocious MC, the project draws on elements of gospel, soul and funk, in an earnest attempt to honour "the civil rights movement, and the abolitionist movement, which gave us some of the most beautiful music ever."

Review: For the past decade, Atlanta MC Killer Mike has been occupied with his global takeover of modern hip-hop along with partner in crime El-P, who together form the duo Run The Jewels. What initially spurred their collaborative efforts was Mike's previous solo endeavour R.A.P. Music released in 2012, with El handling production duties, and the pair haven't slowed down since. Michael serves as the sixth solo full-length from Mr. Render and first outside of the RTJ banner since their inception, as well as providing some of his most internalised material to date, while enlisting a myriad of guest features from the likes of Young Thug, Andre 3000, 6lack, Future, 2 Chainz and Ty Dolla Sign, to name but a few. Sonically speaking, the project touches on elements of gospel, soul and funk, with the rapper elaborating on his intention to honour "the civil rights movement, and the abolitionist movement, which gave us some of the most beautiful music ever."

Review: Perfectly straddling the transition from the bling rap era and the conscious rap movement, Killer Mike's 'RAP Music' was raved about when it released in 2012, receiving an 8.6 by Pitchfork and ending up high on countless end-of-year lists from publications. Killer Mike's hardstyle political lyricism, and exclusive star-studded line-up (including the likes of Scar, T.I. and E-IP) made this one of 2012's best releases. A consistent, high-quality flow with a fire pen and even hotter samples makes this one of the most overlooked hip-hop projects when it comes to the conversation of essentials. 'Go!', 'Untitled' and 'Southern Fried' are textual delights, to be expected from 2012 MVP front-runner EI-P. The latter being an ode to southern rap, often overlooked since the departure of Outkast (referenced in the lyrics "Ain't I Fresh, Ain't I Clean?"), even using the now infamous "Break" vocal sample used in Stankonia. Expect high class rapping, backed by soul claps, organ filled boom baps and funky bass. On a green double vinyl featuring those incredible instrumentals, this is the perfect treatment for what may be the most slept on rap project of that decade.