“I've been in the newspapers since I was about 15 - not for rapping, but for real substantive stuff I was doing in the community, organizing around gang violence in the schools. So I had already made my grandma proud before I was on TV. I've always been who I am.”

American rapper, singer, actor, and activist

Killer Mike, born Michael Santiago Render, is an American rapper, singer, actor, and activist. He emerged in the early 2000s and first appeared on Outkast's Stankonia in 2000, later building a solo career that has spanned more than two decades. He is known for critical attention to albums such as Monster, I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind, Pledge, R.A.P. Music, and Michael. His work has earned continued acclaim, and Michael won three awards at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Album.