“Ultimately, Dead Prez should have went multi-platinum. But when people didn't rally around them, I knew the black hip-hop audience had become far less politicized.”

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.