- It has been over a decade since Killer Mike’s last solo record R.A.P. Music, and in that time the Atlanta rapper has become one of the most prolific rappers in his lane as part of the duo Run the Jewels (with El-P). Trading the sound of El-P’s more aggressive, electronic breakdowns for gospel and soul choirs, Mike’s latest, sorta self-titled record Michael sees the rapper reflect on his career, life, the politics and people who made him the man he is today.

Down By Law is an immediate example of the album’s gospel influences, beginning with the church synths, backed by the wails of guest singer CeeLo Green. Mike’s delivery is immediately aggressive as he brings out a punchy flow that runs counter to the musical tip, proclaiming his community’s abandonment of religion as well as his hope for a better future of self-empowerment and the freedom of African Americans. The synths and horns of DJ Moon’s beat plays a nice back and forth with the hard-hitting drums that emphasize Mike’s  performance in what is a very solid intro.

Lead single Run is unfortunately lacking, however, with an apathetic performance from Mike as he uses a metaphor of ‘running’ to characterise how African Americans are making a better future for themselves and their families. Mike’s rhymes lack punch and are incredibly simplistic as is No I.D.’s production of horns backed by a slightly funky bassline. Even more disappointing is the guest-verse from Young Thug who, with all his recent legal troubles, could have delivered a solid, on-topic verse but instead chooses his regular wave of flexing about his clothes and women.

Slummer is an interesting look into Mike’s past as he explores his previous relationships with women and the connection between abortion and escaping lower-socio-economic situations. The three verses provided by Mike are easily some of his best on the record as well as his most introspective, with details of a teenage relationship that lead to the abortion of a daughter and further regret felt by both parents. R’n’B group Jagged Edge do the backing with a more sombre choir performance, low-key pianos and claps.

Scientist & Engineers sees the return of classic Dungeon Family collaborators as Mike enlists the help of Future, Eryn Allen Kane and the ever-elusive Andre 3000. All three rappers put in a great effort, including Future who should feel out of place but somehow succeeds, with each rapper being backed by a different section of the production to match the energy of their verse. I’m particularly a fan of Mike’s verse in which his quick-paced flow is backed by subtle yet fast and futuristic synths.

I’m used to hip-hop’s attitude of either degrading drug addicts or seeing those affected as cash-cows, however in Something for the Junkies  Mike takes the opportunity to paint those in his community affected by drugs with sympathy and humanity. With drug addicts in his own family, including his aunty, the track is both personal and affecting. There should be more discussions on addiction like this, it’s the kind of communication that could have a serious effect in helping stomp out addiction, especially in poorer areas.

Motherless is devastating as Mike details coming to terms with the loss of both his mother and grandma and how their absence makes him feel, well, motherless. Backed once again by Eryn Allen Kane’s wailing vocals, Mike’s performance is heart-rending, imparting his feelings of directionlessness, even while he’s trying to keep it together for both his wife and his children. It is performances like this that feel really appropriate on a self-titled record, as Mike continues to dive into his own life and allow his audience to see the man behind the persona.

As someone who has grown tired of the Run the Jewels formula since the third record, it is nice to see Killer Mike back with a new direction that suits his style of rapping and allows for introspective performances. Mike’s political stances are uncompromising and sometimes his views are not my views, but his commitment to being himself rather than a persona on Michael allows for a solid hour of gospel rap and thought-provoking work from the Atlanta rapper.

- James Chadwick.