KILLER MIKE

Michael Santiago Render, born April 20, 1975, is an American rapper, singer, actor, and activist. He made his recording debut on Outkast's fourth album Stankonia in 2000 and appeared on the Grammy Award-winning single "The Whole World" from their 2001 album Big Boi and Dre Present... Outkast. He signed with Big Boi's Purple Ribbon Records and Columbia Records to release his debut studio album Monster in 2003, which peaked at number ten on the Billboard 200. After parting with the label, he released two albums, I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind (2006) and I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind II (2008). He later signed with T.I.'s Grand Hustle to release Pledge in 2011 and with Williams Street for R.A.P. Music in 2012. His sixth album, Michael, released in 2023, received critical acclaim and won three Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Album. Following R.A.P. Music, produced entirely by El-P, he and El-P formed the duo Run the Jewels in 2013.