Submitted by Mike Williams — Managing Editor
Southern Rap veteran Killer Mike comes to the Triangle Saturday on the bill with Immortal Technique at Cat's Cradle. The Grammy-winning rapper spoke with us by phone Thursday morning about a number of things, most notably the idea unity. But Killer Mike isn't just talking about unity in the music industry. He thinks we need unity in the United States. He has a desire to bring people together, and in his "second" music career he hopes to do just that. Peep our seven questions with Killer Mike.
Q: First off, glad to have you back in the Triangle. When was the last time you were in the area?
A: I was at Cat's Cradle in April. It was me, Pac Div, Dee 1 and Young Dro. NC always gives me a lot of love and I appreciate it. Shout out to Nolimit Larry!
Q: Many fans remember you from "Kryptonite," which is from the Purple Ribbon All-Stars album and the feature you did on Bone Crusher's "Never Scared" with T.I. And of course "A.D.I.D.A.S." from your 2003 debut album Monster and the Grammy-winning Outkast track "The Whole World." Musically, where do you think you are now, compared to where you were when those records came out?
A: Those records were amazing. The whole Atlanta movement was amazing. [But] I came into myself after I left the majors and did my underground records like I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind (1 & 2), Pl3dge and the compilation albums. Post '06 to now defines me. I've been called the most truthful emcee since Pimp C and Atlanta's Scarface. My music is in your face and not comfortable for the status quo. And that's what Hip-Hop is and should be. I have younger fans that don't remember the Grammy records. They were too young. They know "Ric Flair" and "That's Life." I've had two careers; [one] with the majors and one that's underground, straight up rap.
Q: One of your most recent videos, for the song "Burn," has gotten a lot of heat because of some of the messages and imagery. BET even banned the video. What do you want people to take away from the track when they hear it?
A: Don't know about catching any heat, but I got the cold shoulder (laughing). The message is to take care of the people or they will revolt. Message is to unite and not stay divided. If you're white and losing your home, you should be on the same side with the black man who can't get a job. The Tea Party is the same as the Occupy movement. [What they have in common is] the government is abusing them and they want change. What's keeping them apart are these false social classes. [They] need to put the differences aside and unite.
Q: What's your label situation? Is the whole Dungeon Family movement still going strong?
A: Dungeon fam for life. I left the majors in 2006 and started Grind Time Official. I own my label, partnering with Grand Hustle and Williams Street.
Q: The North Carolina Hip-Hop scene is bubbling right now. J. Cole, Phonte, 9th Wonder, Kaze, etc. You were a part of the ATL scene when every song on the radio was an artist from Atlanta a few years ago. What was it like to be a part of such a strong movement and what advice do you have for the artists in NC?
A: Together, you can do more than you can than apart. What always pushed ATL was ability to collaborate. TIP [T.I.] gets out of jail and jumps on records. He's comparable to Jay-Z and Kanye, and he's doing that. Atlanta is grass-rooted. Our big stars work with smaller artists. I would encourage NC to do the same. It's not just for NC; you're Southerners. Rep your city united and everyone else [in the South] will rep you.
Q: You get asked this a lot, I'm sure, but where is Andre 3000? We get a few bars here and there, like on the Beyonce´ track "Party," but when is he coming back?
A: He's in the studio making records. Hopefully we'll get an Outkast album soon. And he's working on his album. He's making music. Me, Big Boi and Pill from MMG also have a joint album coming.
Q: What's next for you?
A: Two albums next year. Elegant Elephant and the real big deal is R.A.P. (Rebellious African People) Music. You never heard anything like it. You haven't heard anything close to it since N.W.A. No understatement.
