Atlanta rapper Killer Mike has released a new song, ‘Humble Me’, which addresses his recent arrest at the 2024 Grammys. In the accompanying black-and-white music video, the Atlanta rapper raps to the camera while he is gradually stripped of his jewellery and handcuffed by police. The rapper won the Album of the Year award at the recent BET Awards for his sixth album, Michael.
Through the lyrics of his latest release, Killer Mike draws connections between his recent arrest and the experiences of civil rights activists. He compares his situation to the Bible story of Daniel in the lions’ den. Reflecting on his arrest, he raps: “I won at the Grammys for spitting my grammar / Did that for Atlanta, bruh / swept up like a janitor / Got sent to the slammer / Treat me like an animal or some kind of Hannibal / Vicious and cannibal.”
Mike also recounted his arrest in his acceptance speech at the BET Awards, claiming that he wasn’t technically supposed to be there. He expressed gratitude for being both present and victorious despite the ordeal he’d gone through. He also called on viewers to vote in the upcoming US presidential election.
‘Humble Me’ will feature on Killer Mike’s seventh album. The US leg of his ‘Down By Law Tour’ is currently underway, backed by the Mighty Midnight Revival choir. He’ll also feature at several US festivals such as Lollapalooza. In the fall, he’ll embark on a UK and European tour.
Killer Mike was initially charged with misdemeanour battery after an altercation with a security guard. However, the Los Angeles Attorney’s Office decided not to pursue criminal charges, and Killer Mike completed community service instead. The BET Awards ceremony is popularly regarded as an exclusively Black entertainment affair, so when Kendrick Lamar received backlash in the previous edition, Killer Mike ensures to thank the Black organization in his acceptance speech. He continues to support the Black Lives Matter movement and encourage political activism in his music
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