Killer Mike released his debut album, Monster, in 2003. The album's lead single was "Akshon (Yeah!)", it featured OutKast on guest vocals, and was included on the soundtrack to the 2004 version of EA Sports popular video game Madden NFL. He even made a Madden '04 remix of "Akshon (Yeah!)" for the game. Following the release of his own material, he appeared on "Flip Flop Rock" and "Bust" on the Speakerboxx half of Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. He also appeared on "Southern Takeover" with Pastor Troy on Chamillionaire's CD The Sound of Revenge. His second album "Ghetto Extraordinary" has had its release date pushed back several times due to disputes between Big Boi and Sony Records.
He collaborated with underground legendary producer and MC EL-P on his album R.A.P. Music in 2012. Mike and El-P went on to form the famous hip-hop duo Run The Jewels, releasing their debut self-titled album in 2013, RTJ2 in 2014, and RTJ3 in 2016, with RTJ4 planned for a release in 2019.
Killer Mike has also performed as a voice actor. He plays a rapper/actor, turned President of the United States, named Taqu'il in the Adult Swim cartoon Frisky Dingo. According to an article published in the June 2007 issue of XXL, Killer Mike addressed why he left the Purple Ribbon roster. He stated that he felt as if Purple Ribbon was the equivalent to the "Clippers," while he wanted to join the "Lakers."
Discography
Albums
Monster (2003)
I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind (2006)
I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind II (2008)
Ghetto Extraordinary (2008)
Pl3dge (2011)
R.A.P. Music (2012)
Singles
* 2001: "The Whole World" (OutKast featuring Killer Mike)
* 2002: "Land of a Million Drums" (Outkast featuring Killer Mike & Sleepy Brown)
* 2003: "Akshon (Yeah!)" (featuring OutKast)
* 2003: "A.D.I.D.A.S." (featuring Big Boi & Sleepy Brown)
* 2003: "A.D.I.D.A.S. (Cool N Dre remix)" (featuring Jermaine Dupri & Amil) (promo only release)
* 2005: "My Chrome" (featuring Big Boi)
* 2006: "The Juggernaut"
* 2006: "That's Life"
* 2006: "All That Jizz" (as Ta'Quil; from the show Frisky Dingo)
* 2006: "Bad Day, Worst Day" (featuring Ice Cube)
* 2007: "My Chrome" (featuring Big Boi)
* 2007: "Get Em' Shawty" (featuring Bubba Sparxxx & Three 6 Mafia)
* 2007: "Blam Blam" (Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theatres Colon Soundtrack)
Appearances
* DarkBrown & Dru - "Ridin' Chevy's" (featuring Killer Mike)
* Purple Ribbon All-Stars - "Kryptonite (I'm On It)" (featuring Big Boi, Blackowned C-Bone, Killer Mike, and Rock D)
* Purple Ribbon All-Stars - "Body Rock" (featuring Lil' Co, Killer Mike, and Donkey Boy)
* Purple Ribbon All-Stars - "My Chrome" (featuring Big Boi & Killer Mike)
* Purple Ribbon All-Stars - "Claremont Lounge" (featuring Bubba Sparxx, Killer Mike, and Coool Breeze)
* Purple Ribbon All-Stars - "Ain't No Love" (Killer Mike freestyle)
* Purple Ribbon All-Stars - "Kryptonite (Remix)" (featuring Big Boi, Lil Wayne, Bubba Sparxxx, Remy Ma, Busta Rhymes, & Killer Mike)
* Bone Crusher - "It's On" (featuring Killer Mike & Trick Daddy)
* Bone Crusher - "Never Scared" (featuring Killer Mike & T.I.)
* Bubba Sparxxx - "Miss New Booty (Remix)" (featuring Big Boi & Killer Mike)
* Bubba Sparxxx - "Sinners" (feauring Killer Mike, Bone Crusher & David Banner)
* Kool G Rap - "Real OGs" - (Featuring Killer Mike & Bun B)
* Jay-Z - "Poppin' Tags" (featuring Big Boi, Killer Mike & Twista)
* Chamillionaire - "Southern Takeover" (featuring Pastor Troy & Killer Mike)
* Talib Kweli - "Tryin' to Breathe" (featuring Midi Mafia & Killer Mike)
* Lil' Jon - "Back Off Now" (featuring Killer Mike & Papa Roach)
* Lil' Jon - "Da Jump Off" (featuring Killer Mike & 404 Soldierz)
* 8 Ball & MJG - "Runnin Out of Bud" (featuring Killer Mike)
* Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters Colon the Soundtrack - "Blam Blam"
* Jagged Edge - "Pour Out A Little Liquor" (featuring Killer Mike & Sosa)
* Paul Wall - "Dat's What Dat Is" (featuring Bun B, Killer Mike & H.A.W.K.)
* Youngbloodz - "Hustle" (featuring Killer Mike)
* Gucci Mane - "Black Tee (Remix)" (featuring Killer Mike, Jody Breeze, Bun B, Lil Scrappy, & Young Jeezy)
* No Doubt - "Hey Baby (Remix)" (featuring Outkast & Killer Mike)
* Ying Yang Twins - "What The F***!" (featuring Killer Mike & Bone Crusher)
* Ras Kass - "Put Ya Glass Out" (featuring Killer Mike)
* Lil Flip - "We Ain't Playin" (featuring Killer Mike, Baby D, & Pastor Troy)
* Da Backwudz - "Gettin 2 It"
* DJ Kay Slay - "Coast 2 Coast Gangstas" (featuring Sauce Money, Killer Mike, Bun B, WC, Joe Budden & Hak Ditty)
* Roccett - "LA 2 ATL" (featuring Killer Mike)
* BPT - "Dragon Ballin" (featuring Killer Mike)
* Balboa - "Hard" (featuring Akon, Killer Mike & Jody Breeze)
* Kavious - "In The Yo" (featuring Killer Mike)
* M.O.P. - "Push Back" (featuring Killer Mike)
* Young Buck - "Welcome To The South (Remix)" (featuring Bun B, Killer Mike & David Banner)
* Stat Quo - "More Problems" (featuring Killer Mike)
* Big Boi - "Oh No" (featuring Killer Mike & Bubba Sparxxx)
* SL Jones - "Superhead" (featuring Killer Mike, Gangsta Boo & Nario)
* Sly & The Family Stone - "Runnin Away" (featuring Big Boi, Killer Mike & Sleepy Brown)
* Trina - "Look Back At Me" (featuring Killer Mike)
* Bun B- "Some Hoes" (featuring Chino XL, Killer Mike & Bulletproof)
* Rehab - "Sleeping Giant" (Feat. Killer Mike)
Down By Law
Killer Mike Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Like nigga, this it, this, this one right here
That ain't easy
Stay motivated, stay inspired
I owe it to myself, stay down on it
And it ain't been hard throughout the journey
It's been a journey
Ooh-ooh
Hey-ayy-ah
Hello, hello, my niggas
Hello and hello, my niggas
Please keep it mellow, my niggas
Stop sippin' yellow, my nigga
You itchin' and twitchin', and glitchin', my nigga
Listen, my nigga (shh)
Snakes in your circle and them bitches hissin', my nigga
My nigga don't listen
One thing I hate 'bout my nigga
So I just pray 'bout my nigga
Nigga, it's hard
Niggas done gave up on God
Maybe God gave up on us
Maybe She angry we worshippin' all these false idols
So devils just prayin' on us
This for the junkie, the fiend and the loser
Prayin' to God in the back of a cruiser
I pray that prison can cure your addiction
And devil's affliction don't hurt you no more
Needin' no reason, but I'll let you know
I was so young when I stood at that store
That I did not know that the money you paid me
Was meant for your babies, and now they just poor
It was just business, my nigga
I am not vicious, my nigga
I had no vision, my nigga
I wanted Gucci and Fendi, my nigga
Gucci, Givenchy, my nigga
But none of them crackers, they love us, my nigga
All of them crackers said fuck us, my nigga
Mad 'cause they women in love with the god
They fuck us and suck us, and love us, my nigga
Back to the trap, back to the Dickies and buffs
Lookin' like I drive a truck
Fuckin' my bitch? Shit, better be rich
She buy a new bag of weed
Goddamnit, I don't understand it
But if she's an addict, this Gucci purse gon' get her geeked
Thick with an ass
She is as bad as Shabazz
Pretty as Coretta Scott
All that I got, she got the face of a model
She got the heart of Asada
She from the gutter, my nigga
Wife and a mother, my nigga
Winnin' together, my nigga
Free Leonard Pelletier, my nigga, Obama
Please free our mama, my nigga
Asada, my nigga
Please free Mutulu, my nigga
Heart of a Zulu, my nigga
Free Larry Hoover, my nigga
Free Jeff Fort, my nigga
Fuck all the courts, my nigga
Movin' like Malcolm and Martin the King
Lift Every Voice is the song that I sing
Born in the womb of a beautiful teen
I am a beautiful, wonderful thing
I am a king, my woman's a queen
Master of hearts, say that we are the God
I studied hard like John Henrik Clarke
Even of my days of whippin' it hard
I'll tell the devil that Black man is God
Keepin' it player, just playin' my part
Lean on my Demon and post in teh park
Jewelry all gleamin' like Rakim Allah
My Eric B. is my nine in the car
You try to G me, get nine in your jaw
Bless all the felons that handled the raw
Fuck all the tellers that ran to the law (Hey)
Watch out for the hitters with sticks in the car
My name is Michael, I'm down by law
Won't You help us so, Holy Father? (Holy Father)
And I could show is a martyr
If nobody's gonna live forever, than neither am I
Two shots for the city that raised me (Atlanta, Georgia)
Thanks for the praise that you gave me (something for ya)
Because without it, nobody would've known that I was even alive
I'm down
This shit is so Atlanta
Down by law
In "Down By Law," Killer Mike reflects on the challenges and struggles he has faced in his life, while also commenting on the societal and cultural issues that affect his community. The song is filled with introspection, social commentary, and a call for solidarity and empowerment.
The opening lyrics set the tone for the song, emphasizing the importance of timing and staying motivated and inspired. Killer Mike acknowledges that his journey hasn't been easy, but he remains dedicated to his craft and personal growth. The repetition of "ooh-ooh" adds a melodic and contemplative touch, enhancing the introspective mood.
In the first verse, Killer Mike addresses his community, urging unity and peaceful vibes. He warns against negative influences and urges his listeners to be aware of snakes in their circle. He expresses frustration with some individuals who don't listen and highlights his personal struggles and prayers for a better future. Killer Mike suggests that people have given up on God and questions whether God has given up on humanity due to the worship of false idols. He offers a message of resilience for those struggling with addiction, praying for their recovery.
In the second verse, Killer Mike discusses his personal desires and aspirations. He confesses his initial materialistic desires but also acknowledges the lack of support from mainstream society. The line about the crackers loving and hating them refers to the complexities of racial dynamics and the societal discrimination faced by the Black community. Despite the setbacks, Killer Mike remains true to himself and returns to his roots, wearing Dickies and work boots and driving a truck, signifying his connection to his community.
The third verse switches to a celebration of the strong women in Killer Mike's life, comparing them to influential historical figures such as Asada Shakur, Coretta Scott, and his own mother. He calls for the release of political prisoners, such as Leonard Pelletier, Mutulu Shakur, and Larry Hoover, highlighting his activism and advocacy for social justice. He also expresses dissatisfaction with the court system and references the legacies of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. in his own pursuit of equality and justice.
The chorus serves as a plea to a higher power, asking for guidance and martyrdom. Killer Mike acknowledges the impermanence of life and dedicates two shots to his hometown of Atlanta, thanking them for the recognition and support he has received. He concludes the song by asserting his pride in his Atlanta roots and his commitment to staying "down by law," meaning he remains loyal and true to his community and his beliefs.
Overall, "Down By Law" is a multifaceted song that delves into personal struggles, societal issues, and a call for unity and empowerment. Killer Mike's introspective lyrics and social commentary shed light on the challenges faced by individuals and communities, highlighting the need for resilience, awareness, and collective action.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Curtis Mayfield, Corey Moore, Michael Santiago Render, Thomas Callaway
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chrisrivera858
“Born in the womb of a beautiful teen, I am a beautiful wonderful thing.”
Touched my soul
@slimali7323
No lie
@matt.endlesscourage
Yes
@mikeg4960
Didn’t catch that but that’s a bar
@brighthought11
it could have said queen
@M_mcin
@@brighthought11 But he did say teen.
2:23
@cusheefreeman6601
1 time for Killer Mike, peace Rico Wade!
@aarongordon4507
🙏🏾
@RicoTucker
I thought that was Rico Wade at the beginning of the video
@aarongordon4507
@@RicoTucker It was