Killer Mike Reflects On Importance Of Free Speech During FIRE Gala Speech

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2023 Black Music And Entertainment Walk Of Fame Induction Ceremony & Brunch
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 28: Killer Mike attends the 2023 Black Music And Entertainment Walk Of Fame induction ceremony and brunch on February 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images)

Killer Mike delivered the keynote speech at the FIRE Gala.

Killer Mike emphasized the importance of free speech during his keynote speech at the 2023 Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) Gala in New York City on Thursday. In doing so, he explained that fighting for freedom of expression is an endless fight. He also argued that freedom of speech is currently at risk in the United States.

“I need us here to know tonight that there is no grand final winning of freedom of speech,” Killer Mike told the audience. “There’s no end of the race where we all hold up trophies. It is a constant and protracted struggle to make sure the rights to become a more perfect union are always striven for.”

Killer Mike At A Bernie Sanders Rally

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 16: Rapper Killer Mike speaks in support of Bernie Sanders during the Democratic candidate's HBCU Tour and Rally At Atlanta University Center at Atlanta University Center on February 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)

He continued: “If we allow ourselves to express to one another our deepest and sometimes our darkest thinkings, we will eventually hear one another. Burn off the fat of prejudice, of racial injustice, of misogyny, of phobias, and we will get to a place where we make a better, a more perfect union. Right now, in this country, your freedom of speech is at risk. The government has no right to limit your freedom of speech, your freedom of religion, your freedom to assemble.”

The speech comes as Mike prepares to release his forthcoming solo album Michael. It will be his first album as a solo artist in over a decade. In the time since his 2012 project, R.A.P. Music, he's been focusing on his work with El-P for Run The Jewels. The two recently released the single, “Don’t Let the Devil." They also collaborated with No I.D. and Little Shalimar on the production of the song. Michael will release on June 16, 2023. Be on the lookout for more news regarding the album in the coming weeks and check out Killer Mike's FIRE Gala speech below.

Killer Mike At The FIRE Gala

[Via]

About The Author
Cole Blake is currently an Editor at HotNewHipHop based out of Brooklyn, New York. He began working at the site as an intern back in 2018 while studying journalism at St. John’s University. In the time since, he’s graduated with a bachelor's degree and written extensively about a wide range of topics including pop culture, film & television, politics, video games, sports, and much more. He’s also covered music festivals such as Gov. Ball and Rolling Loud. You can find him publishing work for HNHH from Monday to Wednesday or on weekends. On the sports front, Cole’s a passionate NBA and NFL fan with his favorite teams being the Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Lakers. He also roots for the Yankees whenever he finds himself at Yankee Stadium or the Red Storm when in the company of other SJU alumni. His favorite hip-hop artists are billy woods, Earl Sweatshirt, Cam’ron, MIKE, and Mach-Hommy.