Atlanta rapper Killer Mike has shared a new music video for a track off of his upcoming album, Michael. The artist has also revealed some new information on the album, including the LP's tracklist and cover art. Michael's release date is June 16, 2023 via Loma Vista Recordings. The video, which pays tribute to Killer Mike's late mother, accompanies the single "Motherless." "Motherless" also features R&B singer Eryn Allen Kane. The new video is the second part of a two-part short film. Part one of the short film came out yesterday, for the track "Don't Let The Devil." The song also features his fellow Run the Jewels musician El-P and thankugoodsir.
Michael is the artist's first solo album since his 2012 LP R.A.P. Music. He divulged that the album is his "most autobiographical" thus far. The newly-unveiled tracklist contains 14 tracks. Alongside the news of his upcoming album, Killer Mike also announced a U.S. tour in support of the record. The tour will take place this summer, making various stops in cities around the country. The 19-date tour includes shows at Apollo Theater in NYC, Showbox in Seattle, The Filmore in San Francisco, and more. The tour kicks off in Charleston, SC at The Charleston Music Hall on July 11.
Killer Mike's Michael Revisits His Childhood
Killer Mike revealed in a statement that his mother was diagnosed as bipolar and depressed. He shares how, "when [he tells] the story of [his] mother the tales told include one when [he] walked in on her attempting to take her own life." "[the song] gets to the heart of how deeply sensitive an artist and human she was," he says. The moving music video aligns with the heavy subject matter in "Motherless." Killer Mike clarified that "these aren’t meant to be sad videos or eulogies." He instead calls the videos "a celebration of a BAD ASS BLACK GIRL from the westside of Atlanta." The rapper also shares that his mother helped many people to "stay on their path."
The artist's upcoming tour comes before Run the Jewels' 10-year-anniversary tour of their self-titled debut album. Killer Mike recently looked back on the success the pair has had, saying he "knew we were something badass." He adds that he figured the two of them were "going to be big."
