Rapper Killer Mike, half of Run the Jewels and a powerful solo artist in his own right, will speak at MIT this Friday, April 24, on race relations in light of recent stories involving policy brutality, the legacy of Ferguson and more.
When it comes to addressing people from all walks of life on this issue, there are few more qualified than Killer Mike, who’s been performing professionally since the late 1990s. Run the Jewels, a collaboration with fellow musician El-P, has an unusually diverse sect of fans (making them an ideal candidate for Boston Calling next month), and he’s written on the subject matter several times for publications like Billboard, CNN and USA Today. If there’s one thing the rapper isn’t afraid of it’s taking societal issues to task, particularly on tracks like “Close Your Eyes (And Count to F***)” from Run the Jewels 2.
If a recent talk NYU talk is any indication, those in attendance can expect to hear Killer Mike discuss everything from his own politically charged lyrics to recent events like the viral video of the SAE racist frat chants that made headlines earlier this year. MIT has hosted similar talks from rappers like Lil B and Young Guru recently.
Not familiar with the rapper’s political work? Check out one of his most brutally honest tracks, “Reagan”:
[h/t Pitchfork]
