Killer Mike has said about his new solo album that if “Run the Jewels is the X-Men, this is my Logan,” a reference to the more sombre Wolverine spin off that reset expectations for emotional complexity in a blockbuster superhero franchise.
The tone Mike maintains on ‘Michael’ isn’t as austere as Logan’s, though it offers a similarly compelling, intricate character study. The Atlanta rapper’s sixth solo album is a bravura journey through its creator’s psyche, rife with wisdom, humour and killer southern beats.
Numerous tracks peel back the layers of Mike’s life to uncover fascinating stories, ones that speak of universal truths. Slummer tells a heartfelt tale of teenage pregnancy, while Motherless is a soulful analysis of its creator’s relationship with his late mother.
Other tracks find Mike in more brash, celebratory mode. There’s Scientists and Engineers, a supreme hip-hop meditation on fame that tilts between insight and braggadocio. Also notable is the tranquil Exit 9, a warm track that finds Mike reflecting on the myriad glories of life.
Compounding the inwarding-looking tone is the production. At times, it’s like a journey through the past and present of southern rap, rife with rolling trap drums, church organs, 808 claps and seductive bass.
As a cherry on the cake, the album employs an impressive array of guest stars, including Andre 3000, CeeLo Green, Curren$y and other southern rap royalty. None, however, overshadow the brilliance of its main star, whose soul-baring lyrics make ‘Michael’ one of the hip-hop albums of the year so far.
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