Killer Mike’s having a big week. On Friday, August 2nd, the acclaimed Atlanta emcee released Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival: Songs For Sinners & Saints, a companion to Michael, his record that earned Best Rap Album at the most recent Grammys. And before an appearance at Lollapalooza over the weekend, the rapper made a stop at Detroit’s Majestic Theatre.
Despite a flight delay that made the show a true midnight affair, the packed crowd remained eager to bounce along to the set deep into the night. Backed by his gospel group The Mighty Midnight Revival, Killer Mike delivered plenty of fierce cuts from his recent output from the jump. The rapper showcased his dynamic stage presence from the get-go, getting the crowd hyped on set opener “Down By Law.”
Throughout the gig, the rapper showcased his wide-ranging sonic influences, building his rhymes over elements of soul, jazz, and gospel. And of course, Killer Mike’s versatile flow was on full display, from the speedy bars of “Scientists & Engineers” to the commanding, controlled pace of “Run.”
The Mighty Midnight Revival also shined brightly, bringing to life the Michael-era studio recordings. “Exit 9” was one such standout, with rich harmonies backing Killer Mike’s rapping that transitioned to a powerhouse chorus. And the soaring gospel choral element of “Scientists & Engineers” also was a highlight of the evening.
While Michael featured an all-star roster of features from the Atlanta hip-hop scene, two singles that Killer Mike delivered guest verses for also hit hard in the middle of the set. First up: “Kill Jill” (Big Boi featuring Killer Mike and Jeezy). The emcee got the crowd bobbing to the distinct Hatsune Miku sample before delivering an extended call-and-response mid-song.
In the break between these two songs, Killer Mike also used his platform to emphatically get out the vote. “Take your ass to the polls,” he declared to a huge round of applause. “I’m not just talking about the national soap opera… I’m talking about a very local level.”
Then, “Never Scared” (Bone Crusher featuring Killer Mike and T.I.) followed for one of the most electrifying cuts of the evening. This single proved to be a much-appreciated, enduring staple of early ’00s rap, with Killer Mike thrusting the mic toward the crowd with each chorus line of “I ain’t never scared!” With each refrain, the instrumentals briefly shut down, leaving only the roar of the crowd reverberating loudly throughout the entire venue.
