Artist Of The Day - Killer Mike

Killer Mike's R.A.P. Music plants its flag high for all to see, imparting new life to the realm of hip-hop in doing so. Mike, via El-P's production, simultaneously channels the contemporary styling of Big Boi and peak '90s Ice Cube, drawing on the compositional prowess of the former and honing the powerful emceeing abilities of the latter. This blend of nuanced sounds and slick beats juxtaposed with Mike's engrossing narrative produces great results, and Mike's convictions are in plain view: "Mother fucker, my dad was a cop/You don't think I know a dirty ass cop when I see one?/Shake down, take down, disrespecting the badge!" ("Don't Die"). His words are poignant, and the music itself feels like some grand hip-hop revitalization; made to be be huge but fated to be overlooked by many. "Rap is my religion" ("R.A.P. Music").

The album can be heard here.