Michael Santiago Render, popular as Killer Mike, is a well-known rapper, actor, and activist in the USA. His first appearance was on OutKast’s 2000 LP Stankonia, Snappin’, and Trappin, and his second was on a single from OutKast’s Greatest Hits album and Grammy-winning song The Whole World.
Since then, he has been on a solo tour and has released five full-length albums. His first album as a solo artist overturned Monster, was released in March 2003 and made it to #10 on Billboard 200. The killer is also the founder of Grind Time Official Records.
Besides music, Killer Mike is a well-known activist who deals with social and political issues. He has dealt with issues such as systemic racism, social inequality, and police brutality. He has been to universities and colleges and has lectured on these issues and written articles for publications. Mike has also participated in interviews in which he has discussed issues bordering on racism and police misconduct.
He was a fervent supporter of Bernie Sanders during the 2016 U.S. presidential election campaign. Turn to the next page for more information about the multi-talented rapper.
Killer Mike Brief Bio, Age
Killer was born on April 20, 1975, in the Adamsville neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia, the son of a police officer (father) and a florist (mother). His parents were both teenagers at the time of his birth, so he was taken to his grandparents in Collier Heights, who also helped him with his upbringing.
He attended Douglass High School in Atlanta. Shortly after graduating in 1993, he attended Morehouse College before dropping out in 1995. During his time at Morehouse, he met Big Boi of OutKast and The Beat Bullies, who would eventually help him out in his music career.
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Career
His first performance was on OutKast’s 2000 LP Stankonia, Snappin’, and Trappin, and his second was on a single from OutKast’s Greatest Hits album and the Grammy-winning song The Whole World from 2002, which won a Grammy for best rap performance by a duo or group. In the same year, he also performed on other tracks, including “Poppin’ Tags”.
His debut album entitled “Monster” was released the following year, and the album’s lead single “Akshon (Yeah!)” featured OutKast as guest vocalist, while a remix of it included the soundtrack of EA Sports’ video game “Madden NFL 2004.
The album’s second single, entitled “A.D.I.D.A.A.S.”, reached number 60 on the Billboard Hot 100, and the hit with Big Boi and Sleepy Brown is his highest chart single to date as a lead artist. In the following days, weeks, and years it became busier and busier for the rapper, he appeared in OutKast’s “Flip Flop Rock” alongside Jay-Z, he was also featured in Chamillionaire’s “Southern Takeover”, where Pastor Troy could also be seen.
Killer Mike later appeared in Bone Crusher’s song “Never Scared” alongside T.I. The song peaked at number 26 in the Hot 100 and became Mike’s second top 40 hits. The song also became the soundtrack to the Madden NFL 2004 game, and the Atlanta Braves also used it as the title song for their 2003 season.
His second official album, I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind, was released in 2006, I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind II followed in 2008, PL3DGE came in 2011, and R.A.P. Music fell the following year, 2012.
In 2011, Cartoon Network CEO Jason DeMarco introduced Killer Mike to rapper/producer El-P, and soon after that, he (El-P) produced Killers’ album R.A.P. Music. After the album’s success, the two rappers decided to go on tour together and subsequently worked together as a duo under the brand name Run the Jewels.
In 2013 they (Run the Jewels) released a free album of the same name, the following year they released their second free album, and in 2015 they dropped a re-recorded version of Run the Jewels II called Meow the Jewels, which was made entirely with cat sounds. Their third album as a duo was released in December 2016.
Besides music, Killer Mike is also interested in acting and has starred in several blockbuster movies such as ATL, Idlewild, and 20 Funerals. From 2006 to 2008 he was the dubbing actor in the cartoon Frisky Dingo, he was the voice of Taqu’il (the rapper/actor who became US president).
As mentioned above, Mike is also a well-known social activist who focuses on various issues ranging from systemic racism to social equality, police brutality, and much more.
His Net Worth
The multi-talented rapper and actor may not be one of the richest in the business, but there’s no denying that he’s made some cool money with his career and other ventures he runs. His net worth is currently estimated at $5 million.
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Killer Mike Wife (Shana Render)
Killer Mike is married to his daughter-in-law Shana Render. The couple has been married since 2006 and has four lovely children together: Pony, Mikey, Aniyah, and Malik.
Mike and his wife Shana opened a barbershop called “Graffitis SWAG” (Shave, Wash, And Groom) in Atlanta, Georgia in 2011, and the rapper says he plans to open 150 more stores in the United States over time.
Height And Other Facts
The killer is quite tall, standing at 6ft 3in or 190.5 cm, weighing 120 kg or 265 pounds. His other body measurements are unknown.
Date of Birth: April 20, 1975
Zodiac: Aries
Place of Birth: Atlanta, Georgia, US
Nationality: American
Ethnicity/Race: Black
Profession: Rapper, Actor, activist
Education: Douglass High School, Morehouse College (briefly)
Spouse/Wife: Shana Render (2006)
Children: 4
Net Worth: $5 million USD.