Killer Mike plots political agenda ahead of Georgia state election
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Version 0 of 1. The past year has seen Killer Mike establish himself as an influential speaker on US race relations, a political drive he now wants to put to use as a state representative in Georgia. Related: Run the Jewels review – bleeding-edge hip-hop at its most anthemic The Run the Jewels rapper urged followers on his Twitter and Instagram to vote for Michael Render – Killer Mike’s real name – in the 16 June election for Georgia’s 55th district. Unfortunately, he is not eligible to represent the state until he has officially registered, but he says he will endeavour to pursue this ambition, as his video message explains: In an interview with Noisey, the rapper outlined his reasons for making his political aspirations public. “The reason why I did it, besides the fact that I think politicians need to understand that people from the regular constituencies are willing to run against them, I wanted to make people aware that the election was even happening.” He added: “The guy Tyrone Brooks, who used to hold the seat, got involved with some sticky business with donations and charities and that type of thing, so the seat is wide open. There are a few decent candidates that people should look into and they should get out and vote. A lot of times elections are lost and the hope of the public is lost because they don’t turn out. So if I, as a celebrity, can get people to pay attention to the fact that there is a vote going on period, then my job is done.” As well as performing with Run the Jewels on tour and at festivals, writing and recording critically acclaimed rap albums (not to mention cat remix records), Killer Mike has recently appeared on CNN and has hosted a number of university lectures in the wake of police brutality in the US. |