Killer Mike is on the “Run.” On Independence Day (July 4), the veteran rapper released his first solo single in over a decade, with a guest appearance from Young Thug and an opening monologue from Dave Chappelle. The song makes his first single as a lead artist, since the release of his 2012 fifth studio album R.A.P. Music.
“There would be no Fourth of July without a Black man, and the fact that Crispus Attucks was the first person to die on the behalf of what would become the republic called America,” Mike tells me, as we discuss why he chose to deliver his first solo track in 10 years, “Run,” on Independence Day. “The fact that all Americans don’t know that is a problem for me.”
In the visual for “Run,” during Young Thug’s refrain, a banner is waved bearing the explanation “Free Thug, Protect Black Art, Free Gunna.” Another solider wears an armband that peruses “Free YSL.” Both Young Thug, Gunna and individuals from Atlanta-based mark YSL (otherwise called Young Slime Life, Young Stoner Life, and Young Slatt Life) were captured in May for charges of road group movement and plotting to disregard Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
The tune and video for “Run” takes a position against the captures. Debuting the melody during a meeting with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, Mike talked for a long time about hip-bounce not being “regarded as a craftsmanship.”
