In a recent episode of ‘The View,’ rapper and activist Killer Mike, known for his recent achievement of winning three Grammy awards followed by a backstage police detainment due to a misdemeanor linked to a physical altercation, shared his viewpoints. The conversation escalated into a notably tense exchange with co-host Sunny Hostin.
Killer Mike, whose given name is Michael Render, is renowned for his vocal stance on issues such as police brutality, racial injustice, and systemic inequality, which he often addresses through his music and political activism. During the show, co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin inquired about Killer Mike’s reluctance to publicly support President Joe Biden for a re-election bid.
In response, Killer Mike articulated his current focus on local politics rather than the national political scene, which he likened to a “soap opera.” He emphasized the significance of local elections, particularly pointing to the upcoming mayoral race in Atlanta as being of paramount importance to him. He praised the incumbent mayor, Andre Dickens, for his initiatives on housing, highlighting the critical impact such local governance has on the community, reported by Decider.
Killer Mike also shared his viewpoints on the state’s political leadership, acknowledging his positive relationship with Georgia’s Republican Governor, Brian Kemp. He commended Kemp for his contributions to the state’s business environment and for revitalizing the Hope Scholarship program.
This program, according to Killer Mike, has been instrumental in providing Georgia’s youth, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, with the opportunity to pursue higher education or vocational training without the burden of financial constraints, provided they maintain a B average in their academic pursuits. The rapper’s comments reflect his belief in the importance of acknowledging effective leadership and policy achievements, regardless of the political affiliation of the leaders.
His discussion on The View underscores his commitment to engaging in and promoting political discourse that transcends party lines, focusing instead on the policies and actions that directly affect the lives of individuals at the local level. Killer Mike’s stance serves as a call to action for others to invest their energies and attention into local politics, where they can make tangible differences in their communities.
Hostin then spoke up, saying, “You lost me a little bit with your support of Kemp,” but Mike interrupted her so his words and message didn’t get misconstrued, saying, “Not support of Kemp, that’s… that’s some misinformation. You can not like me, but don’t lie on me—”
Hostin asked, “So you don’t support him, you like his policies?”
Mike clarified, “He’s the governor of my state so I have to be involved with him. Because I can’t divorce myself. If you criticize someone, don’t lie.
“Don’t say that I didn’t support [Stacey] Abrams, because I did,” he said. “Don’t say that I don’t support Democrats, because I do…But If someone is in the King’s seat, I’m not gonna not have dinner with the King on behalf of my people.”
Hostin went on to point out several of Biden’s achievements which have benefited Black Americans, which Mike applauded, and added that there are many things that the Biden administration is doing that he supports. Still, he maintained that his priority is supporting and participating in local politics.
“Follow the people you like. Hyper local! Hyper local!” he said as the segment ended.
The View airs weekdays at 11/10c on ABC.
