You may know Killer Mike as one half of the legendary hip hop duo Run the Jewels, but did you know he’s also a savvy businessman and community activist? This person from Atlanta has made significant progress since his early days representing the city.
Early Career Breakthrough
Way back in 2000, Mike first caught ears on Outkast’s classic “Stankonia” album. His raw flow showed he was no joke. Soon he was dropping his solo projects like “Monster” which had heads banging nationwide.
By 2008, T.I. signed Mike to his Grand Hustle label, taking his career to new heights. But Mike stayed hungry, linking up with producer El-P for their breakout collaborative albums “Run the Jewels” and “Run the Jewels 2.” Those joints had critics and fans alike losing their minds.
Career Growth
These days, when he’s not tearing up stages and the booth, you’ll likely find Mike putting in work in the community. In 2011, he opened up his barbershop, Graffiti’s SWAG, providing jobs and a safe space in his hometown.
Mike also stays active politically, using his platform to speak out on issues like racial injustice and gun reform. You gotta respect an artist who puts in work both in and outside the game.
With millions in earnings and numerous accolades under his belt, it’s clear Killer Mike is about much more than music. He’s a true entrepreneur and advocate, showing the next generation they can achieve their dreams through passion and hustle. This ATL legend is only up from here.
Killer Mike Biography
Full Name | Michael Santiago Render |
Nick Name | Mike Bigga & Jerome Jewel |
Date of Birth | April 20, 1975 |
Age | 48 Years |
Birth Place | Adamsville, Atlanta, Georgia |
Nationality | United States |
Profession | Film Score Composer, Voice Actor, Actor & Rapper |
Net Worth | $5 Million |
Marital Status | Married |
Wife | Shana |
Height | 6ft 25inches |
Weight | 265 lbs |
Children | Malik, Aniyah, Mikey, Pony |
Killer Mike Net Worth
Killer Mike has a net worth of $5 million. His main sources of income include singing and acting.
Killer Mike Early Life
Being raised partly by his grandparents and coming from more humble beginnings likely helped shape Killer Mike’s strong sense of community and advocacy work today.
When one grows up seeing the challenges facing a neighborhood firsthand, it often sparks a desire to enact positive change.
Too often public figures distance themselves from their roots as they achieve success. But Mike seems proud of where he came from. By opening a barbershop in his hometown and speaking on issues impacting urban communities, he honors his past while lifting others.
His upbringing in Atlanta also no doubt influenced his iconic flow and Southern style of rap. One can hear the city’s influence in his music. It’s always wonderful when artists stay true to their roots and use their platform to empower the places that made them.
Killer Mike Wife and Children
Killer Mike has been married to Shana Render since 2006. The couple has 4 children named Mikey, Aniyah, Pony, and Malik.
Killer Mike Education
Killer Mike went to Douglass High School, in Atlanta. After graduating in 1993, Mike attended Morehouse College but dropped out in 1995.
Killer Mike Career
Here are the notable achievements of Killer Mike’s Career.
1995-2000: Early Collaborations
- Made recording debut on Outkast’s “Snappin’ and Trappin'” (1995)
- Featured on Outkast’s “The Whole World” which won a Grammy (2001)
- Appeared on tracks by Jay-Z, Big Boi, and Twista (2000-2001)
2003: Solo Breakthrough
- Released debut album “Monster” to critical acclaim
- Lead single “Akshon” featured Outkast
- Had top 100 hit with “A.D.I.D.A.S.”
2003-2005: Establishing His Style
- Featured on albums by Outkast, Chamillionaire, Bone Crusher
- Faced challenges with the delayed album “Ghetto Extraordinary”
2006-2012: Independent Success
- Released “I Pledge Allegiance” albums on his label Grind Time
- Signed to Grand Hustle, released “PL3DGE” and “R.A.P. Music”
2013-2020: Run the Jewels Formation
- Collaborated with El-P, leading to the acclaimed RTJ project
- RTJ released 4 hugely popular albums to date
2022-Present: Continued Solo Work
- Released solo single “Run” and album “Michael”
Where is Killer Mike From?
Killer Mike is from Adamsville, Atlanta, Georgia. He was born on April 20, 1975.
Killer Mike Family
Killer Mike father was a policeman and his mother was a florist. He married to Shana in 2006 and has four children, named Mikey, Aniyah, Pony, and Malik.
Killer Mike Kids
Killer Mike has four kids including Mikey, Aniyah, Pony, and Malik.
Interesting Facts About Killer Mike
An interesting fact about Killer Mike is that, in addition to being a successful rapper and member of the hip-hop duo Run the Jewels, he is also a passionate advocate for social and political causes. In 2011, he opened a barbershop in Atlanta called “SWAG Shop” (Shave, Wash, and Groom) to support his community and provide a space for open dialogue. Killer Mike has been deeply involved in activism, particularly around issues of police brutality, systemic racism, and economic empowerment, making him a prominent voice both in music and social justice.