Killer Mike Big Beast (Ft. Bun B, Trouble & T.I.)

I've been rooting for Killer Mike since he was busting through walls in Outkast videos in the early 2000s. His ferocity and precision as an MC are really under-appreciated. I always felt he was maybe a decade or so away from mainstream success, but maybe that's not really a concern for Mike. He's carved out a good and seemingly sustainable niche for himself creating intelligent and uncompromising street music.

Last summer, Mike announced he was teaming up with underground king El-P for an album titled Rebellious Afrikan People's Music, or RAP Music for short. I was geeked. A snippet was leaked which was promising but both were relatively quiet about their project in this era of blatant and constant self-promotion.

Just last week however, "Big Beast" burst onto the 'net. The first full offering from the pair packs a helluva punch. Not only is Killer Mike rapping like he's about to rob you over production that is reminiscent of both NWA and Cannibal Ox, but he's enlisted Bun B and TI to ride along. Think about that for a second: the guy that founded Definitive Jux in the late 90s has the Jay-Z of the south on a song. That in itself is worth checking out.

Stay tuned to William Street Records (yes, Adult Swim's label is putting the album out) for more info as R.A.P. Music nears release.