Doesn't Atlanta sometimes get a bad rap? Well things have changed now that Killer Mike is out and pledging his allegiance to the grind all over again. Killer Mike is a gold-selling rap artist with a shiny Grammy on his trophy case (from his contribution to Outkast's "The Whole World"). He is a rhythmical and poetic beast, who will leave a microphone fiending for his lyrics of fury. I'm sure Chuck D appreciates this new public enemy by the name of Killer Mike, who has teamed up with Ice Cube to bring you the politically charged single "Pressure," one of the many standout tracks on his new album, I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind II. By any means necessary, peep its controversial video.
Honestly, there are too many superior tracks to choose from on I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind II, which is a good problem to have. It's obvious that Killer Mike had Georgia on his mind, like Ray Charles, when he kicked "2 Sides," featuring Shawty Lo. The track, without question, is the new Georgia anthem, especially with memorable and clever lines like, "Martin Luther King on my ID."
Mike relentlessly puts a lynching on Georgia when he declares, "I been a real G before Atlanta went gay," on the infectious pounding pulse of "Bang." The southern hospitality continues when he touches down in Houston to bring the masterpiece "Big Cars," which samples the voice of Willie D: "I make big money / I drive big cars / everybody knows me, its like I'm a movie star," from one of the Geto Boys' most recognizable songs, "Mind Playing Tricks On Me." H- Town favorite Chamillionaire and the Bay Area's own Messy Marv both deliver impressive verses on this song. Another sample done right is on the song "Can You Hear Me," where Crown Kingz Productions cleverly lift the hook from Mike and the Mechanics' '80s hit "Silent Running" and turn it into a gem.
Another favorite is "God Is In the Building," with its powerful and introspective lyrics that will touch both the soul and the streets.
One thing is for sure; you can't call Michael Render "Filler Mike" because this album is hard-hitting straight through. And to add to this overall essence of the album, the brilliantly designed artwork/booklet captures the essence of the album's powerful message, making this a record really worth its weight in gold. Killer Mike's I Pledge Allegience To The Grind II is a certified banger, making it a great addition to his catalog.
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