— When Killer Mike came through his hometown of Atlanta, GA during his High & Holy Tour, the entire city showed out. Let’s take a look back at his unforgettable show.
This month Killer Mike delivered what may very well be the best Hip-Hop album of the year with his magnum opus, MICHAEL. The new album — which includes features from all-time great acts like Andre 3000, Future, CeeLo Green, Young Thug, 2 Chainz, 6lack, and Ty Dolla $ign — has been met with extremely high praise as Killer Mike delivers nothing short of a complete masterpiece. To support the album, Killer Mike embarked on his 19-date High & Holy Tour named after MICHAEL’s closing track. As he finishes the last stretch of the tour, let’s take a look at the divine experience he gave his hometown crowd just a few weeks ago.
On the night of the show, the streets surrounding Atlanta’s historic Tabernacle concert venue were buzzing to say the least. Sidewalks were packed, parking garages were filled, and vendors of all kinds were taking advantage of the hordes of people walking the streets — clear signs of an eventful night in Atlanta.
Before the show started (and even before the show lights came on) the church-inspired set design caught my attention along with the beautiful bouquets of flowers lining the edge of the stage. Although this was all obviously done by design, the purpose of it all wasn’t exactly clear. However, by the end of the night, it all made sense.
To kick off the show, Killer Mike got right to business as he brought out his longtime collaborator, friend, and fellow ATLien and Dungeon Family member, CeeLo Green, to perform MICHAEL’s opening track “DOWN BY LAW.” He then followed up by performing more songs from the album such as “RUN,” “ENRICH,” “TALK’N THAT SHIT!,” and “SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS” with the help of his unbelievably talented choir, The Midnight Revival. He even shared an incredibly intimate moment with the audience during his performance of “MOTHERLESS,” restarting the track a number of times as he broke down thinking about his deceased mother and grandmother — a touching moment that literally brought me to tears.
Nonetheless, Killer Mike is a consummate professional and an outstanding showman. So somehow, even after all of the passion, brilliance, and poise he displayed, the show continued to get better and better. Performing classic verses from records like “Kryptonite” and Bonecrusher’s “Never Scared,” the crowd was already in a frenzy. When you add in guest appearances from hometown heroes like T.I, Big Boi, Fabo, and Purple Ribbon All-Stars BlackOwned C-Bone and Rock D The Legend, it goes without saying that the experience was one of a kind.
Even between each track, Killer Mike kept the audience thoroughly engaged. Displaying his expert stage presence, southern charm, and supreme intellect as he masterfully introduced each song, the Westside Atlanta native provided inspiration, humor, and wisdom in a way that only he could.
Oh, and about the stage design I mentioned before… Killer Mike quite literally took us to church that night (ironically in a concert venue that used to be one). Between each song, Killer Mike headed to the pulpit and turned the page of his Bible the way a preacher would turn to the next scripture in their sermon. The Midnight Revival, of course, served as his choir wearing beautiful choir robes to start the show and using classic church fans as both a prop and as a tool to fend off the heat.
From start to finish, Killer Mike put on one of the absolute best concerts I’ve ever been to in more ways than one. His dedication to his craft, his love for his city, and his gratefulness to God and those who helped him get to this point was all on full display, resulting in a night like no other.
If you haven’t already, listen to Killer Mike’s MICHAEL album and be sure to check out our recap photos below and video above. Also, stay tuned for more from Killer Mike and stay on the lookout for more concert dates.
