‘Wake up’ | Killer Mike’s meeting with Kemp incites online sparring

From a series of photos posted of Atlanta rapper/activist Killer Mike and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a polarizing debate has ensued about the validity of the rapper’s activism and the intention of the governor meeting with him.

Killer Mike, a native of Southwest Atlanta, has been a visible, vocal proponent of progressive politics, Black businesses and investing in skilled workers throughout the last couple of presidential campaigns. On Wednesday, he met with Kemp, a Republican, and discussed myriad issues affecting Georgians. Kemp’s office posted a photo of the artist, whose real name is Michael Render, with the governor and his wife Marty.

“Today, Marty and I had a great meeting with @KillerMike," reads the tweet. "We discussed how small businesses and the music industry are weathering the pandemic, the value of our skilled trade workers, and our fight to end human trafficking in Georgia. We look forward to seeing him again soon!”

For some, it was a display of the “A.D.I.D.A.S.” rapper forging a bridge with a leader with opposing political views. For others, the meeting was panned as a photo opportunity and bad judgment on the rapper-turned-activist’s part.

The meeting, many opined, meant that Killer Mike could “advocate for his community.”

On the other side of the heated sparring, Twitter users pointed to allegations against Kemp to suppress votes for his former competitor Stacey Abrams as reason enough to criticize the meeting.

As Killer Mike has increasingly been heralded as a voice for progressives, criticism of his public statements on politics and the Black community have been scrutinized. In May, he spoke alongside Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms about the ails of violent protests after the death of George Floyd.

“I am duty-bound to be here to simply say that it is your duty not to burn your own house down for anger with an enemy,” Killer Mike said. “It is your duty to fortify your own house so that you may be a house of refuge in times of organization.”

“It is time to beat up prosecutors you don’t like at the voting booth,” he went on to say as he sported a T-shirt that read “Kill Your Masters,” a lyric from one of his rap group’s songs. “It is time to hold mayoral offices accountable, chiefs and deputy chiefs.”

Those statements and other meetings with associations, including the National Rifle Association, have caused some to dismiss his activism.