Atlanta’s own Killer Mike joins “The Monica Pearson Show” to talk about his political activism, entrepreneurship and his first album in a decade, 2023′s “Michael.”

Born to a teen mom, Mike was raised by his grandparents who he credits for his success. “My grandfather taught me life isn’t fair, but I’m smart enough to meet expectations.”

He became an activist as a teen, a duty, or responsibility, as he said, he continues today for various causes, like Atlanta-based PAWKids.

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His life as a rapper originated in Atlanta’s underground hip-hop scene, which is also where, after winning 15 sequential rap battles, he was crowned “Killer Mike.” He is best known for working with fellow Atlanta musicians like T.I. and OutKast, but this new album, which is nominated for three Grammys, introduces audiences to the real Killer Mike.

“It’s my story about a 9-year-old boy growing up empowered in a prominently Black city in the South,” said Mike. “Atlanta is to Black people what Mecca is to Muslims. I want people to come here and plant roots here.”

Monica also gets the scoop on Mike’s entrepreneurial ventures — including one that originated by a sight unseen purchase on Craigslist.

Stream The Monica Pearson show at ajc.com/monicapearson

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Greg Street (center), hip-hop DJ and radio personality, takes a selfie with fans Melinda Bailey (left) and Janice Bonner at Hobnob Neighborhood Tavern before an Atlanta Falcons pep rally at Atlantic Station, Friday, September 5, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

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Fulton DA Fani Willis (center) with Nathan J. Wade (right), the special prosecutor she hired to manage the Trump case and had a romantic relationship with, at a news conference announcing charges against President-elect Donald Trump and others in Atlanta, Aug. 14, 2023. Georgia’s Supreme Court on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, upheld an appeals court's decision to disqualify Willis from the election interference case against Trump and his allies. (Kenny Holston/New York Times)

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