Killer Mike has returned with ‘RUN’, his first new solo track since 2012’s R.A.P. Music. The single features production from No I.D as well as guest appearances from Young Thug and Dave Chappelle. Arriving on America’s Independence Day, the song is accompanied by a Adrian Villagomez-directed video that portrays Black soldiers fighting against white fascists in a battlefield. The words “Free Thug, Protect Black Art, Free Gunna” are featured on a flag during Thug’s verse. Watch and listen below.
On May 9, Thug – whose real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams – was arrested as part of a 56-count indictment that named 28 members and associates of his label and imprint YSL (aka Young Slime Life, Young Stoner Life, and Young Slatt Life) on charges of participation in street gang activity and conspiring to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. The indictment defined YSL as a “criminal street gang.” Thug has been denied bond, with his trial set to begin in January next year.
Last month, Mike spoke in Thug and Gunna’s defense during an interview with Good Morning America, arguing that rap lyrics shouldn’t be used as evidence in legal cases. “Hip-hop is not respected as an art because Black people in this country are not recognised as full human beings,” Mike said. “If we allow the courts to prosecute these men based on characters they created and stories of pretend that they tell in rhyme, then next, they’ll be at your door.”
