Killer Mike @ QMU, Glasgow, 23 Aug

Half of the wildly popular hip-hop duo Run the Jewels, Killer Mike brings a different kind of collaboration to Glasgow’s QMU. Off the back of his latest release, Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival: Songs for Sinners and Saints, Killer Mike takes on a new stage presence with his biblical forename – Michael. Bathed in clear light and dressed head to toe in white, Mike leans heavily into the gospel choir aesthetic accompanied by a quintet of singers – The Mighty Midnight Revival. 

This new identity – established in Killer Mike’s earlier 2023 release, simply titled MICHAEL – subverts expectations for those only familiar with Mike’s work in Run the Jewels. Mike brings with him an infectious energy, able to draw excitement from the crowd with ease. Between tracks, he fills the space with short spoken word sections, backed by The Mighty Midnight Revival who elevate the experience. At other times, he shares amusing or revealing anecdotes about his early life. Leading into Ric Flair, he tells us how a teacher in his middle school said that he could be anything he wanted to which he replied: “I want to be motherfucking Ric Flair”. 

The set successfully avoids using Run the Jewels’ popularity as a crutch, focusing predominantly on Mike’s last two albums as well as a few songs on which he features with other artists. The latter tracks, while performed well, sometimes feel a little empty. Fan favourite SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS comes across as a little awkward given that both Future and André 3000 are present only on a backing track, with Mike and his choir standing waiting for their turn. Critically, The Mighty Midnight Revival are underutilised and although they are given their own introduction and are often used brilliantly across the majority of the setlist, it's a little baffling that some songs don’t include them at all, instead favouring a featured artist who isn’t present. 

Mike’s performance overall serves as a dive into his past, focusing on decisions that have steered his trajectory in life. MOTHERLESS is a particularly poignant reflection on the faith and hardship that has coloured his past. Mike often characterises himself as being between sin and salvation and this message ultimately shines through, constantly shifting between bass-heavy bars focused on earthly desires and uplifting gospel rhythms about the triumph of faith. The conflict within Mike’s soul and the battles he has with his demons are beautifully illustrated throughout the hour and 20 minutes spent with him and his crew.