Search - Killer Mike :: Monster

Great debut from a talented, original MC

ctrx | 'bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks... | 12/07/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"OutKast's protege Killer Mike finally released his debut album in 2003, the very underrated and entertaining "Monster." Mike is a really unique rapper, and I became a fan following his guest appearances on various OutKast songs. This album is a really cool release, Mike shows that he can more than hold his own on the solo tip and is a multi-layered, complex character rather than just a guest artist. Mike has lots of moods to watch evolve as he raps on "Monster." He goes from depressed to emotional to angry to happy to silly over the span of a few tracks. He can rap in a style of disturbing horrorcore but is also capable of making a deep and intelligent song too. His bellowing delivery is consistently solid, and he explores a lot of themes in his raps. The production is very strong, obviously very well funded. The music fits the mood of his rapping, and there are rock guitars, heavy horns, deep bass, hard beats, and good instrumentals on lots of the tracks. Killer Mike is also more into the crunk southern rap style than OutKast is, so that influence is often felt throughout the album as well. I think Mike is one of the best rappers in the south, certainly one of the most interesting characters, and his debut "Monster" is really cool to listen to.



After a very good intro, the album begins with the well-produced title track, with a great musical backing and tough raps from Killer. "Akshon (Yeah!)" is the first highlight, an OutKast assisted banger with a hard-hitting, bouncing beat and call-and-response yells. He addresses the state of hip hop on "Rap Is Dead," and "Scared Straight" speaks of urban depression with great verses. My favorite song on the disc is "All 4 U (Niecy's Song)," a truly heartfelt and emotional song for a certain woman in his life, the beat is very dramatic and uses a great sped-up sample. Another awesome song follows, the happy and funky "A.D.I.D.A.S.," which features Big Boi and Sleepy Brown. The verses are each very funny, Sleepy's hook always makes me sing along, and the content matter is real and humorous. The beat is very catchy too. "Creep Show" is an aptly-titled collaboration with D12's Bizarre, they spin obscure rhymes over a nice horn-driven beat. On "U Know I Love You," singer J-Sweet drops by to sing a soulful hook, I really like this track. "Home of the Brave" is an ode to Mike's hometown of Atlanta, a great crunk-influenced club banger with a good hook. "L.I.V.E." is okay but kind of slow-moving, but the heavy-crunk "Blow (Get Down)" is very enjoyable. "Sex, Drugs, Rap & Roll" is an excellent song with a heavily rock-influenced beat, and the Fass Black collaboration "Dragon" is a very unique track. The "Re-Akshon Remix" features southern heavyweights Lil' Jon, Bun B, and T.I. and turns the original "Akshon" into a hard-hitting club track. The bonus track at the end is also good, more vintage Killer Mike.



"Monster" is a great listen that I highly recommend to fans of OutKast, southern rap, and good lyrical and musical hip hop. Killer Mike may not appeal to everyone but he is a great talent and character, and his debut album displays this well. I am excited to hear more material from Killer Mike and eagerly await his next solo release. Until then, I suggest listeners pick up "Monster.""