What is Killer Mike’s Net Worth?

Killer Mike is an American rapper, activist, entrepreneur, and political commentator who has a net worth of $6 million. Killer Mike is best known as one-half of the hip-hop duo “Run the Jewels” alongside producer El-P. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has balanced powerful lyricism with outspoken advocacy on race, class, and economic inequality. Rising to fame in the early 2000s through collaborations with OutKast and later as a solo artist, Killer Mike earned critical acclaim for his commanding voice and politically charged themes. His partnership in “Run the Jewels” produced one of modern hip-hop’s most respected catalogs, blending socially conscious lyrics with hard-hitting production. Beyond music, he has become a respected activist, business owner, and public speaker, using his platform to champion Black entrepreneurship, community empowerment, and criminal justice reform.

Early Life

Michael Santiago Render was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended Frederick Douglass High School before enrolling at Morehouse College, where he began developing his rap persona and performing at local venues. His upbringing in a politically engaged household and exposure to Atlanta’s thriving hip-hop culture shaped both his musical ambitions and his commitment to social issues.

Music Career

Killer Mike made his major-label debut in 2000 with a guest verse on OutKast’s “Snappin’ & Trappin'” from the album “Stankonia.” He gained further recognition in 2002 with a standout appearance on the Grammy-winning single “The Whole World,” which solidified his reputation as a formidable lyricist. That same year, he released his debut solo album “Monster,” featuring the hit single “A.D.I.D.A.S.” with Big Boi and Sleepy Brown. The record introduced him as one of the leading voices in Southern hip-hop.

In the years that followed, he released a string of acclaimed independent projects, including “I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind” and “PL3DGE.” His 2012 album “R.A.P. Music” (short for “Rebellious African People’s Music”), produced entirely by El-P, was praised for its fierce political commentary and gritty sound. The collaboration between the two artists proved so successful that they formed a full-time partnership soon after.

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Run the Jewels

In 2013, Killer Mike and El-P launched “Run the Jewels,” releasing their debut self-titled album as a free download. The project quickly attracted a massive following for its mix of explosive production, biting humor, and sociopolitical edge. The duo followed up with “Run the Jewels 2” in 2014, “Run the Jewels 3” in 2016, and “RTJ4” in 2020, all of which earned universal critical acclaim. Tracks like “Close Your Eyes (And Count to F***),” “Legend Has It,” and “Walking in the Snow” became modern protest anthems.

“Run the Jewels” has since become one of the most respected names in hip-hop, touring globally and collaborating with artists across genres. Their work has appeared in films, commercials, and video games, helping redefine the possibilities of politically engaged rap in the 21st century.

Activism and Business Ventures

Outside of music, Killer Mike is an outspoken activist and entrepreneur. He owns several barbershops in Atlanta under the SWAG Shop brand and is a strong advocate for financial literacy and local business development in Black communities. He gained national attention for his impassioned speeches during protests in Ferguson and Atlanta, urging both justice and constructive civic engagement.

Killer Mike has also been a vocal supporter of progressive politics, campaigning for Bernie Sanders in the 2016 and 2020 presidential primaries. His 2019 Netflix series “Trigger Warning with Killer Mike” explored issues of systemic inequality, culture, and race through provocative social experiments.

Awards and Legacy

Killer Mike has earned multiple awards throughout his career, including Grammy wins with both OutKast and as a solo artist. His 2024 album “Michael” earned him three Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song, cementing his status as one of hip-hop’s most respected voices.

As both an artist and activist, Killer Mike has built a legacy defined by authenticity, conviction, and community leadership. Whether through music, public speaking, or business, he continues to use his platform to challenge systems of inequality and inspire empowerment from the ground up.

Real Estate

In October 2016, Killer Mike paid $390,000 for a 3,000-square-foot home in Atlanta, Georgia. Today, this home is worth around $600,000. In a 2020 interview with GQ, Mike claimed to own $2 million worth of commercial real estate in Atlanta.