Michael Santiago Render, known as Killer Mike, is an American rapper, singer, and activist born in 1975. He emerged on the music scene with Outkast, appearing on their Grammy-winning single "The Whole World." His 2003 debut album Monster earned critical praise and reached the top ten of the Billboard 200. After releasing two albums independently, he joined T.I.’s Grand Hustle and later Williams Street, releasing the acclaimed R.A.P. Music. In 2013, Killer Mike teamed up with El-P to form the influential duo Run the Jewels. Together, they released four highly praised albums and received a Grammy nomination for "Chase Me" with Danger Mouse. In 2023, his album Michael won three Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Album. Beyond music, Killer Mike is known for his outspoken activism on social justice issues, notably supporting Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaigns and speaking out on topics like police brutality and systemic racism. He has appeared in films, created the Netflix series Trigger Warning with Killer Mike, and hosts the Emmy-winning PBS show Love and Respect.