Killer Mike at Showbox Market

Killer Mike took us to church this past week at Seattle’s Showbox Market and it did not disappoint. While his new show was slightly less bombastic than the in-your-fac sounds of Run the Jewels, Mike’s new solo, High & Holy tour, in support of his album Michael, offers an exciting, gospel rich performance that leaned into stories of upbringing which served as a platform to speak on themes related working class folk and doing good.

Entering the stage dressed in all white accompanied by an ensemble of gospel singers, Killer Mike greeted the audience with his classic smile and arms outstretched before jumping into the first track, “Down By Law.” The performance featured plenty of songs from the album, from high energy bangers such as, “Spaceship Views,” to slower choir jams like, “Shed Tears.” Like sunshine through stained glass windows, Killer Mike‘s choir helped evoke those feel-good emotions of a warm, southern church experience.

One highlight that had the crowd roar with laughter was midway through the set when Mike announced, “Ya’ll thought you were going to a rap concert and instead we tricked you into goin’ to church!” What makes this tour particularly memorable is Mike’s dedication to building a positively focused community everywhere he goes. The tracks on the album and live setlist embrace the good, the bad, and the ugly of our identity as a society. It both acknowledges the good work that has been done while simultaneously ignites a fire to keep fighting the good fight. Well done, Mike.

Photos and words by Eric Tra