Killer Mike Discusses Racism and the Origins of His Name In New Interview

Killer Mike has proven himself to be an important voice in hip-hop and politics. The Run The Jewels rapper has been vocal about his views on police brutality and race relations in America. Now, Mike has stopped by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to discuss these issues further. The Atlanta rapper also discussed the origins of his rap name.

When asked how white Americans could help to bridge the racial gap, Mike responded that change needed to come from the youth. Killer Mike believes students who mentor those of other races or backgrounds would be more tolerant and less alienated. He also encouraged students to research Jane Elliot's "The Blue & Brown Eye Experiment."

"White people who are watching, Google 'Jane Elliott,'" Killer Mike said. "She has an experiment called 'The Blue & Brown Eye Experiment.' I encourage you all just to simply watch that. Cause it'll actually grow you...If white people are just now discovering that it's bad for black people or working class people in America, they're a lot more blind than I thought. And they're a lot more, choosing to be ignorant than I thought. The same problems that we're discussing today, we discussed in 1990, 1980, 1970, and 1960. And until we call a spade a spade, and we say that this problem is coming from conditions that we're creating or allowing to happen, as a white group of people who hold a certain amount of power.

"The message that I preach to white kids that are in Tallahassee," he added. "That are in Atlanta, Georgia Tech. That are in places like New York is get out of the college environment. Find a child that is marginal or doing exceptional in school, who's a minority, who doesn't look like you...Help that child matriculate into college...Teach them the path you were taught to help them become a successful human being."

Killer Mike also mentioned that his rap name originated from a battle in Atlanta. Mike says he did so well that others in the group labeled him a "killer."

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