We’re so used to tight suits, manicured skits, and cookie cutter questions when it comes to talk shows; that the audacity to be real is practically a physical assault to the senses.
This week Killer Mike touched down to the Y.O. and, with help of Martell, turned the ignition to a new kind of talk show. There was no hard set agenda on treading over boundaries, or being “raw” for the sake of it, instead, Mike provided honesty and comfort to his guests. After an invigorated performance, Princess Nokia spoke about her connections to Puerto Rican Brujeria culture in an inviting atmosphere that would’ve not been brought about without Killer Mike’s touch.
The realness and Martell Blue Swift continued to pour as Mike shared his experience having gay uncles with Big Freedia and praised her for being an outspoken and loud voice for young children spread across the globe. He gave Javier Ninja the pulpit to encourage kids to not shy away from, but rather take on and cultivate their uniqueness through rigorous practice. Charli XCX was invited to share her pleasure in bucking against what her label expects of her, allowing herself to be lead first by artistic innovation.
What remains a clear memory is how Killer Mike refrained from playing a character, choosing to be himself with equal intensity in and out of frame. We were not sold products or made to submit to celebrities postering future projects, rather we were made guest to real conversations among Mike and his guests. It’s bold, beautiful, and a bane to the age of influence being stitched to a brand deal.
You can catch episode one right below, but be sure to tune in live when episode 2 rolls around.
