Michael Santiago Render, famously known as Killer Mike, is a renowned American rapper and activist known for social activism on issues such as racism and police brutality. As a rapper, he made his recording debut on Outkast’s fourth album, Stankonia (2000). Speaking of wealth, Mike has generated massive success in the music industry. This isn’t surprising, given the rapper’s talent, passion, and dedication to his craft. Discover Killer Mike’s net worth, as well as his early life, music career, rise to stardom, education, personal life, and more.
Who is Killer Mike?
Killer Mike, born Michael Santiago Render on April 20, 1975, is a 49-year-old American rapper and activist from Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. He is known for his social activism on racism and police brutality. With his roots firmly planted in the South, Killer Mike finds inspiration in his hometown to produce robust and soulful music that speaks to social issues. His love of hip-hop and awareness of its political potential have helped him succeed significantly in his career as an artist, promoting equality and justice worldwide.
Mike debuted on Outkast’s fourth album, Stankonia (2000). As a rapper, he later appeared on OutKast’s Grammy-winning single “The Whole World” from their greatest hits album. Mike is the founder of Grind Time Official Records. Killer Mike has made waves in the rap scene, leaving an indelible mark on the socio-political landscape.
Killer Mike’s Biography (Early Life and Education)
Mike Killer was born Michael Santiago Render on April 20, 1975, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America. Per his birthday, he was born under the Taurus astrological sign. Michael holds American nationality, is of black ethnicity, and was raised in Christianity. He is the son of a policeman and a florist.
His grandparents raised Michael since his parents were teenagers at the time of his birth. He was raised in the Collier Heights neighborhood of Atlanta and attended Douglass High School. After graduating high school, Michael briefly attended Atlanta’s Morehouse College, where he met producers The Beat Bullies and eventually Big Boi of Outkast.
Quick Wikipedia
| Full Name | Michael Santiago Render |
| Nickname | Mike Killer |
| Gender | Male |
| Age | 49 years old |
| Date of Birth | April 20, 1975 |
| Birthplace | Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Black |
| Astrological Sign | Taurus |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Elementary School | N/A |
| High School | Douglass High School |
| University/College | Atlanta’s Morehouse College |
| Credentials | Credentials |
Career
Mike Killer stopped attending Atlanta’s Morehouse College to pursue his music career after he met producers The Beat Bullies and eventually Big Boi of Outkast in college.
On Outkast’s fourth album, Stankonia (2000), he made his recording debut. Later, he was featured on the Grammy Award-winning track “The Whole World” from their most excellent hits album, Big Boi and Dre Present… Outkast (2001). To release his debut album, Monster (2003), which garnered critical acclaim and peaked at number ten on the Billboard 200, he signed with Columbia Records and Big Boi’s Purple Ribbon Records (formerly Aquemini Records).
In 2006, he released the independent albums “I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind,” and “I Pledge to the Grind II.” In 2008, he briefly signed with T.I.’s Grand Hustle and later Williams Street Records, releasing his fourth and fifth albums, Pledge (2011) and R.A.P. Music (2012), respectively. Mike’s sixth album, Michael (2023), received widespread praise and was recognized with three Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Album.
Killer Mike’s Other Ventures
Besides Mike’s musical career, he has also ventured into acting, with roles in movies like Idlewild, Baby Driver, ATL, and America: The Motion Picture. In January 2019, he premiered his series titled “Trigger Warning with Killer Mike.” The series investigates social issues that affect black Americans. Mike also lent his voice to the character Taqu’il in the cartoon Frisky Dingo from 2006 to 2008. In 2011, Killer Mike and his spouse, Shana, launched the Graffitis SWAG barbershop, which grew to 150 locations nationwide.
Killer’s Activism
Render is recognized as a social and political activist, concentrating on issues such as institutional racism, police brutality, and social inequality. Apart from addressing related subjects in his songs, he has delivered talks at academic institutions, penned articles for magazines like Billboard, and participated in interviews concerning racial relations and police abuse.
He was an evident and outspoken supporter of Bernie Sanders during his 2016 U.S. presidential campaign. He continued to back him during his 2020 presidential campaign and declined to back Hillary Clinton after she withdrew from the contest.
Killer Mike’s Net Worth
What is Mike Killer’s net worth? Mike Killer has generated not only fame but has also earned a massive fortune from the music industry. As of this writing, Killer Mike has a net worth of $5 million, generated from his music career. The rapper’s net worth is a testament to his talent, business acumen, and dedication to his community.
In addition to his music career, Mike also accumulates some of his wealth through brand endorsements and sponsorships. Mike’s net worth is expected to grow as he continues to make music and drive his business ventures forward.
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| Salary | Under Review |
| Profession | Rapper and Activist |
Killer Mike Grammy
Killer Mike made a big impression in the rap category at the 66th Grammy Awards in 2024 by taking home Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance for Scientists & Engineers, and Best Rap Album for Michael. The artist claimed his primary win nearly 20 years after winning his first Grammy in 2003. During his acceptance speech, he said, “For all the people out there that think you get too old to rap, bullshit. I don’t give a damn if you’re 78 and rapping about how many gals you got in the nursing home; make sure we keep hip-hop alive.”
Killer Mike’s Awards
Killer Mike’s Arrest?
From thrilling performances to Taylor Swift’s historic accomplishments, the 66th Grammy Awards at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles gave viewers an incredible experience. But shortly after winning three major awards that night, rapper Michael “Killer Mike” Render was unintentionally taken into custody. According to a Hollywood reporter, the arrest of Killer Mike had nothing to do with the Grammy Awards.
An official told the publication, “At approximately 4 p.m., Killer Mike was detained at [Crypto.com Arena] for a physical altercation.” The rapper and activist was seen entering a security room and getting handcuffed as he left the L.A. arena close to the VIP entrance. Shortly afterward, he was reportedly released. Before leaving backstage, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. was also observed having a ten-to-twenty-minute chat with the rapper’s entourage and security.
Personal Life and Wife
Who is the wife of Killer Mike? Talking about Killer Mike’s wife, fans are eager to know who the rapper is married to. According to our sources, Killer Mike is married to Shana Render, a.k .a. Shay Bigga. The two lovebirds exchanged marriage vows in 2006 at a private ceremony attended by friends and families. Shana is known to be a key player in Mike Killer’s success. However, Shana has kept a low profile in the public eye. Regarding their children, Killer Mike and Shana have chosen not to discuss them with the public.
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Shana Render (m. 2006) |
| Children | Unknown |
| Height | 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm) |
| Weight | 265 lbs (120 kg) |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Eye Colour | Black |
FAQs
Killer Mike is 49 years old as of 2024.
He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.
Killer Mike hails from Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.
Mike has a net worth of $5 million.
Mike is married to Shana Killer.
Killer Mike was arrested and handcuffed at the Grammy award.
It is known that Mike was detained for a misdemeanor charge unrelated to the Grammy Awards.
Killer Mike won three Grammy awards after two decades.
