KILLER MIKE & THE MIGHTY MIDNIGHT REVIVAL
@ THE DANFORTH MUSIC HALL, TORONTO
JULY 7, 2024
Killer Mike – perhaps now best known as half of Run The Jewels – is truly in the midst of an exciting chapter within his career. Last year, he released his highly anticipated sixth solo album, Michael, an album that would feature the likes of André 3000, Future, 2 Chainz, and Dave Chappelle. Since then, the record swept the rap category at this year’s Grammy Awards. Given the circumstances, The Down By Law Tour featuring The Mighty Midnight Revival and support feels like a victory lap, especially with his headlining performance at The Danforth Music Hall, Killer’s Mike’s first solo show in Toronto since 2013.
Backed by Trackstar The DJ and a collective of five vocalists, Killer Mike took the stage to a nearly sold-out room. In an opening that felt more reminiscent of a ‘60s R&B revue, the backing vocalist walked onto stage first to the sound of classic soul, creating a sense of fanfare as the excitement boiled over for Killer Mike to walk out, kicking off his set with “Down By Law”. Killer Mike’s vocals demand your attention. His tone is as commanding and militant as his lyrics. It was such a presence that, for the next hour and a half, he expressed vulnerability, political prose, humility, and the utmost appreciation. His set continued with “Shed Tears”, “Run”, “Nrich”, and “Talkin’ That Shit”. From the very beginning, it was made clear that The Down By Law Tour was a celebration of Michael, and by opening with the album’s first five tracks in succession, it was clear that such celebration was necessary.
MICHAEL ALBUM REVIEW
What perhaps made the night so special was how unique of a rap show it was. For starters, the backing vocals were exceptional and allowed for the heavy gospel tones of Michael to come through in a live setting in a manner that was as thrilling as it was virtuosic. Everything the quintet did – the harmonies, the pop-infused vocal slides, the larger-than-life cadences – brought a rich and lush sense of fullness to the performance that otherwise would have been lacking had they been replaced with a backing track. Furthermore, Killer Mike took multiple moments to elaborate on the narratives to his songs, often taking the chance to highlight various social and political issues that were themes in not only his life, but countless others as well. It was such moments that enhanced his lyrical flows on “Slummer” and “Motherless”. Killer Mike would perform Michael in its entirety, with “Don’t Let The Devil” and “Scientist & Engineers” among the highlights, while also taking the opportunity to reach into has back catalogue to perform “Kryptonite”, “Kill Jill”, “Never Scared”, “Reagan”, and “Ric Flair”.
The Down By Law Tour truly marks a point of culmination. Killer Mike stands proud as the perpetual underdog, a champion among the underground, someone who self-admittedly thought his career was over. Michael was a triumph among the genre, its sweep at the Grammys brought a level of recognition beyond hip-hop, and now, Killer Mike continues to prove his prowess as a lyricist and MC nightly on tour. If anything, his Toronto stop at the Danforth Music Hall proved that we should always bet on the tenacious and relentless underdogs.
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