Conversate with Killer Mike

What does economic freedom actually look like?

Killer Mike, Cutmaster Swiff and Moetown Lee sit down with Abdur-Rahim Shaheed, co-founder and CEO of True Products and True Detergent, for a conversation about Black entrepreneurship, ownership, community and the power of circulating the Black dollar.

Shaheed traces his entrepreneurial mindset back to growing up in Anniston, Alabama, where Black owned businesses were part of the fabric of the community. After serving in the U.S. military during the Vietnam era, he returned home, saved his money, bought a used postal truck and started selling clothes and...

Moetown Lee addresses the controversy surrounding his comments about Toast on Lenox, the Atlanta restaurant owner photographed with gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson, and the backlash that followed.Killer Mike, Cutmaster Swiff, Bear, and Moetown break down what was actually said, what people assumed, and whether political criticism can unintentionally hurt Black owned businesses. Moetown explains that he never called for a boycott or wanted the restaurant to suffer, but stands behind his warning about politicians using businesses and community figures during campaign season.The conversation expands into support for Keisha Lance Bottoms, Black voter participation, immigration, healthcare, education, criminal...

Governor Wes Moore joins Killer Mike, Cutmaster Swiff, and Moetown Lee for a wide ranging conversation on leadership, education, economic opportunity, criminal justice, and the future of America. From growing up in the Bronx and attending military school to becoming the first Black governor in Maryland's history, Governor Moore shares the experiences that shaped his approach to public service and why he believes opportunity is the strongest tool for creating safer communities. Killer Mike challenges Governor Moore on everything from policing and youth intervention to entrepreneurship, Black wealth, rap lyrics being used in court, and the role government should...

Hip hop, culture, politics, and real life collide in another unfiltered episode of Conversate with Killer Mike. Killer Mike, Moetown Lee, and Cutmaster Swiff debate whether hip hop has lost what made it special, why albums no longer have time to become classics, and the lasting influence of OutKast, Wu Tang Clan, Dungeon Family, Three 6 Mafia, and Atlanta's music scene. The conversation then turns to listener questions, including the mysterious death of Nolan Wales, protecting Black youth, Dr. Carl Hart's views on drug policy, criminal justice, and whether adults should have the freedom to choose what they put into...

Cutmaster Swiff is back at the table, and Killer Mike and Bear waste no time welcoming him home the only way they know how: by roasting him. Swiff returns from tour with stories about life on the road, watching Big Boi command thousands of fans, altitude sickness in Colorado, emotional support animals backstage, and why veteran artists still feel the need to prove themselves every time they step on stage. The conversation quickly turns to the state of music and creativity. Killer Mike, Cutmaster Swiff, and Bear debate whether artists are waiting too long to release music, why older...

Columbia University neuroscientist, psychologist, and bestselling author Dr. Carl Hart joins Killer Mike, Bear, and Moetown Lee for a conversation that challenges assumptions and encourages critical thinking. Drawing from more than three decades of research, Dr. Hart discusses the relationship between science, public policy, personal freedom, and the way society forms opinions about some of today's most debated issues.

Killer Mike reflects on growing up in Atlanta during the height of the War on Drugs, sharing personal stories about family, addiction, and the experiences that shaped his perspective. Together, the group explores how history, race, education, media...

Tamika Younger joins Killer Mike, Bear, and Moetown Lee for a wide ranging conversation that explores Atlanta's evolution, Michael Jackson's enduring legacy, fatherhood, family, and the moments that shape who we become. From growing up in Harlem versus Atlanta to unforgettable graduation stories and the lasting impact of the 1996 Olympics, the crew reflects on how cities, communities, and families influence opportunity, identity, and success. The conversation dives into why Atlanta has become a cultural capital for Black America, what the upcoming FIFA World Cup could mean for the city, and how economic growth has transformed neighborhoods over the last...

What do outlaw country music, working class America, faith, family, and forgotten history have in common?

Singer, songwriter, and SiriusXM Outlaw Country host Elizabeth Cook joins Killer Mike, Bear, and Moetown Lee for a wide ranging conversation about growing up in rural Florida, building a career outside Nashville's system, and telling stories that history often overlooks. Elizabeth shares the inspiration behind her new album Great Television and the story of the women who died in the 1971 Thiokol plant explosion in Woodbine, Georgia, a tragedy that changed countless lives but remains largely unknown today.

The conversation...

What happens when Killer Mike reads the comments? This week, Killer Mike, Bear, Moetown Lee, and producer Ashley Weaver sit down with no guest and turn the spotlight on the audience. From accusations of hypocrisy and debates over "no snitching" to politics, religion, relationships, Atlanta culture, and conspiracy theories, nothing is off limits. Mike responds directly to critics, breaks down his views on leadership and accountability, and shares the lessons that shaped him from childhood to entrepreneurship. The conversation takes unexpected turns through cults, faith, dating, ambition, alien theories, community building, and the difference between social media perception and...

What happens when Black boys grow up without consistent mentorship, guidance, and community support? Killer Mike, Bear, and Moetown Lee sit down with Gary Davis, founder of Next Level Boys Academy, for a powerful conversation about fatherhood, mentorship, education, and the future of young Black men. From the challenges facing today's youth to the impact of absent fathers, the crew explores how communities can create real change instead of simply reacting to the problems. Gary shares the incredible story behind Next Level Boys Academy, a program that has mentored thousands of young men across Metro Atlanta while helping divert...

Killer Mike, Bear, and Moetown Lee welcome former Georgia State Senator and gubernatorial candidate Jason Esteves for a conversation about politics, power, and the future of Georgia. Mike opens the episode by addressing criticism surrounding his political involvement and explains why he believes real change happens through local organizing, community engagement, and showing up beyond social media. The crew discusses voting, political accountability, the role of public figures in civic life, and why so many working class Americans feel disconnected from the political process. Jason reflects on his campaign for governor, his decision to unite behind Keisha Lance Bottoms...

Atlanta has a new voice, and he is reporting straight from the streets. This week, Killer Mike, Cutmaster Swiff, and Bear sit down with Hood Anchor Ye, the independent journalist who has built one of the city's fastest growing news platforms by showing up where traditional media often doesn't. From crime scenes and community stories to politics, youth programs, and the future of local journalism, Ye explains how a single viral video turned into a movement trusted by thousands of Atlantans. The conversation dives into Atlanta's reputation, the rise of independent media, First Amendment rights, community responsibility, and why...

In this episode of Conversate with Killer Mike, Cutmaster Swiff, and Ashley sit down with Bear, a behind the scenes force who helped shape Atlanta’s music industry from the ground up. From cutting hair in local barbershops to working alongside icons like OutKast, Bad Boy, and some of the biggest names in hip hop, Bear’s story is a masterclass in relationships, timing, and staying solid in a business that rarely rewards it. Bear breaks down how the barbershop became a gateway into the industry, why integrity and character matter more than talent, and what it really took to b...

Killer Mike, Bear, and Cutmaster Swiff sit down with Mr. Mixx, the architect behind the Miami bass sound and a founding force of 2 Live Crew, for one of the most important conversations about Southern hip hop you will hear. Mr. Mixx breaks down how a kid from California went from the military to building a sound that would define Miami and influence the entire South. He explains how the 808 became the foundation of bass music, how early hip hop wasn’t being archived, and why Miami’s role in shaping the culture has been overlooked for decades. From learning to D...

Killer Mike, Cutmaster Swiff, and Bear sit down with Atlanta legend Devyne Stephens for a deep conversation on the real foundation of the city’s music culture. From skating rinks and dance crews to talent shows that shaped the sound, Devyne breaks down how Atlanta built its identity long before the industry ever paid attention.

Devyne shares stories from growing up in the projects, navigating street life, and making the decision to choose purpose over destruction. He opens up about discovering Akon, working with artists like Usher and Bobby Brown, and even helping shape the early style an...

In this episode of Conversate with Killer Mike, Killer Mike, Cutmaster Swiff, and Bear sit down with Atlanta farmer and food systems advocate tenisio seanima to break down the real power of land, food, and independence. tenisio shares his journey from radio DJ to leading urban agriculture in Atlanta, and why farming is one of the most powerful forms of activism in the Black community. The conversation moves from food deserts and “greenwashing” to soil health, generational knowledge, and how controlling what you eat connects directly to longevity and economic freedom. They get into practical game too. Intermittent fasting, groc...

Killer Mike, Cutmaster Swiff, and Bear sit down with Atlanta’s own Art Powell, an anti violence specialist, life skills coach, and CEO of Egret Consultants whose work is rooted in lived experience. After spending time incarcerated, Art has dedicated his life to helping young men avoid the same path, focusing on accountability, discipline, and real change in the community.

The conversation goes deep into prison, personal transformation, and what it really takes to break cycles of violence. Art speaks on training the mind and body, choosing growth over excuses, and why suffering on pu...

Killer Mike, Cutmaster Swiff, and Bear sit down for a wide open conversation that moves through Atlanta culture, real life consequences, and the way things are shifting right now. They get into what is happening in the city, including the recent 404 Day shooting, and use it as a starting point to talk about accountability, safety, and what it means to move with awareness in today’s world. The conversation does not stay surface level. Mike speaks on responsibility, community, and how quickly things can change when people are not thinking. Swiff and Bear bring their own perspectives as the di...

Killer Mike and Bear sit down with Mickey Schuch, founder of Carry Trainer, for a conversation that goes far beyond firearms. Known for his work in self defense and personal protection, Mickey has built a national platform focused on mindset, awareness, and the responsibility that comes with carrying and protecting yourself in the real world. This episode moves past surface level gun talk and gets into decision making under pressure, accountability, and what it actually means to be prepared. Mickey breaks down how most people misunderstand protection, why mindset matters more than mechanics, and how everyday choices can have...

Killer Mike, Bear, and Cutmaster Swiff sit down for a conversation rooted in the real foundation of Atlanta hip hop. This episode goes beyond the surface into the stories, relationships, and moments that helped shape the city before the spotlight hit. It is raw, unfiltered, and full of perspective from people who were actually there. Pretty Ken is not a household name, but in Atlanta, his name carries weight. A member of Attic Crew with ties to Dungeon Family and Dope Boy Fresh, Ken has been connected to key artists, crews, and moments that helped define the culture. He...

Killer Mike, Cutmaster Swiff, and Bear sit down with Shyran Blakley to tell the real story of the Sharyn Showcase and its impact on Atlanta. This wasn’t just a place for kids to hang out. It was a proving ground where young people built identity, learned how to move, and became part of something bigger than themselves.

Shyran breaks down how the Showcase gave structure, opportunity, and community at a time when Atlanta needed it. It was where relationships were formed, confidence was built, and a generation found its voice. The conversation digs into how spaces li...

Killer Mike sits down with Cutmaster Swiff, Bear, and 3D Na’Tee for a conversation rooted in respect, perspective, and truth. This episode digs into what it really means to stand on your principles while navigating the music industry, culture, and personal growth. 3D Na’Tee brings a sharp and unapologetic voice to the table, speaking on independence, integrity, and carving your own lane without compromise. The crew gets into the power of conversation itself, why understanding different viewpoints matters, and how real dialogue can move people and communities forward. From hip hop to personal responsibility to the importance of s...

Killer Mike, Cutmaster Swiff, and Bear sit down with Ben Cohen, co founder of Ben and Jerry’s, for a wide ranging conversation about business, activism, and the fight to keep values alive inside corporate America.Ben shares the origin story of how two friends started an ice cream company in a Vermont gas station and built it into one of the most recognizable brands in the world. But the real story is about what happens when a values driven company collides with corporate ownership.Mike and Ben break down the fight to restore Ben and Jerry’s independent soci...

In this Black History Month episode of Conversate with Killer Mike, the conversation expands in a powerful way.

Killer Mike, Cutmaster Swiff, Bear, and Executive Producer Ashley Weaver sit down for a wide ranging and deeply personal discussion about Black history, shared American history, identity, education, and responsibility. Ashley Weaver joins the table as the first woman featured on the show, bringing insight from behind the camera to the front of the conversation.

From Malcolm X and Marcus Garvey to Condoleezza Rice, Frederick Douglass, the Tuskegee Airmen, and Atlanta’s own legacy, the crew explores wh...

Killer Mike, Bear, and Cutmaster Swiff sit down with researcher and author Billy Carson for a conversation that moves from ancient civilizations to modern conspiracies and the nature of human consciousness.

Billy Carson breaks down theories about the pyramids of Giza, ancient temples, and whether early civilizations possessed advanced knowledge that has been lost over time. The discussion explores ancient texts from Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India that describe cosmic events, advanced beings, and knowledge of the universe long before modern science.

The table dives deep into the idea of consciousness and whether reality itself could...

Killer Mike, Cutmaster Swiff, and Bear kick this one off debating sports greatness, Hall of Fame politics, and whether media figures like Stephen A Smith give everybody the same smoke. The conversation moves from Tom Brady and Jon Jones to health, aging, discipline, and how much Americans are willing to tolerate from government power. Then the frequency shifts. Halfway through the episode, Space God da Thug drops into the studio and flips the entire vibe. Aliens. Melanin. Cloning. The Matrix. Spiritual maturity over financial literacy. Are humans paying rent on their own planet? Are Black people cosmic by design? ...

This week on Conversate with Killer Mike, Mike, Swiff, and Bear sit down with Ben Bowlin, co host of Stuff They Don't Want You To Know, for a deep dive into the conspiracies that shape Atlanta and the world. The conversation moves from the Atlanta child murders and lingering questions around Wayne Williams, to propaganda, psychological operations, and whether America has been living inside a carefully constructed bubble. They unpack government secrecy, CIA influence in Hollywood, psychic experiments, environmental corruption abroad, and the idea that a small group of elites quietly steer global systems. Then it goes cosmic. Are...

Killer Mike and Cutmaster Swiff sit down with Pimpin’ Ken for a conversation that moves far beyond headlines and controversy. In this episode, Pimpin’ Ken reflects on the end of the old pimp era and why he publicly denounced the lifestyle. The discussion expands into masculinity, emotional discipline, leadership, family structure, media influence and the psychology of relationships. What does it mean to control yourself in a world built on temptation? Why is emotional restraint the foundation of power? Can lessons from the streets translate into legitimate business, ownership and generational leadership? This is not a celebration of the past...

On this episode of Conversate with Killer Mike, Killer Mike, Bear, and Cutmaster Swiff sit down with Brian Steel, one of the most respected and principled criminal defense attorneys in America. Known for his discipline, integrity, and willingness to stand alone when the system fails, Brian Steel delivers an unflinching breakdown of why the American justice system is not just broken but engineered to prey on poverty and race. From mass incarceration and probation traps to the criminalization of rap lyrics and the erosion of First Amendment rights, this conversation goes far beyond headlines. Brian shares personal stories from...

In this episode of Conversate with Killer Mike, Killer Mike, Cutmaster Swiff, and Bear sit down with Payne Lindsey, creator of Tenderfoot TV, for a wide ranging conversation on true crime, truth seeking, and the responsibility that comes with telling real stories. Payne breaks down how a DIY podcast helped reopen a cold case, what it means to investigate crimes the system failed to solve, and how empathy, trust, and patience can lead people to reveal what they have been carrying for years. The group dives deep into the Atlanta Child Murders, Payne’s conversations with Wayne Williams, the ro...

On this episode, Teddy Swims joins Killer Mike and Bear for a wide ranging, deeply personal conversation about soul, survival, faith, fatherhood, and finding your voice.

Teddy opens up about growing up in Georgia, discovering music through church and theater, and how heartbreak, addiction, and vulnerability shaped his sound. Killer Mike connects the dots between gospel, blues, hip hop, and Southern identity, while Bear helps steer the conversation through masculinity, creativity, and what it really costs to give everything to your art.

From Pentecostal churches to touring exhaustion, from...

On this episode of Conversate, Killer Mike, Cutmaster Swiff, and Bear sit down with two of the most important architects in music history, Sleepy Brown and Ray Murray of Organized Noise.

This conversation goes far beyond hit records. Sleepy and Ray break down how Atlanta developed its own sound by blending soul, funk, live instrumentation, and hip hop when the city was still considered an outsider. They reflect on shaping the music of Outkast, Goodie Mob, TLC, and countless others while building a culture rooted in community, collaboration, and pride rather than competition.

In this episode of Conversate with Killer Mike, Killer Mike sits down with Bear and legendary criminal defense attorneys Marc Wasserman and Craig Wasserman, better known as the Pot Brothers at Law, for one of the most important conversations you can have about your rights. What starts with the now-iconic phrase “Shut the F*** Up” turns into a deep, practical breakdown of how police encounters really work, why silence is often your strongest protection, and how everyday people unknowingly give away their constitutional rights. Marc and Craig walk through real cases, personal family stories, cannabis law battles, and the orig...

The crew closes out the year the only way they know how with honesty, humor, reflection, and real conversation. Killer Mike, Cutmaster Swiff, and Bear sit down for a wide ranging year end wrap up that touches politics, culture, fatherhood, mental health, Atlanta culture, and the moments that defined their year both on and off the mic.

From powerful reflections on fatherhood and legacy to conversations about discipline, growth, community, and what Atlanta continues to mean to Black excellence, the trio revisits standout episodes, unforgettable guests, and the lessons that stayed with them. Along the way, they...

Killer Mike sits down with AD and Pun for a wide ranging conversation about ownership, culture, comedy, and responsibility in the podcast era. Joined by Bear, the group breaks down how real friendships and lived experience translate on camera, why protecting the culture matters more than chasing clicks, and how turning chaos into content can be both profitable and purposeful. From West Coast politics to Southern perspective, fatherhood, mental health, and the long memory of the internet, this episode is an unfiltered look at how AD and Pun built a platform rooted in integrity, humor, and community while navigating...

Killer Mike, Cutmaster Swiff, Bear, and Country Boi Mike settle in for a wide ranging, unfiltered conversation that moves effortlessly from laughter to life lessons. The crew reacts to listener comments, debates motivation and self improvement, and reflects on the moments that force people to either stay stuck or level up. Country Boi Mike brings perspective from small town Georgia and the leap into creative work, while Killer Mike opens up about growth, faith, marriage, and the importance of having real friends who can challenge you and still have your back. As always, the table blends humor, honesty, and...

In this powerful episode of Conversate with Killer Mike, Los Angeles storyteller and cultural disruptor Glasses Malone sits down with Killer Mike, Cutmaster Swiff, and Bear for a masterclass in truth telling. Together they break down the art of narrative control, the real history behind West Coast culture, the morality of the streets, the legacy of Tupac, and how misunderstood moments in hip hop shaped entire generations. Glasses explains the purpose behind his most provocative work, shares the full story of his fallout with Vlad, and talks about transforming gang life, brotherhood, art, and masculinity into tools for empowerment...

Akbar Pray is a Newark native whose life spans the worlds of addiction, organized crime, and profound personal transformation. Known in his early years for his intelligence and ability to organize people, he became a major figure in the drug economy before being sentenced to life in federal prison. Inside, he rebuilt his purpose by teaching financial literacy, public speaking, and leadership to young incarcerated men while creating programs that spread across multiple facilities. Since coming home he has devoted his life to community work, mentorship, and challenging the systems that criminalize Black youth while advocating for real paths...

Killer Mike sits down with the Birdman himself, Tony Hawk, for a powerful, funny, and surprisingly emotional conversation about grit, reinvention, and the culture that shaped them both. With Bear and Cutmaster Swiff in the mix, they dig into Tony’s childhood as an outsider, getting bullied for skating, finding identity at the skate park, the birth of skate culture, and what it really took to become the most iconic name in the sport. Tony talks about building his career through failure, the long road to the 900, the video game that changed his life, and the responsibility he feels to...

Grandmaster Sijo Muhammad joins Killer Mike, Cutmaster Swiff, and Bear for one of the most profound conversations ever held at the table. Sijo takes the crew through his incredible journey, from surviving sharecropping in Mississippi to forging the Black Karate Federation and training with legends like Bruce Lee and Dan Inosanto. He breaks down the science of fighting, the discipline that shapes the mind, and the spiritual foundation behind true mastery. The crew digs into history, nation building, street survival, Black excellence, and the warriors who shaped our communities. This episode is a living archive of wisdom, legacy, discipline...