By Daniel Paiz

Killer Mike & The Midnight Revival bring church and rhymes to Denver in a way only Michael Render can. The Atlanta emcee brought along five fantastic singers and together with Track Star the DJ had the Ogden Theater saying “Amen!” Mike’s most recent projects Michael (2023) and Songs For Sinners And Saints (2024) were the primary focus, although Mr. Render can’t help but throw in tunes from all over his discography. For roughly a 90-minute set, tonight was packed with reflection, renewal, and good ole fun. Seeing this project in real life was better than advertised.

An opener of sorts

Track Star the DJ, the long-time Run the Jewels tour DJ and Killer Mike collaborator broke the night off with musical selections to warm things up. Tunes spanned various eras and felt like elevator music for a Rap show, and that’s meant with the warmest regards. This evening didn’t need another artist as an opener, and going this route was the right option. This had the makings of a community gathering, with a very open and inviting nature of the evening. Kudos to Track Star for setting the tone.

ATL in the house

Track Star the DJ stands behind his turntable set-up. Five singers walk over to their respective microphone stands, four ladies and one fellow ready to belt out some notes. The stage is set, the feeling of a community performance is upon the crowd, and Killer Mike enters to raucous cheers and applause. The veteran emcee talks to the crowd a bit before starting the show.

These singers grab your attention right away. Not because Killer Mike and Track Star aren’t doing their thing, but because these talented folks are adding such a layer of sound, soul, and richness to the performance. As Mike so aptly pointed out, bringing this choir along makes the samples on the songs sound real.

“Run”, “Exit 9”, “Something for Junkies”, and many more all sounded like versions unheard of until this performance. “Shed Tears” might have been the highlight from the Michael album this evening. A few times it sounded like this show was in Atlanta and not Denver due to these singers.

Other career-defining tracks such as “Kill Jill” with Big Boi and Jeezy, and the politically charged “Reagan” made their appearances as well to the delight of many. There wasn’t a track tonight that was ill-received. The entire set had the feeling of familiarity between performer and fans, to the glee of Mike as he thanked the crowd numerous times in between songs and anecdotes.

A point of resolution during this set was how Mike and his music sounds like a voice of reason. The messaging around news, politics, and more is more and more contentious with fearmongering the flavor of the day. The emcee before this crowd reminded people that what’s important is to be there for your community, your family, and yourself. It’s also important to take action in doing so.

To vote isn’t just because of what others did to ensure that right; rather, voting is one part of the solution. Running for office, community engagement, holding representatives and law enforcement accountable–these things and more are all vital for change to happen.

Nothing worth it is easy, and that focus on taking care of oneself and others happens by way of these steps. Laughing to avoid crying more is part of it, too. When an artist can deliver an evening that gives you something to ponder and reflect on, and it’s not just in an existential sense, that artist did their job. Killer Mike & the Midnight Revival brought some faith into this church of music.