Rapper Killer Mike is known for being outspoken about politics. Specifically, he is known for relatively progressive views.
For example, he consistently speaks out against mass incarceration. Similarly, he regularly talks about the dangers posed by police. And he is also known for speaking out about the harm caused by the war on drugs.
Most recently, he participated in a forum on free speech. During the event, Killer Mike discussed the growing trend of cannabis decriminalization. And according to Killer Mike, it’s not just political activists that deserve credit for catalyzing this trend. The way he sees it, there is also a long tradition of rappers and other musicians who have spurred progressive change on the marijuana front.
Killer Mike on the Decriminalization of Marijuana
Killer Mike’s remarks came as part of a discussion hosted by the Washington Post. The panel he was on was titled “Artistic Expression and The First Amendment.”
At different points in the conversation, Killer Mike discussed problems with the U.S. legal system. Specifically, he talked about things like the over-policing of the U.S. in general. Even more, he focused on the over-policing of poor communities and communities of color.
Similarly, he also spoke about some of the dangers posed by the ongoing war on drugs.
But he didn’t just talk about problems. He also spoke about some of the people and events that have helped produce positive change.
On the topic of the war on drugs, Killer Mike talked briefly about the decriminalization of marijuana. In particular, he highlighted the way that a growing number of places around the country are moving in that direction.
Obviously, the rapper sees this as a productive and necessary trend. But he also voiced some concern over how the general public understands the efforts that lead to decriminalization and legalization. Basically, Killer Mike said it’s important to give credit where credit is due.
Recognizing the Work of Rappers and Other Musicians
As he talked about the movement to change drug-related laws, Killer Mike turned his focus to the role rappers have played in catalyzing decriminalization.
“We know that with national decriminalization of marijuana now, a lot of people are going to get credit for it,” the rapper said. “A lot of activists, a lot of workers.”
He continued: “But I can show you a line that leads straight back to Cypress Hill, that leads straight back to Snoop Dogg, that leads straight back to people like Rick James.”
From there, Killer Mike continued to highlight some of the problems that could arise if these types of cultural players are overlooked.
“If it’s not duly acknowledged publicly—if the media isn’t pushing the line of that narrative, if the media isn’t giving us that freedom, if the media treats rappers differently than they do country artists, then you’re going to see a galvanization of . . . the prejudices that we already see,” he said.
You can watch the full panel discussion at the Washington Post’s website. And you can check out the specific clip of Killer Mike talking about rappers and decriminalization at XXL.