Killer Mike to Give Free Speech Speech at University of Richmond

Three-time Grammy Award-winning rapper and activist Michael Santiago Render, better known as Killer Mikewill be a keynote speaker at an upcoming discussion on the future of free speech, hosted by University of Richmond.

Co-moderated by UR liberal arts professor Erik Nielson, Crazy skills and journalist Bonnie Newman-DavisThe panel will explore the current state of free speech in the U.S. and what the future holds, with a focus on issues such as ideological divisions, censorship, and the criminalization of hip-hop culture. Nielson said the event aims to address the challenges of promoting meaningful dialogue in today’s polarized climate.

“It is about taking a close look at the current state of freedom of speech and freedom of expression” Nielson told the Richmond Times Dispatch“One of the things that’s increasingly troubling me is how much people are retreating into ideological silos, avoiding conversations with those who hold opposing views. When people stop engaging with perspectives they disagree with, we lose the opportunity to have healthy, productive discussions about the most pressing issues of our time. There’s a growing disconnect, and it’s something we need to address if we’re going to move forward as a society.”

Nielson has worked closely with Killer Mike for more than a decade, particularly examining the way rap music has been criminalized. Their collaboration is part of a broader academic focus at UR, where courses on hip-hop and its cultural impact have become increasingly common. “Rap music has long been a target of criminalization and reflects broader social issues around race, identity, and power,” Nielson added.

Killer Mike, who rose to fame thanks to his appearance in Outkast Stankonia and later with his solo albums, he became a prominent voice in both music and activism. In addition to his musical career, which includes the critically acclaimed Run for the jewels albums, is known for his outspokenness on issues such as systemic racism, social inequality, and police brutality. His latest solo album, Michael (2023), won three Grammy Awards and solidified his position as a leader in both the music industry and social movements.

In addition to Killer Mike, the panel will feature the authors Mike Curatowhose graphic novel Incendiary is often banned for being perceived as sexually explicit, ACLU lawyer Emerson Sykesand George Washington University law professor Mary Anne Franks. The discussion will also cover the growing number of book bans in the U.S., a trend Nielson finds particularly troubling.

“Book bans are just another example of the dangers of restricting free speech,” Nielson said. “Curato’s work is often targeted, and the way books are being removed from schools and libraries is part of a larger cultural and political shift toward restricting what people can read and think about. Universities, in particular, should be places where these debates happen—where diverse perspectives are encouraged, not silenced. I hope this panel helps to demonstrate that: the importance of speaking up, listening to, and engaging with difficult ideas, especially in the run-up to another contentious election.”

The panel discussion will take place on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Modlin Art CenterCamp Concert Hall. The event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. HERE

Photo by Dan Medhurst