Killer Mike

I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind II

SMC Recordings

Rating: 3.5/4

“This is not your regular rap album.” While most rap albums set the mood by expressing how many hoes they’ve got, how many niggas they’ve shot or how high their stacks are, Killer Mike starts the show by letting his supporters (he doesn’t have fans) know that their $15 won’t be wasted. He assures them that I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind II is fa

r from another bullshit experience and urges listeners to pledge allegiance to themselves and most importantly: the grind. Killer Mike doesn’t deviate from the aggressive southern swag that he’s known for. “Two Sides” featuring Shawty Lo is the quintessential “where you from?” track with an addictive and animated hook custom-made for a live performance. “Pressure” featuring Ice Cube is the antithesis of the tomfoolery often associated with the Dirty South and West Coast and urges folks to “put the pressure on em” to make a change. Other standout tracks include “Big Money, Big Cars” with a Youngbloodz flip and the secular “God is in the Building.” Hands down my favorite track had to be “Super Clean/Super Hard” featuring 8Ball & MJG.  If you don’t pop your collar at least once while listening to this track, I suggest you get a notepad, Netflix The Mack, buy a dub sack, and start taking notes. This lyrically ferocious and often underrated Outkast affiliate presents a multifaceted album that makes you think, dance and grind. I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind II supplies more than the recommended daily value of dope-ass hip-hop. It’s worth the $15 to buy organic.