Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival, Songs For Sinners And Saints

Even in a career teeming with game-changing records, *MICHAEL* meant a lot to Killer Mike. The critically acclaimed and award-winning album capped off an already impressive discography rooted in Atlanta artistry and augmented by the raw power of his duo Run The Jewels. Naturally, a project as profound and resonant as that 2023 full-length left many eager to hear more from him in this soulful yet unrestrained mode. Thankfully, roughly a year later comes *Michael & the Mighty Midnight Revival, Songs for Sinners and Saints*. No matter where one entered Killer Mike fandom, there’s something here for any and all of his listeners (albeit less for those craving RTJ’s signature sonic maximalism). Dungeon Family devotees will catch an immediate blast of that ATL energy within seconds of “BUSSIN BRICKS INTRO,” boasting production by no less than Outkast’s longtime DJ Cutmaster Swiff. Living up to the essence of this titular revival, gospel-infused cuts like “HAD TO GO GET IT” and the deeply reflective “LORD PREPARE ME” harken back to similar moments on his semi-eponymous prior album. Religious themes bleed through the soul-trap rattle of “SLUMMER 4 JUNKIES,” Mike’s confessional verses and Bishop Andrew Potter’s intercessions elevating the 10-minute centerpiece with the awesome power of a Sunday sermon. While the guest list doesn’t specifically mirror the artistic largesse of *MICHAEL*, the tightly curated feature selection here suits the setting undeniably well. Building on its companion’s “TALK’N THAT SHIT!,” fellow Southerners Key Glock and Project Pat add that Memphis seasoning to the Twhy x DJ Paul blend “STILL TALK’N THAT SHIT.” Blxst and Offset emphasize the gravity of the hustle on “EXIT 9 (SCENIC ROUTE)” while R&B fixture Anthony Hamilton gives a stirring performance on “NOBODY KNOWS.”