An artist’s creed is always defined by his persistence and determination, being able to overcome obstacles and boundaries that keep them from achieving their ultimate goal. Their respect for the grind and the hustle are serious elements within their growth and progression in the careers that they take ever-so seriously.

ATL MC, formerly Killer Mike, who recently changed his stage moniker to Mike Bigga, has provided proof of that creed and elemental consistency through the years of workprint he’s put into his music and with that, no one can tell him any different. With a plethora of singles and features under his belt including an amazing debut and the first installment to his original ‘I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind,’ the music literally or lyrically speaks for itself. Through the assistance of Grind Time Official, he was able to release the second installment to his ‘I Pledge of Allegiance to the Grind’ in 2008, just two years after the initial release. And not even a year later, Mike was officially picked up by T.I.’s Grand Hustle label and quickly released his most recent studio LP ‘Underground Atlanta.’

As of now, he is in a league of his own with many more material yet to be released. This is the exclusive interview with the infamous ATL MC, Killer Mike.

24: First and foremost, what is going on as of late with ATL’s own Killer Mike?

Killer Mike: ‘Underground Atlanta,’ pushing and promoting.

24: Before we get into your music, can you give a brief description into the makings of Killer Mike? Everybody has their humble beginnings.

Killer Mike: Born to teenage parents, raised by my grandparents, extremely smart kid who loved the streets, attended Morehouse on an academic scholarship, dropped out to do music. The biography is coming out on 2011.

24: How long have you been in music before OutKast or even before the world knew who you were?

Killer Mike: It feels like I’ve been doing music since I came out my mother, been talking in rhyme out the womb.Can’t remember a time when I wasn’t trying to rap, sing, dance or entertain.

24: I’ve heard a lot of artists in the game tell me that when they sit down to write a song, they hear the beat, they say the beat talks to them and tells them what to write, does that same theory for you or do you follow a different pattern?

Killer Mike: The beat usually tells you what to write or it can, but sometimes I have an idea or concept in my head but it’s all about finding a beat that matches that concept or that emotion.

24: In the time span of almost six years, you’ve released over 3 albums with two more on the way, one recent being a double disc, do you constantly stay recording in the studio and how would you describe your music ethics?

Killer Mike: I do everything in spurts.I’m a performer first, so I don’t like to only be recording.I try to do 3 hard months of recording and 3 hard months of performing.

24: As a matter of fact, that upcoming double disc album entitled ‘Underground Atlanta,’ has that been confirmed for release and if so, what do you plan on incorporating into that content wise?

Killer Mike: It’s released; it’s the number 10 Rap album in the country. I’ve been promoting this album through barbeques, parties and barbershops, the old fashioned way.

24: Can you define your meaning behind the interesting title ‘I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind’ and why it holds such significance to you?

Killer Mike: The grind means to ‘Get Rich Independently and the non-profit side is Getting Resources Into Neighborhoods Directly.’When you pledge allegiance, you pledge allegiance to yourself and self determination.

24: I know fans have been wondering the situation with you and Big Boi that led to your departure of Purple Ribbon; can you explain to them what exactly happened that caused the rapid stir?

Killer Mike: Hit Big Boi on twitter and ask him (laughs).But seriously, we’re good from my side.I have nothing but appreciation for him and 3000.

24: And now Killer Mike is with a new label, how did the whole situation with Grand Hustle and T.I. occur?

Killer Mike: Killer Mike is w/Grind Time Official/Grand Hustle and that happened because T.I. gave me an opportunity to expand my business and to partner with him.I’m glad I have that opportunity and he recognized and respects that grind and that hustle in me. Free the King!

24: When can we expect the third installment to ‘I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind’ to hit shelves through Grind Time and Grand Hustle?

Killer Mike: ‘I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind 3’ and ‘16 In the Kitchen’ will both come out in 2010.

24: How do the fans go about contacting you?

Killer Mike: On Twitter.com/Killer_Mike.Also, Mike Bigga’s twitter page is coming soon.

24: Thank you for providing 24hourhiphop.com with this exclusive interview with the one and only Killer Mike, do you have any last words before we close out? Shout Outs?

Killer Mike: Mike Bigga, It’s Bigga.

Here is the Behind Scenes Clip from the ‘I’mma Fool Wit It’ Video Shoot featuring Big Kuntry King: