When most real fans think of Killer Mike, there’s one key thing that should come to mind. Not his affiliation with Outkast (namely Big Boi) nor his very notable verse on Bonecrusher’s “Never Scared.” Not the fact that he’s down with Grand Hustle or has ties to some of the best artists in this generation. It’s the fact that he makes raw unpoetic music that bangs but also possesses a message. Whether you talk about “That’s Life,” “Ric Flair” or “Big Beast,” his catalog stretches wide and deep and continues to grow yearly as he stays constant on his grind.

As a veteran in this rap game, he continues to show love to all sorts of artists, new or old, upcoming or established. From being one of the first to show Pill some love (years before “Trap Goin’ Ham”) to working with Ice Cube on his criminally slept-on Pledge II project. Even on tour, he’s on the road with EL-P, an underground legend in this business, Mr. MFN Exquire and Despot. The diversity and effort just never ceases.

Speaking to Sermon’s Domain in Seattle at Neumos, Killer Mike spoke on why he chose to make “That’s Life,” linking up with Trouble for “Big Beast,” announces the title of his next album (and promises a Pledge IV), speaks on his barbershop in the Southern ATL area and more. Full synopsis below.

What led him to create “That’s Life” (0:18)
Why he decided to make a part two and if he’ll do future installments (0:49)
His favorite Ric Flair moment (1:09)
How he decided to put Trouble on the hook of “Big Beast” (1:57)
The likelihood of him and EL-P doing another album together (2:46)
Announces title of his next album: The Elegant Elephant. Also, why he is using that title (3:10)
Discusses his Graffiti Swag Barbershop in Atlanta (3:29)
Where he sees the world going with all the negative changes and if we could turn it around (4:15)
If he’d rather have a feature with Eminem or a beat produced by Dr. Dre (5:31)
An update on the supergroup he formed with Big Boi and Pill (6:02)