Killer Mike: The African-American Community Must Be Strong for America to Thrive
*By Chloe Aiello*
Rapper, entertainer, and activist Michael Santiago Render, a.k.a Killer Mike, is helping rival gangs, the Bloods and the Crips, start rival soda brands ー and he says there's no shame in that.
"For people who find some horror in that, because gangs or street fraternities will be selling soda, I'd like you to think very seriously about the fact that the sugar in soda kills far more people than guns and gangs," said Render, who is half of hip hop duo Run the Jewels.
That conceit ー that outlandish stunts can lead to teachable moments ー is the basis for Render's new show, "Trigger Warning with Killer Mike," on Netflix.
In the episode "White Gang Privilege," Render helps the two gangs develop their own beverages ー "Crip-a-Cola" and "Blood Pop" ー so they can sell their products legally.
"We have for the last 50 years, two warring factions called the Crips and the Bloods that I think we should take that competition in the fair market ー put it in the real world with a real product," he said. "And see if that competition that once led to crime and violence and death can be used to lead to prosperity and jobs."
It's all part of Render's broader mission to economically strengthen the black community ー because when the African-American community is strong, so is America, he said.
"In New York, when Harlem was strong, all of New York was stronger. In Atlanta, when Edgewood and Auburn are strong, the greater community was stronger," Render added.
Render is known almost as much for his politics as he is for his music. The rapper stumped for Sen. Bernie Sanders in the run-up to the 2016 election, and he said he'd support the progressive senator from Vermont again, should he decide to run.
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/killer-mike-dishes-out-his-unconventional-ideas-to-fix-society-in-new-netflix-series).
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