Michael “Killer Mike” Render of Run The Jewels will be recognized with the first-ever “Change Maker Award” as part of the 2020 Billboard Music Awards, which will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Wednesday night.
As per the announcement shared by event organizers this week, the new award category of the long-running pop music award show award will recognize a selected artist or group that speaks truth to power through their music and celebrity. Render will be presented with the award by Atlanta mayor Keisha Bottoms.
Render has been an outspoken advocate on a number of progressive sociopolitical issues in recent years, and has acted as an ambassador of the music community and unofficial spokesperson for issues ranging from police reform to cannabis to wealth inequality and healthcare.
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“This award highlights and recognizes the attributes of a true social justice warrior in the field of music who has made exemplary strides to lead the community in positive changemaking advocacy,” said Billboard Music Awards consulting producer Datwon Thomas. “In partnership with a diverse committee of colleagues at MRC and our cultural inclusion committee, BLAC, we selected Killer Mike for his contributions to the current movement and culture and his tangible efforts to make national and grassroots change.”
Run The Jewels also returned to the headlines earlier this year with the free release of their RTJ4 studio album back on June 3rd. The album’s sudden and early arrival over the summer came at a time when much of the country had been thrust into even more emotional uncertainty as protests focused on strengthening race relations flooded streets of major American cities.
I’m humbled to be the inaugural recipient of the @BBMAs Change Maker Award and to be presented with this honor by Atlanta’s Mayor @KeishaBottoms. Tune-in Wednesday at 8/7c on NBC! #BBMAs
Love and Respect to those that #PlotPlanStategizeOrganizeMobilize on the daily pic.twitter.com/riZzL371bp— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) October 12, 2020
I been an active activist since i was 15 years old. I was trained in organizing by #JamesOrange of the SCLC he was a friend and co organize with MLK. I just wanna appreciate all he taught me in my deeds and actions! https://t.co/iufF11lsBz pic.twitter.com/H43fFaE5Su
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) September 17, 2020
[H/T Billboard]
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