That Time Killer Mike Smoked Weed — and Got Behind Bernie Sanders

Image by Twitter: WPJohnWagner

By Maia Efrem January 18, 2016

Have you watched the Bernie Sanders-Killer Mike love story unfold over the last few months and wondered how on earth an Atlanta rapper became so engrossed and active in Sander’s presidential campaign?

Well, the magic formula may be joint + tweets = Feeling the Bern.

Talking with reporters ahead of Sunday night’s Democratic debate, Killer Mike addressed questions about the inspiration behind his backing Sanders, and he answered in the best way possible, “smoking a joint and reading his tweets,” he quipped.

The rapper has whole heartedly endorsed Sanders, in the fall and sitting down for a one-on-one interview with the Vermont senator from Brooklyn.

.@KillerMike on how he ended up supporting Bernie Sanders: “Smoking a joint and reading his tweets.” #DemDebate pic.twitter.com/UszbIRTnVQ

— Deanna Pan (@DDpan) January 18, 2016

A quick peek at Killer Mike’s Instagram page will find memes and photos throwing his support behind Sanders:

I’m a working-class kid from Atlanta. I became a rapper and activist and entrepreneur. Of all the things I have accomplished in my life standing with two United States senators Bernie Sanders and Nina turner has to be one of the most incredible experiences I have been blessed to have as an American. Both are highly intelligent highly compassionate politicians . I appreciate what Senator Sanders said tonight (he Said Sandra by Name!) I look forward to sitting and talking with Senator Turner soon. Shouts out to Chuy Garcia, Ben of Ben & Jerry’s, Jim Hightower & and the brilliant Dr. Cornell West, all of whom were also in attendance. Big shout out to the organizing community in Chicago that came out to address your thoughts and concerns on the behalf of blacks Latinos working class poor and underprivileged people in their city your work is noble and I value it highly! #FeelTheBern #StayTrillShameTheDevil Sweats in full effect too

A photo posted by Killer Mike (@killermike) on Dec 23, 2015 at 4:18pm PST

Word the fuck up.

A photo posted by Killer Mike (@killermike) on Dec 2, 2015 at 5:11pm PST

Simple as that. #SalutesBowmanForThePic

A photo posted by Killer Mike (@killermike) on Jan 8, 2016 at 10:52am PST

Maia Efrem is the former research editor and assistant to the editor and was also responsible for the Forward’s annual Salary Survey. Previously she served as the editor of Blognik Beat, a blog written by students who emigrated from or have ties to the Former Soviet Union. Maia is a graduate of Hunter College and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

Now more than ever, American Jews need independent news they can trust, with reporting driven by truth, not ideology. We serve you, not any ideological agenda

At a time when other newsrooms are closing or cutting back, the Forward has removed its paywall and invested additional resources to report on the ground from Israel and around the U.S. on the impact of the war, rising antisemitism and polarized discourse.

Readers like you make it all possible. Support our work by becoming a Forward Member and connect with our journalism and your community.

— Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO