Rapper Killer Mike, also known as Michael Render, recently addressed the backlash he’s received from Travis Scott fans following his win for Best Rap Album at the 2023 Grammy Awards. The award, which saw Mike’s project surpass Travis Scott’s UTOPIA, has sparked heated debates among fans, many of whom believe Scott was more deserving.

In a recent interview with Complex Music, Killer Mike acknowledged the immense talent of Travis Scott while standing firm in his belief that his own work carries more depth and substance. “I have a lot of respect for Travis Scott and his fanbase. He’s an amazing artist, but when it comes to this, I’m always going to believe that I deserve it, especially when I know I’ve put everything into my music,” said Mike.

The Grammy-winning artist didn’t shy away from addressing the criticism he’s faced from Scott’s fans. “A lot of his fans are mad at me now, and that’s okay. But there’s going to come a time when those same fans are going through something real—when they lose someone or face life’s struggles—and they’ll need a song that truly speaks to them.”

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Killer Mike pointed out that his music, particularly tracks like “Motherless,” resonates deeply with those dealing with hardships, offering more than just catchy beats. “I make music that speaks to young men trying to navigate life. When life gets tough, and you’re shedding tears, dealing with issues like child support, or facing jail time, that’s when my music hits. It’s the blues. I’m here to take care of the whole human being.”

Despite Travis Scott’s ten Grammy nominations and massive fan following, the Houston rapper has yet to secure a Grammy win, a sore point for many of his supporters. *UTOPIA* followed the same pattern as Scott’s *Astroworld*, which also missed out on the Best Rap Album award in 2019.

For Killer Mike, however, the win comes amidst a challenging year filled with legal issues and media scrutiny. Yet, he remains undeterred and focused on delivering authentic and meaningful music for his fans. “No matter how well you do, people are always going to talk sh*t,” he remarked.

As the conversation around the Grammys continues to spark debate, Killer Mike stands by his victory, emphasizing that while trends come and go, the music that stays with people through life’s most difficult moments is what truly matters.