Song of the Week: Killer Mike’s El-P-Produced “Detonator” Doesn’t Have to Go So Hard

The post Song of the Week: Killer Mike’s El-P-Produced “Detonator” Doesn’t Have to Go So Hard appeared first on Consequence .

Every week, Consequence’ s Songs of the Week column looks at great new tunes from the last seven days and analyzes notable releases. Find our new favorites and more on our Spotify Top Songs playlist, and for other great songs from emerging artists, check out our Spotify New Sounds playlist. This week, Killer Mike embraces the plot with a song designed for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.

Soul beats or synth beats, Killer Mike can do it all. Earlier this month, the Grammy winner and Run the Jewels member unveiled a gospel-inspired project titled Michael & the Mighty Midnight: Songs for Sinners and Saints , which acts as an epilogue to his deeply personal 2023 project, MICHAEL . The trademark flow, distinct energy, and overall musical fingerprint he’s honed for decades are all over the project.

But today, Killer Mike steps back closer to the space where many listeners may have first become familiar with him. The new song, “Detonator,” was produced by fellow Run The Jewels member and longtime collaborator El-P, whose presence on the song is immediately apparent. Rock D the Legend, also a member of his inner circle, jumps in for the hook. “I knew exactly who to call,” Killer Mike said of the production process.

“Detonator” was actually developed for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 , and Mike and El-P certainly didn’t phone this one in, even if it was inspired by the incredibly popular video game franchise. It’s a reminder that great art can come from all kinds of creative starting points, and video games feel like one of the last frontiers in that regard — award-winning adaptations like The Last of Us have aided in that process of critical reassessment. But on “Detonator,” Killer Mike and El-P are in their most ’90s-feeling bag, leaning into the throbbing boom bap foundation that feels especially appropriate for a game set in that decade.

On first listen, it’s crystal clear why the creators of the new Call of Duty game would have wanted Killer Mike to be the one to bring a new song forward; political backdrops exist across almost all of his work. “You pray for peace and they give you war; you pray for more,” he raps here. With steely synths and that all-encompassing beat propelling the song forward, “Detonator” expands far beyond the categorical confines of video game soundtrack.

— Mary Siroky
Associate Editor

Staff Picks: Best Songs of the Week August 25th – August 30th

BLACKSTARKIDS — “SOULMATEZ!”

Kansas City trio BLACKSTARKIDS announced earlier this month that after their new album SATURN DAYZ , they’ll be taking an “indefinite hiatus from making music together.” While it’s definitely respect-worthy that they’re recognizing their limits — this ‘making a living on music and touring’ thing is much harder than most people realize — their euphoric new single “SOULMATEZ” is a convincing reminder that the three have undeniable chemistry with each other, and they’ve captured an authentic sound to treasure. It’s hard not to wish they’d stick it out a bit longer when listening, but regardless, it’s great to have them back — if only for a little while. — Paolo Ragusa

CHUNG HA – “Algorithm”

No one else in K-pop can craft a lush, clubby, disco-adjacent anthem quite like CHUNG HA. The soloist is back with “Algorithm,” which not only invokes all of those aforementioned sonic spaces, but also gives her enormous amounts of room to have fun. She’s playful in performance mode in the accompanying music video, and the single is a confirmation that her confidence is always a welcome sight. — M. Siroky

FLO – “Bending My Rules”

I’m so serious — if you’re even sort of an R&B fan but you’re not familiar with British trio FLO yet, consider this your first and last warning. It is officially time for everyone to get on their wave, and there’s actually no better tipping point than today’s excellent release, “Bending My Rules.” The harmonies are everything. The vibes are elite. The vocals are stellar, as usual. Can we all band together for a FLO fall? I’m ready. — M. Siroky

Pearl & the Oysters — “Cruise Control”

Franco-American duo Pearl & the Oysters are back with “Cruise Control,” the latest single from their forthcoming album Planet Pearl . As usual, the duo’s psych-pop language is singular and incredibly charming. Vocalist Juliette Pearl Davis has no problem wandering around verses in her shimmering head voice, mirroring the spritely tone of Joachim Polack’s electric guitar. Over a shuffling rhythm, the balance between syncopated full-band hits and the song’s luxurious production feels carefully designed. “It’s easy, don’t you see?,” Davis asks gently, a rhetorical question that highlights how natural and intuitive “Cruise Control” is. — P. Ragusa

St. Lucia — “Falling Asleep”

St. Lucia have returned this week with “Falling Asleep,” a throwback, high-tempo disco anthem that initially sounds like Studio 54 after pounding a few 5-Hour Energy shots. Even with a breakneck pace, vocalist Jean-Phillip Grobler glides above the track with languid, sticky melodies. Helping add even more dynamism and movement to the track, the duo knocks “Falling Asleep” down to half time in the more meditative second half. What was once a full-speed-ahead action flick transforms into a moving melodrama. — P. Ragusa

Wasia Project — “Somebody Come Through”

This unbridled sibling duo touched down with a new EP this week titled Isotope . Packed with swirling instrumentals and atmospheric melodies, the project is home to “Somebody Come Through,” a regretful tune dusted with just the right amount of yearning to feel grounded and authentic. After a stint opening for Laufey earlier this year, Wasia Project continue to find their footing. — M. Siroky

Song of the Week Artwork:

Killer Mike's "Detonator" artwork FLO's "Bending My Rules" artwork CHUNG HA's "Algorithm" artwork Wasia Project's Isotope artwork St. Lucia's "Falling Asleep" Single Artwork Pearl & the Oysters' Planet Pearl Album Artwork BLACKSTARKIDS' "SOULMATEZ" Single Artwork

Top Songs Playlist:

Song of the Week: Killer Mike’s El-P-Produced “Detonator” Doesn’t Have to Go So Hard
Mary Siroky and Paolo Ragusa