Michael King’s stage name may seem a bit tongue in cheek, but when considering his origins as a formidable battle rapper from Philadelphia, there’s nothing more apropos. Over time, though, the name Mic King has grown and evolved to encompass much more than what inferior emcees might view as a threat. With the launch of his rap career in the early aughts, King went from exciting new up-and-comer alongside labelmates Jean Grae and Fall Out Boy, to successful founder and CEO of a digital marketing agency over the course of a decade. Unlike fellow rappers-turned-business moguls like Jay-Z, King’s career path to the executive boardroom was more unorthodox.

A Howard University dropout with a background in computer science, King released numerous well-received mixtapes and one-off projects, all while conquering the battle rap scene and relentlessly touring the world. Upon signing a multi-album deal with Uprising Records in 2006, King released Mike and the Fatman, a collaborative concept album with Demigodz producer Chum the Skrilla Guerilla. The pair went on to collaborate on two more projects, Flavor Ade and Cool-Aide. At the time, King continued to perform around the world, sharing stages with acts like the Wu-Tang Clan, Rakim, Nas, and J. Cole. King’s crowd engagement at live shows was unmatched, as he would blindfold himself and launch into a freestyle description of any object handed to him by audience members. Technically proficient, incisive, and all too real, King thrilled audiences whenever he stepped into the spotlight.

While the trajectory of King’s rap career was on a steady incline, he eventually became disillusioned with the process and began his journey into the world of business. King landed numerous jobs with ad/marketing agencies and, as he gained experience, seized the opportunity to channel his writing ability and commanding stage presence as a keynote speaker for thought leadership events around the world.  As much as he loved Hip-Hop and music, King found real purpose inspiring the business world as well. In 2014, King became his own boss, officially launching iPullRank, an NYC-based Marketing agency “behind Fortune 500 winning strategies”. As his business grew, King purchased the beloved UGHH brand.  And after twelve years in the boardroom, life, labor, and love during a decade-long hiatus from music, one of Hip-Hop’s most dynamic champions returned in 2021 with the iCONIC EP.  With heady lyricism over hard-hitting, soulful beats reminiscent of 01-03 Rocafella, the project is a triumphant return to form for King. While the music imbues a gritty, fervid sound that has been long lost since that era, the subject matter portrays a more mature Mic King, examining success, growth, and perseverance. It's entrepreneur rap from a now family man and successful CEO that regularly sits across the table from C-Level executives of Fortune 50 companies and is positioned at the top of his industry. King continues to blaze a trail all his own and is in the process of writing a book about SEO for Wiley publishing.

Beyond Basic is a collaboration between David Reading and Dick Diamond.  The album was produced entirely by the two using live instruments, reason6 and some samples from songs such as, "who is he" by Bill Withers and "i'm your puppet" by James and Bobby Purify. David Reading brings  mastermind flows to all the tracks and smooth vocals that the ladies will love, and Dick Diamond's stoner lyrics and wordplay leave something for the listener to think about. Along side of unique beats inspired by the feel of R&B and 90s hip-hop, Beyond Basic: "Advanced Placement" is a creation of the two.

The one with no flaws.
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