Killer Mike Interviews George Clinton | ShopTalk | NPR Music

The 42-year-old rapper Killer Mike, of Run The Jewels, and the 75-year-old funk legend George Clinton, founder of Parliament and Funkadelic, may be from different generations, but it turns out they have a few things in common: They've both created music that seemed commercially risky at first, yet ended up transcending genres and creating a new audience. And they both embrace music as a force for social change.
It also turns out they've both owned barbershops - and that's no coincidence. Both men say the businesses allowed them the financial freedom to take creative risks.
So we brought the two of them together at Killer Mike's SWAG Shop - the Shave Wash And Groom Shop - in Atlanta. They settled in for a wide-ranging conversation that covers everything from barbershop philosophy to the birth of Funkadelic to Clinton's work with Outkast and other members of the Atlanta hip-hop scene.
Hear an audio version of their conversation and read an extended transcript via Morning Edition.

[@johncook8316]

I can't believe Clinton is 75. Amazing, amazing individual. Can't name someone like him, and i can't name someone who can still bring it like he does on tour. Beyond excited to see him this summer.

[@henryhill92]

Saw him live a couple years ago, they rocked for like 3 hours. I got tired before they did.

[@Thedearster]

How was the concert?

[@HassanAli-pd2fw]

Just celebrated his 80th

[@shephrd]

Whoever gave this video a thumbs down must be a very sad human being. George Clinton is a legend.

[@jaidsalgado]

shephrd Both of them are

[@anthonyjohnston4707]

shephrd Getting dap from George Clinton whilst telling him that Maggot Brain changed my life was a defining moment.

[@ty_teynium]

shephrd dislike buttons don't do shit.

[@ty_teynium]

Joey August aw, they feelings are hurt.

[@Anonymous29785]

Ty_teynium dislikes affect youtube's algorithm and make the video less likely to show up in searches and recommended videos

[@davidhaggerty9850]

I love the respect that Mike shows to George Clinton and the homage he pays to his roots, as a revolutionary artist himself. "Learn how to learn."

[@jonesmcooper1]

David Haggerty, I wrote the same thing almost about a month ago and I'm just seeing your comment today! The respect is awesome!

[@Bandstand]

Never knew Michael had a barbershop and was giving back to his community in this way. Awesome spirit.

[@mrlofi333]

Yes yes indeed. It's even more amazing George was to. Great videos.

[@christinagraham2915]

Yes George was a barber too

[@tatewick5176]

Killer Mike has the best energy

[@lild4131998]

Mike's a damm good interviewer.

[@NYCmadeME]

He is. And all around cool, smart, talented dude.

[@tkyusko]

Very good speaker as well.

[@2m7b5]

His interview with Bernie is one of the best interviews I've ever seen.

[@ASSman864]

johnny nash is scarface uncle

[@JP-mb2pk]

And George is just a good dude.

[@Shon101Jack]

Mr. Clinton, is 75 years of age and is currently in the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, U.K. performing....WOW!!! Awesome performer!

[@jaredfrodel4235]

This is the conversation I never knew I wanted

[@davidb154]

jared frodel *needed

[@heavysumo]

So much truth

[@basheermuhammad7757]

So much soul.

[@DejaMiru]

"yes sir" legends.

[@tkyusko]

I need KM to do more shows like this. Nothing I enjoy more than hearing legends talk about their musical past. Brother ran a million in counterfeit money and put some amazing music out there. Legends.

[@ALovelyLad]

I bet a few of George's coffee-stained counterfeit bills are still circulating to this day lmao

[@JJ-xo3er]

I love how genuinely killer Mike is just being a fan, George Clinton is a musical hero.

[@TheElfay]

Two good and strong men talking together, can change so much.

[@illaim]

Thank you to everybody involved in putting the great interview together.

[@Jasonweckard]

Parliament really were ahead of their time.

[@MarcAnthem]

Jason Eckard hell yeah. people are still doing the same things they did years later. one of the greatest musicsl collectives of all time

[@TheeDuhscientist]

"Learn how to Learn" -George Clinton

[@vernellthomas6644]

Thanks Mike for this interview. Uncle George's music has influenced a great deal of my taste in music as long as influencing most of my favorite hip hop artists. Want some more of these!

[@jettxjordan]

Man I love George Clinton. So much respect for that man. Not to mention his cameo in Good Burger, legendary.

[@christinagraham2915]

Omg loved that scene

[@Kymistry28]

The energy in this interview is everything. Our ancester are our guides thru this journey my black people

[@leeleeleelee420]

can i just say super quick... HE DOES NOT LOOK THE SAME WITHOUT DREADS its so jarring for me, for 25 years i've been mystified by George. it started with PCU, baby! i soon graduated to that uncut funk, realized dre and snoop used that shit heavily, got funkified myself pledgin my groovallegiance because funk is its own reward. May I frighten you?

[@shawn4ever77]

Mr. Clinton looks really dapper now--I almost didn't recognize him. Great interview!

[@buckeye1981]

Maaaaaaaaaaaaaan I need more of this!

[@Barney-ii1no]

that counterfeit money story gave me a smile

[@juandelossantos6376]

Killer Mike needs his own podcast

[@nercksrule]

juan de los santos I'm guessing you haven't heard of WRTJ.

[@davisdavis468]

He was on Hannibal burresss podcast

[@rpcol]

This was an excellent interview. I want more!

[@shirleyclintonstarringasms825]

You can learn so much by just listening to this man🤘🏽...your the bomb Uncle George

[@kaleb7299]

Killer Mike is a genuine Gentleman. Yes Sir...

[@jaidsalgado]

I clicked for both of these legends 🙏👌🤘

[@GeminiEye1314]

Living proof that a life full of drugs and partying can be sustained as long as the mind was sharp from the very beginning.

[@malikford4786]

Oh George he looks good for his age

[@tonyreyes8190]

George is awesome. Freedom. Learn how to learn. So important.

[@onelove1968]

Killer Mike bringing his A game to honour The Legend. Smooth interview, every beat right in the pocket.

[@willemvandebeek]

This is awesome! More Shop Talk please!

[@leeleeleelee420]

FREE YOUR MIND AND YOUR ASS WILL FOLLOW!

[@juliankenzo]

i loved that last segment so much. "learn how to learn... getting people to question is the ultimate answer."

[@dillbags809]

thats dope that killer mike has been influenced by goerge and was able to thank him in person

[@felixucoff]

George Clinton without dreadlocks???

[@sammyboy7163]

felixucoff ya I was surprised when I saw him live dreadless

[@AleilaSkye]

He sort of looks like Cedric the Entertainer's uncle

[@nasirlanier6297]

The Man is in his 70s he probably got rid of the Crazy Acid Look

[@TreyGoose]

George Clinton lookin good✊✊✊✊black dont crack. This was a real good interview. Rare

[@kanezwilliams3883]

a true legend, many people don't realize he gave red hot chilli peppers their big break because he saw something in them and he was right!!!!!

[@christinagraham2915]

So tru

[@James.k1373]

George cliinton replied to me on twitter the other day when i asked him if he remembers his first acid trip

[@delvinwest672]

James Kolawole what did he say?

[@James.k1373]

lol he just replied to me with a link to his biography that i could purchase on amazon

[@SpudGirl]

@@James.k1373 😂

[@lynnjone1915]

young artists think they are doing something...uh no..this is SOMETHING...a real legend a true artist

[@davidmalik9821]

Great history lesson as I am older than hip hop and didn't know some of these things about the Atlanta music scene. Great interview by Killer Mike!

[@enchantresse23]

The GOAT. I love George Clinton. Such a free spirited musician who’s inspired EVERYONE!

[@audiodopebeats]

May George Clinton live forever!

[@seuqram0145]

If I had the chance, I would milk him for every last memory he have to give. I want to know everything! The good and the bad. I have a old soul and I've always have felt like I have been missing something and then I talk to a old head cat and I can relate, I feel complete in some kinda way for a couple of days.

[@basbeest]

seuqraM014 Ever thought about working in a retirement home? You can talk to old souls all day.

[@Tullece]

Now there's an idea. I'm sure those old souls would love some company as well. 😁

[@JustnYusef]

This needs to be longer

[@dorsmap]

"You make some love and its over" classic

[@mrlofi333]

As a local up and coming HIPHOP,RNB,FUNK,SOUL, singer/songwriter mutli instrumentalist. This was extremely inspirational ! 918 Tulsa OK !

[@NotlebsEra]

Swing down sweet chariot stop and...let me riiiiiddddeeee

[@vonkeon6524]

This was dope, a fan of the funk and the dungeon family. I am a barber and do hip hop as well. So inspirational and innovating in my plight. Thank ya George and Mike. Salute

[@thehonorabledjmob]

The Legendary George Clinton....this is good shit!!

[@BiggyJoyful]

Guys , I just love you. For what? Well for what I have been long dreaming about.. You know what ? We don't have opportunity to take time to stand or sit down and talk like you just did anymore , in this world ruled by mobile communications. I do truly love you guys for this opportunity to see men taking time to talk. Just talk to one another, talk about good or sad memories and bind together again our human communinity. Thank guys.

[@maxiguess2291]

Simply two of the best

[@XIANBLACK]

I fucking love this set up the dialogue perfect!!!!!!!! amazing job Killa keep them coming!!! subscribed!!

[@KingNapz]

This is amazing.

[@ashleyhw4388]

I enjoyed this interview.

[@jkuebler89]

Living Legend.

[@personal61319]

amazing. I saw George and the PFunk 10+ years ago totally amazing

[@vargaso]

I enjoyed the hell out of that.

[@sinbaon2154]

George Clinton and Killer Mike, Thank you both for so much! Mr. Clinton You have opened my eye to what goes unseen. I COULD'NT BE MORE GRATEFUL.

[@DaveToneMusic]

That's a gorgeous video, life affirming! :D

[@jamiebrewer4767]

Every time I hear mike talk about something I learn something. He's a true inspiration, I'm 15 right now wanting to start to make music. My computers broken and am trying to get money to fix it. But when I get it fixed up, no doubt RTJ will be an inspiration for my music.

[@alberthicks9201]

I remember being young in the mid 70's pop taking me to the barber.man as a young man you learn things......them olders know somethings

[@SFTbeats]

Brilliant interview.

[@TommyLent]

Beautiful man. Beautiful man. What more can I say? Never heard of Killer Mike but after seeing this I will be sure to check him out. Connects with George and is having the same vibe, which is wonderful. Casual conversation that you wish you were seeing up close. Thanks man. I enjoyed this very much.

[@mrliberty1776ma]

QUESTION Everything! " FREEDOM is ALWAYS illegal " ~ Larken Rose

[@TommyLent]

The last few minutes with George at the end of the interview should be required reading/viewing for pretty much everyone. The world would be a better place. Nice haircut George. Rockin' my look. :)

[@CaapriceTube1]

WAS EXPECTING THE COLOURFUL EXTENSIONS, lol

[@ToroidalVortexLove]

I think I only seen George Clinton and Bernie Sanders in that seat. Solid. 💯

[@Spaceface420]

Best interview of george ive seen yet. Thanks!

[@qunicetoole7497]

I've been a fan since 1977 @ the age of 14, Flashlight was the track that got me funkatized!! 41 years later uncut funk.. dabombdotcom, Yeahh...Dr Funkenstein metaphorically speaking, George Clinton has always styled his recordings /albums this way! He's the master of metaphors long and short, P-Funk music was designed to take the edge off/ daily grind of life, the songs are fun, serious, and silly while making you think twice about many situations at hand, like...do fries go with that shake? Or Maggot Brain... is a state of mind, & then the condition... & position...of yo ass!! LOL😁😁 everything is on the 1, Aqua Boogie... you can dance underwater.... and not get wet, huh! what? & think...think... it ain't illegal yet! B 4 it becomes illegal, if the government has its way, ya' dig! & the list goes on and on with George Clinton, this is why I love the funk, B sure 2 get your daily dose, cuz it makes you scratch your head, pause and think, learn... to learn, well said Dr. Funkenstein your Funk... is the best.💯😎✌️

[@tonyjackson7193]

I'll never forget running into him going to fairlane mall in Dearborn Michigan, such a cool guy, I wish I got an autograph from him, I remember it like it was yesterday

[@nmbr8of11]

i'm intrigued by mike just getting to know him. goes without saying i'm a george clinton and p~funk avid fan my era great music of the 70's glad i found this interview thanks for the upload love it!

[@davidpfeifer9489]

George is the greatest influence on modern music period. Who doesn’t like funkadelic and bootsy baby

[@thomasminarchickjr.7355]

Two innovators and legends. I live Mike and the person he is and what he shows the world. Huge talent and heart. George is just a Dublin’ god

[@bigmiiike4k64]

man everything abt this is beautiful feels my daddy & big brother sitting down chopping it up.

[@BigBenTen90]

This was great!

[@hiphopsmaddness]

That was great. Invaluable

[@michaelmidax8108]

two fuckin legends that taught and motivated me as a man and an artist LITERALLY!!!! I clicked on this vid in like 4 seconds seeing, lbvvvvvvs

[@jonesmcooper1]

Great show Killer Mike! I appreciate the respect that you showed Mr. Clinton. Mr. Clinton is a true Legend! May the Funk be with you!

[@sublime88sublime]

11:17 - 12:03 is some real shit. Mike got a little emotional. Unbelievable interview by Killer Mike. Great work.

[@damonedwards6724]

What an awesome interview of George Clinton with Killer Mike. Such a positive message with some history to broaden the knowledge of young people aka Funkateers out in the world! I have always believe in George's phase to Free your mind and your a$$ will follow is what learn to learn to keep your life in motion along with society as it changes..... Stay Woke People! Thanks for the lesson Mike and George!🤘🏾😎

[@Aten0506]

Man this is a great interview

[@joanstone5981]

Nice interview, So happy to see George looking so dapper !

[@roncopeland228]

Fell in Love with Parliament/Funkadelic on the song "I Wanna Testif" mid 60's in Philly. WDAS FM or WHAT think it was AM

[@BiBlackCar1]

Wow this was a really awesome interview Killer Mike is awesome awesome interviewer And damn look at George Clinton That man looks good especially for all the drugs and everything he's done day throughout his life I'm telling you black don't crack it all

[@PoeticLadychelleMusicAndMe]

So proud of you uncle George!

[@CedWynez]

This was dope!!!!

[@shawnrichards344]

This is the first time I have ever seen George look 'normal'...lol

[@0oidiedinatimemachineo024]

George has kinda had this look for the past 10 years or so.. I guess its his kinda "old man pimp" look haha He used to rock the multi colored dreads and all that as I'm sure you know

[@SoundScientist1]

Fabulous interview with Uncle George!

[@3serio]

Take note of the respect killer has for George Clinton. Removed all ego and gave respect to an elder that earned it.

[@strauqq1]

Goerge lookin good.

[@007Flyt3]

George Clinton iz tha real GOAT

[@angiedjon72]

Make my funk the P funk I wanna get funked up....I grew up on this.

[@theawesomer]

Fantastic interview. Sharing on The Awesomer.

[@gregmuscovalley3791]

organic interview this is how you learn in the hood pimps preachers and politicians the school teacher and the garbage man and everyone else. the barbershop is an iconic place to learn so young men please do yourself a favor put the phone down and listen, engage with the old Heads they know something that you don't

[@ruiznicolas321]

Mike should put on mini concerts in his shop like NPR's tiny desk concert. Shit would sell out faster than Drake did when he did hotline bling.

[@MarkForman]

How freakin awesome of a video. One old killer and one young one!

[@PatentRob]

Great conversation. Classic as only Killer Mike is capable of.

[@The2tothe3]

Learning how to learn is really important...!!!

[@johnking7535]

George is an American treasure.