VL Mike | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Michael Allen |
| Born | January 19, 1976 New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Died | April 20, 2008 (aged 32) New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper, songwriter |
| Years active | 1999–2008 |
| Labels | Chopper City Records (2004–2007) Sony BMG/Epic Records (2008) |
Michael Allen (January 19, 1976 – April 20, 2008), better known as VL Mike, was an American rapper from New Orleans, Louisiana.
He first appeared on the mainstream rap scene in 2004 as a member of the New Orleans-based record label, Chopper City Records, of which rapper B.G. is the CEO. Mike was known for his gangsta rhyme structure and street lyrics throughout New Orleans. After the 2007 release of the Chopper City Boyz' debut album We Got This, VL Mike departed from Chopper City Records[1] and set out to pursue his solo career. VL Mike stated on his Place Yo Betz mixtape that the reason he departed from the label because B.G. had been portraying himself as a gangster for years through his music when he was not. VL Mike stated in an interview that he had a deal with Sony/Epic Records and his debut album, It's Only One Me, would be released in April.[2]
Allen died on April 20, 2008, after he was shot several times while exiting his vehicle on the 4700 block of Miles Drive at around 1:00 p.m. He was later pronounced dead at University Hospital.[3]
