During that apology to Ayesha and Stephen Curry, it was easy to forget a significant moment on Killer Mike’s interview with Shannon Sharpe. In his interview on Club Shay Shay, the rapper spoke about accidentally inspiring Magic Johnson’s latest business venture. Before he entered the billionaire athlete club, Earvin “Magic” Johnson became a pioneer in making insurance more accessible since becoming a majority owner of EquiTrust in 2015. That security remains one of his admirable pursuits. Likewise, one act by Killer Mike spurred the NBA icon to take his cause a step further.

Born Michael Render in Georgia, Killer Mike made his hometown of Atlanta a core part of his persona. A few years ago, the rapper spoke about Alonzo Herndon and his insurance company, Atlanta Life, in an interview. That came under Magic Johnson’s radar.

When they asked Magic Johnson, “Why did you acquire Atlanta Life Insurance Company?’ he said, “I saw this interview with Killer Mike,” Render told Sharpe. The rapper had highlighted how Atlanta barbers sold life insurance policies to locals through Herndon’s company.

It’s a true story. In 2023, Magic’s move was a surprise since he already owned EquiTrust. Killer Mike’s interview compelled him to support this black-owned enterprise. “Killer Mike was the one who was doing an interview, and he really brought to light this company and the history of Mr. Herndon,” Johnson told ADW two years ago. “So I had to look this guy up and look this company up. So big ups to Killer Mike for educating myself and I’m sure a lot of other people.”

Johnson had little in common with Alonzo Herndon when he founded Atlanta Life in 1905. Herndon’s enterprising ways made him one of the first black millionaires in the country. Johnson is self-made and just the same.

“Anytime a Black man can go from slavery to become a Black millionaire here in Atlanta, it’s a story that should be told. And I’m glad that we are able to take this historical brand and company and revive, revitalize it and really bring it back to the people of Georgia. So my team has done an excellent job. And so I’m excited about my company,” Johnson said, according to the New Pittsburgh Courier. 

Magic did the legwork, researched Herndon and Atlanta Life, and made an offer. Atlanta Life and EquiTrust (which managed $26 billion of total assets in 2023) reached an agreement to broaden the former’s reach. Therefore, he credits Killer Mike with the entire venture.

Killer Mike is grateful for Magic Johnson’s support

The Grammy-award-winning artist didn’t even have to pitch it to Johnson. An off-the-cuff mention of the only black-founded insurance company in the US was enough to get the attention of the five-time NBA champion. Unsurprisingly, he made it his life’s mission to support black-owned businesses. Michael Render had no direct involvement in this deal, yet Magic Johnson was grateful to him.

The gratitude went both ways, and the rapper loved that for his hometown. “Magic Johnson recently acquired that company and that’s the unique thing about is in Atlanta… you get to live your history,” says Killer Mike two years after Johnson acquired Atlanta Life.

Mike also mentioned that athletes like the Lakers’ legends and artists like himself lay the groundwork for those who come after them. Magic resonated with the same idea. Among the first things he did after acquiring Atlanta Life was hosting a financial literacy event for kids at the historic Herndon Home. Through EquiTrust, he’s also supported multiple minority-owned businesses.

Killer Mike’s little-known contribution to Magic Johnson’s legacy almost went under the radar because of his recent drama. As fans would recall, in a content creator’s post, Mike had a little exchange with Stephen Curry (that was spicier than Magic telling off Steph on who’s the superior point guard between them). The backstory was Ayesha Curry’s explosive interview on Call Her Daddy. The comments were deleted, and Killer Mike formally apologized to the Currys. 

With that out of the way, we can now focus on the positives of Killer Mike when his words provoked another point guard into action.