Michael Allen (January 19, 1976 – April 20, 2008), better known as VL Mike, was an American rap artist 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, [[We Got This debut album, VL Mike departed from Chopper City Records 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 was because B.G. had been portraying himself as a gangster for years through his music when he was not. VL Mike stated in a recent interview that he had a deal with Sony/Epic Records and his debut album, It's Only One Me, would be released in April. Michael Allen died on April 20, 2008, after he was shot several times with a .380 while exiting his vehicle on the 4700 block of Miles Drive at around 1:00 p.m. Mike was taken to University Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The assailant is believed to have escaped on foot.