Run the Jewels- RTJ4

There’s a strange thing that happens when something is so generally accepted as good, one feels like they don’t have to experience it. When you know you like something even though you’ve never seen or listened to it. My Criterion Collection watchlist is full of movies I know I’d like, but because of that it takes some of the surprise out of it, making it less appealing. Run the Jewels are like this.

I first encountered Run the Jewels when Killer Mike endorsed Bernie Sanders for President, but I didn’t take them seriously. I was going through my hip hop phase and I didn’t think there was room for another group. This was the beginning of my “sleeping on” Run the Jewels.

I continued to sleep on RTJ until I discovered the song “Legend Has It” still to this day one of the best rap songs I’ve ever heard. I still go over the lyrics in my head every once in a while. But that’s the issue I have with RTJ, they give you enough in one song, so much so that absorbing an entire album becomes a daunting prospect.

“Daunting” is a good way to describe this album. It is a monolith of music, a well constructed tower of lyricism and beats. Of course I like it, how could I not, but you’ll have to forgive me if I’m a little intimidated. Perhaps that’s the intention as well, as “confrontational” might be another good way of describing this album. RTJ are never subtle, they are always in your face, whether they’re asserting their dominance through lyrical ability, or crushing you with hard, plodding beats.

One last note I need to touch on is the inherent political statements. You can’t separate RTJ from politics, it’s baked into their lyrics. That can be a great thing if you agree, but might get a little irritating if you don’t. I mostly do (see previously mentioned Bernie Sanders endorsement) though the force with which Killer Mike asserts his opinions takes aback even me. “Look at all these slave masters posing on your dollar.” I mean, the man’s not wrong, but I feel a bit like I’ve been slapped in the face.

4/5 As with all rap on this blog, if you grew up with it, if you’ve developed a taste for it, this is going to be for you. If not, this is going to be confusing and a little scary. Actually, it might be scary even if you like it, or at least a bit too forceful.