Run The Jewels
RTJ3
Self-Released
2016
Rating: 9 dizzy eardrums out of 10
Hey look, another middle aged white dude who loves Run The Jewels! That's definitely a unique thing that warrants further investigation! Seriously, no one needs to hear another dipshit like me expound on the awesomeness that is El-P and Killer Mike. They manage to feel both old school and modern at the same time, which is probably exactly why RTJ appeals to people like me. There's about a million well written reviews already out there if you care to read such things, but here's the deal - if you're on the fence about Run The Jewels, they make it easy for you: go to the link above and you can download their album for free and decide for yourself if this is the best hip hop group of the last decade (hint: it is).
Side note: this came out so late in 2016 I'm probably putting it on my best of 2017 list because fuck it why not. It's probably going to be better than almost anything released in 2017 anyways.
Run the Jewels
Bust No Moves EP
Mass Appeal
2015
Rating: 8 house scourers out of 10
Yes, this Run the Jewels EP was released months ago for Record Store Day, but I never get to anything on time. Big surprise - this collection of songs fuckin' kills; this duo can seemingly do no wrong right now. "Pew Pew Pew," featuring DJ Qbert, is as strong as anything they've ever released, equal parts new shit and a throwback to hiphop of the late eighties/early nineties...it's time for scratching to come back! Title track "Bust No Moves" sounds like lyrical syrup, just drippy, especially the chorus from Cuz. "Blockbuster Night Part 2" is likely the predecessor to part one from "Run the Jewels 2" only lyrically, because it doesn't actually sound anything like it. Possibly the most interesting track is "Love Again (Akinyele Back)," which is exactly like the same song from the last full-length, until the final verse when Gangsta Boo flips it up and talks about oral stimulation from the female point of view. Yeah, it's been done before, but it's done real damn well here.
This vinyl is already getting expensive, so grab one if you see it. Otherwise, cop the tracks online.
Run the Jewels
RTJ2
Mass Appeal
2014
Rating: 8 paint owners out of 10
Someone whose opinion I generally respect called this new record by Run the Jewels the best rap record of the last ten years. While I definitely don't feel that strongly about "RTJ2," I'll definitely give it the nod of best rap album of the year. I listen to so little rap these day though, that might be even less informed than my general musical opinion...regardless, I love the album. Both El-P and Killer Mike are firing on all cylinders, especially on tracks "Oh My Darling Don't Cry" and "Close Your Eyes (and Count to Fuck)," the latter which also features Zach from Rage Against the Machine, someone I hadn't thought of in decades. If there is a complaint it's that the record feels short - you really want more from this terrific duo.
