Since 2012’s ‘R.A.P. Music’ from Killer Mike, his collaboration with El-P has always been a prime example of the “odd couple” in HOP music. ‘RTJ4’ marks the fifth collaboration album the two have done and for me personally is a favorite out of their Run The Jewels series. What makes this album stand out for me is how it’s a lot easier to separate from the previous Run the Jewels records. ‘RTJ4’ sounds more like a return to Killer Mike’s ‘R.A.P. Music’ where songs within the album sounded more discernible. The album feels more like the HOP music production one will hear from an El-P produced record, with a sort of futuristic “boom bap” sound he has been known for since 2001’s ‘Fantastic Damage.’ El-P had help on the production side with Wilder Zoby and Little Shalimar who provide more live music to the already left of center “trap sound” often displayed by Run The Jewels records. In theme with the odd and unlikely pairing of Killer Mike and El-P, the album features just as unlikely guest that include Pharrell Williams, Gangsta Boo, Zach De La Rocha and Greg Nice. Run The Jewels turn a concoction of musicians into a solid piece of an audible meal, complete with challenges to capitalism, revolutionary lyrics and fighting the system while under the guise of upbeat production in a “hipster” atmosphere. What did you think of the album?
Singles include:
‘Ooh LA LA,’ ‘Out Of Sight’ & ‘Walking In The Snow’
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