Run the Jewels for any newcomers is Rapper/producer El-P & Killer Mike. I can't really express my appreciation of El-P without turning this review into an essay. Way back in 199something is when I first heard him with the ground breaking Indelible MC's/Company Flow and spearheading the Rawkus records domination of independent hip hop.
After splitting from the Rawkus label, El-P founded the Definitive Jux records, creating another movement of forward thinking rap music and releases. Although Company Flow disbanded El-P's solo work has seen him continue to stand apart and is the most consistent hip hop artist of recent times.
My faith and interest in hip hop has faltered over the years but El-P releases have always sparked my interest and never disappointed. As my hip hop credentials haven't been up to scratch (pun not intended!), when El, got involved with Killer Mike to produce his 'R.A.P Music' album I didn't know much of his previous work. Although that changed with Killer Mike proving to be one of the most impressive rappers I'd heard in years.
So when Run The Jewels was announced anticipation was high. The fact the album was released digitally for free last year with a limited physical release via Fools Gold was most welcome. However It was also surprising, given how good it is and as much as I wanted to grab a cd copy U.S shipping costs proved prohibitive. Step in Big Dada records who are releasing a deluxe version on all formats and will make distribution throughout Europe much easier.
The album itself is the one Hip Hop release I included in my end of year list and has been widely acclaimed. What makes it special is apart from the typically futuristic funk beats produced by El, is the chemistry between him and Mike. Their flows and styles compliment each other perfectly and they sound like they have been together for decades. Killer Mike's southern drawl battle rhymes bouncing off El's NY wiseguy style and vice versa. It's so damn good people might be disappointed when either next releases a solo album and the twin attack isn't flowing over all tracks.
The track itself "Run the Jewels" introduces us to their world of ultra-violence, hallucinogenics and good times. Straight away it's apparent this is special with El' spitting syllables at a furious rate and Mike letting his considerable presence be felt. The entire album is a condensed non stop quality affair no filler, no unneeded interludes just verse after verse of quotable rhymes and bass heavy beats. If I had to single out more, "Banana Clipper" is an obvious favourite and contains the classic "producer gave me a beat, said it's the beat of the year, I said El-p didn't do it so get the fuck out of here" from Mike. "Sea legs" is a slower paced anthem filled with atmospheric flourishes. "Job Well Done" is just crying out to be juggled on turntables with it's aggressive opening lines, and even legend Prince Paul has a cameo as Chest Rockwell on "Twin Hype Back".
Enough reasons to buy it if you haven't already, but the Big Dada release includes exclusive remixes and a specially recorded bonus track "Pew, Pew, Pew" featuring alien turntablalist maestro Q-bert. With a range of various formats and bundles available there is even more reason to pick this up. Ninja Tune/ Big Dada have some of the best prices and postage rates of any label I've seen also so get on it.
