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Run the Jewels
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Run the Jewels
Current price: $50.99
Barnes and Noble
Run the Jewels
Current price: $50.99
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The introductory salvo from rap superduo
is a fine example of a union that is so perfect one might wonder how the universe existed before it. The combination of
's menacing Hulk power and
's sneering quips and lively production make
a thrilling experience. Everything about
is hyperbolic excess -- both in attitude and sound -- stomping boot prints into the concrete and hurling innocent bystanders through brick walls. Although the pair didn't truly come into their own until the stellar 2014 sequel
, this 2013 debut hints at everything to come. Top-shelf production from
,
, and
lends a fresh and exciting energy to each song, while
and
trade verses that are so dense with humor and bravado that new zingers are revealed with each successive listen.
operate on a singular setting: imagine the silliest, most outrageous boast possible and then top it with a wink and a grin. From the opening blast of "Run the Jewels" to "36" Chain," they threaten with "Riverdance cleats on your face" and pulling guns "on your poodle or your fuckin' baby," taking typical hip-hop intimidation to ridiculous levels. Amongst the quotable gems,
drop the occasional social commentary -- mostly regarding police oppression, poverty, and inner city struggles -- which balances the sophomoric overload with enough gravitas to justify the merit of the project (
's entire verse on "DDFH" ("Do dope, fuck hope") is a fine example of this insight). Some familiar friends also make appearances on the album:
's fellow ATLien
drops a standout verse on "Banana Clipper" while
injects the filthy "Twin Hype Back" with a number of naughty nuggets as alter ego Chest Rockwell. While
is the appetizer to
's instant-classic main course, it stands as a no-holds-barred slap to the head for the rap game, calling out complacent contemporaries with each verbal shot fired. As
declares on highlight "Get It," "we are the new Avengers." With an aggressive strength that emboldens listeners with delusions of superhero grandeur, it's an apt claim from a dangerous duo that is more powerful than any comic book savior. ~ Neil Z. Yeung