If someone were to ask me to compose a list of the most underrated MC's of all time, especially among southern MC's, there is no way I could make that list without adding Killer Mike to it. For a little over a decade Killer Mike has been a favorite for many southern rap fans. As well as fans of more lyrical rappers. I for one find it quite sad that he isn't recognized more by the general public. The average person may only know of him, if they do, from his first ever single "A.D.I.D.A.S." in 2003. That or because the work that he's done with Outkast. Again, that's sad. Well now Mike is back and he's back again with producer El-P for their debut collaborative album Run The Jewels (which is also Killer Mike & El-P's group name). Now last year these two got together for Mike's sixth album R.A.P. Music. Which was easily one of my favorite albums of 2012. It was in my top 10. I loved how Killer Mike was aggressively deep and political on that album. It took me back to the days of Ice Cube on AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted. Then El-P's production on top of that just made the album great. So in the back of my mind before listening to Run The Jewels, I'm thinking how on earth can these two follow that damn near classic from last year. While he didn't quite match it, this album was still very dope. I swear you can make an argument that Killer Mike and El-P could be the dopest MC/producer duo in hip hop right now. Just like last time El-P puts together amazing production. Lyrically he and Mike was extremely dope. If I could sum this project up, this sounded like one big stick up to the rap industry. Throughout this whole album, Mike raps about things like robbing, beating, killing etc (sticking to the theme of the tapes title). Targeting I believe these new industry rappers that he finds to be wack. He sounded so aggressive and ruthless on this tape to where he sounds like he's bullying these dudes. Sounds like he's back on his Ice Cube shit again. Even though the mood of this album has an aggressive 90's underground east coast sound. Especially given the content. Well let me break down all that I liked and dis-liked. My stand out track would have to be the second track "Banana Clipper". This was my favorite beat of all the great beats that were on here. I also thought this was the best track lyrically as well. Their flows sync well with each other throughout the whole tape but it sounded the best here. The track also featured a pretty dope guest verse from Big Boi. The track "DDFH" (which stands for Do Dope Fuck Hope) was a cool head nodder too. This was one I had to listen to a few times because listening to the hook I thought to myself "wait is he trying to promote drug use?". But after a few listens he and El-P are just talking about all the troubles and crimes that plague the hood. Saying there's no hope or "fuck hope". Dope song. "Job Well Done" was where I think Mike and El-P were at their most aggressive. Mostly Mike. I like the catchiness of this beat and the hook makes it sound like it could be a single. I loved the beat on "36" Chain". It sounds futuristic. Like a Nintendo video game or something. Very fun and catchy song. I would have liked to see them tackle the concept more on the last track "A Christmas Fucking Miracle". The song has this eerie creeper feel to it and it is dope but I wish they would have went deeper with the whole dark Christmas concept. "Twin Hype Pack" was a cool and hilarious track (in large part because of the hysterical hook interludes). But again, they kinda strayed away from what would have been a cool and funny concept about females. It sounded like they started to but then just abandoned it. Overall I did find myself enjoying this album after multiple listens. I give it a final grade of a B. Killer Mike & El-P are bringing an element of rap back that really is needed. The MC/producer tag team. Not since the hay day of groups like Gang Starr has these types of groups been relevant. Real hip hop heads like myself been took notice but hopefully, these new school fans will. Hopefully. End.
Final Grade: B
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