[junkie-dropcap]T[/junkie-dropcap]hroughout history, music has been a pivotal part of self-expression. Often perfectly delivering messages that words alone cannot. From the days of slavery to the current day. Music has always been at the center of all historic movements, events that changed the world. In these times, it’s no different. Artists are using music to express their frustrations. Especially in a nation that has failed its people of color.
Over this past month, thousands of people have taken to the streets to protest the killing of George Floyd. George Floyd was an African-American man murdered on May 25 by a white police officer. The officer knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes. We’ll let that sink in for a bit… The horrific killing of George Floyd broke our hearts. I know it broke mine and has sparked a resurgence of Black Lives Matter protests across the country and all over the world.
Drake – Dark Lane Demo Tapes, Album Review
Amid all of this hip hop duo “Run The Jewels” comprising Killer Mike and producer/rapper El-P deliver likely the most important project of their careers. ‘Run The Jewels 4’ timing is impeccable. Powerful, politically charged rap that speaks out on current issues that minorities are facing. The magic of this project comes into its perspective. You get the view from both sides of the spectrum. Oppression and privilege. Cuts like ‘walking in the snow’ also seem to go directly at the school systems and prison institutions:
“they promise education but really they give you tests and scores. And they’re predicting prison population by who’s scoring the lowest. Usually the lowest scorer is the poorest and they look like me. And everyday on the evening news they feed you fear for free”– Killer Mike
It’s like they built Mike for this, he’s well versed on many topics regarding injustice and inequality for people of color and he inspires on many levels. If you haven’t heard Mike’s impassioned speech during an Atlanta press conference, please watch it here. Mike pleaded with protesters in his home city of Atlanta “not to burn your own house down for anger with an enemy”. Instead, he suggested that protesters go home to properly “plot, plan, strategize, organize and mobilize.”
Dvsn – A Muse In Her Feelings, Album Review
As with their three previous releases, we know that RTJ4 has a lot to take in. It’s partially the reason I took so long to write this review. There’s so much to cover and they get a lot in. The topics range from police brutality, fear-profiting media outlets, religion, and spiritual battles with self. It’s all there. The first track ’yankee and the brave ep. 4’ starts off in 5 gear “back at it like a crack addict” the two rappers hold no reservations as they jump right into what’s required.
“Look at all these slave masters posing on your dollar.”
The entire project moves fast, topics change often, things come at you quickly. That’s Run The Jewels 4. Records like ‘ooh la la’ utilize sounds from the New York golden era of rap. The production is exceptional with distorted synths, altered horns, crashing hats, and rugged baselines. It was pleasing to hear during the entire run of the project. Run The Jewels throughout all the topical shifts and sonic transitions remain constant, always keeping the bigger picture in the narrative.
The project comes together beautifully, as a mass of organized chaos. In light of everything happening in the world, the duo released ‘Run The Jewels 4’ for free. Something they touched on the track ‘the ground below’. Furthermore, El-P took to Instagram to wish fans the best, “We hope it brings you some joy” because we could all use some joy during these times.
At the Heart of Protest is Oppression, But Hope Remains
Overall, ‘Run The Jewels 4’ is a light of musical expression during these trying times. An unapologetic, conscience wave of thoughts and facts that go at everything wrong in our society today. A classic. Easily one of the best listens this year by far, it’s so relevant to the times we’re in. I urge anyone who hasn’t heard it yet, to press play. It’s a lot, I know, but if you take the time to learn and understand. Run The Jewels will teach you something you didn’t know.
