What makes RTJ4 by Run the Jewels notable?

The album received widespread critical acclaim, debuting at number 10 on the Billboard 200 and resonating deeply within the cultural zeitgeist amid global protests. Its tracks have been highlighted for addressing contemporary social issues, making it a significant work in both music and activism during a pivotal moment in history. RTJ4 is the fourth studio album from Run the Jewels, released during a time when their influence in hip-hop was solidified following the success of their previous albums. By this point in their career, they had established a reputation for socially conscious themes, with RTJ4 arriving just as protests against systemic injustice surged in 2020.

RTJ4 works well if you're into explosive energy for workouts, sharp lyrics for critical listeners and short tracks for quick engagement.

How many songs are on RTJ4?

RTJ4 has 11 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

RTJ4

Run the Jewels · 2020

39 min · 11 tracks · hip-hop

An explosive fusion of incisive lyrics, gritty beats, and relentless energy that captures the chaos of contemporary life.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ooh La La — This track features a catchy hook and playful production that encapsulates the duo's signature style while addressing serious themes through clever wordplay.
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Walking in the Snow — With its poignant lyrics reflecting on racial injustice, this track stands out as a powerful commentary that resonates deeply against the backdrop of current events.
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Ju$t — Featuring a collaboration with Pharrell Williams, this track blends introspective lyrics with an infectious beat, representing a bridge between mainstream appeal and underground sensibilities.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

RTJ4 combines incisive lyrics with gritty production, reflecting contemporary issues while maintaining a distinct sound.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate varied vocal deliveries, with both members of the duo alternating verses and sometimes overlapping lines.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

explosive energy for workouts
sharp lyrics for critical listeners
short tracks for quick engagement
cathartic release of frustration
urban chaos captured vividly

Maybe skip if you

slow-paced reflective moments
long, sprawling listening experiences

Where this album fits

Career context: RTJ4 is the fourth studio album from Run the Jewels, released during a time when their influence in hip-hop was solidified following the success of their previous albums. By this point in their career, they had established a reputation for socially conscious themes, with RTJ4 arriving just as protests against systemic injustice surged in 2020.
Stylistic neighbors: Death Grips· Danny Brown· Aesop Rock

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Yankee and the Brave (ep. 4) 2:27
2 Ooh La La 3:01
3 Out of Sight 3:21
4 Holy Calamafuck 3:58
5 Goonies Vs. E.T. 3:03
6 Walking in the Snow 3:56
7 Ju$t 3:25
8 Never Look Back 2:58
9 The Ground Below 2:32
10 Pulling the Pin 3:37
11 A Few Words for the Firing Squad (Radiation) 6:42

What to play next

Go back to

Run the Jewels 3

2016

Full Run the Jewels discography Artists like Run the Jewels

hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata