Run the Jewels
Run the Jewels · 2013
33 min · 10 tracks · hip-hop
Explosive, politically charged beats blend with razor-sharp lyrical exchanges that redefine modern hip-hop's collaborative spirit.
Top tracks — play these first
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Run the Jewels — The title track captures the essence of the duo's energy and camaraderie, showcasing their rapid-fire delivery over a gripping beat that sets the tone for the entire album.
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Banana Clipper — This track features an infectious hook and showcases both artists' lyrical prowess, balancing humor with sharp social commentary that exemplifies their collaborative chemistry.
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A Christmas Fucking Miracle — Offering a stark contrast to the album's overall intensity, this track blends holiday themes with biting wit, illustrating their ability to pivot while maintaining an engaging narrative.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases sharp lyricism and innovative production, marking a strong debut for the duo.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that immediately establishes its aggressive tone, followed by a rapid succession of high-energy tracks.
- Each song features intricate, back-and-forth lyrical exchanges between El-P and Killer Mike, often switching lead lines within verses.
- The production employs heavy bass and sharp percussion, creating a dense soundscape that complements the politically charged lyrics.
- Several tracks incorporate unexpected tempo changes or shifts in intensity, keeping the listener engaged throughout.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 workout sessions
- sharp lyrical exchanges for debate
- short bursts of intense engagement
- party-friendly tracks for gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, mellow vibes
- seek lengthy immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Run the Jewels marked the debut collaboration between El-P and Killer Mike, following their respective solo successes. At this point, El-P had established himself as a key figure in underground hip-hop, while Killer Mike was gaining traction after his standout album R.A.P. Music in 2012. Together, they created a fresh dynamic that revitalized their careers and set the stage for future releases.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Death Grips· Danny Brown· Aesop Rock
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Run the Jewels 3:31
- 2 Banana Clipper 2:51
- 3 36″ Chain 2:52
- 4 DDFH 3:05
- 5 Sea Legs 3:40
- 6 Job Well Done 3:00
- 7 No Come Down 3:28
- 8 Get It 3:00
- 9 Twin Hype Back 3:12
- 10 A Christmas Fucking Miracle 4:21
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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