Pitchfork Live series - perform at Terminal 5

Watch Run the Jewels Perform at Terminal 5 | Video | Pitchfork

Might turn out I'm full of ****, as I have little prior experience with hip-hop. But I've listened to both RTJ2 and RTJ3, and while RTJ2 is the more brutal album, RTJ3 isn't in any way a weaker release. In fact, artistically, it represents a great leap forward for Run the Jewels. While RTJ2 was just an unadulterated assault on practically every hypocrite ever, RTJ3 seemed more like a clear rallying cry against specific ills. An example: in RTJ2, "****boys" fell under fire. Who is a ****boy? Anyone full of ****, really. But in RTJ3, it's pretty clear who's being attacked: oppressors.

Now, can I say which album has the strongest tracks? Not really, as I'd need to give the two albums a couple more listens. But no matter which one is more enjoyable, it's difficult to deny that Run the Jewels are progressing.

Agree or disagree: Zach de la Rocha would make a great permanent 3rd member of RTJ.

hm... i think he's great but i don't think he's up to El or Mike's level, i could definitely go for an album done with him though. i'm expecting El to do most of the production on his solo album, whenever that comes out.

Def waiting for that solo.

Disagree.

Zach works well in RTJ because he matches their intensity but has a different style. His two verses are also as effective as they are because they stand out from everything else both on those songs, and on the record as a whole. You get him on as a permanent member, and I'm not sure he can keep up the level from his two features, combined with the fact that he's no longer that ace in the hole.

While I think Zach has an incredible verse on Kill Your Masters, that fact that he wasn't credited and came on as a total surprise is what made that song for me.

i can see myself over time liking these run the jewels albums a lot more

edit: this has came true 5 months later

I take it back. RTJ are repeating themselves and if the next album is just the same thing with more expensive production again imo people will stop caring.

Would like to see Mike and El-P take a break from one another for like an album.

Well we haven't seen a new release in a few years, so I bet the focus group said pretty much the same thing.

lol^