Run the Jewels, El-P & Killer Mike – Run the Jewels 3

Review

With their third studio endeavor, "Run the Jewels 3," the formidable hip-hop duo Run the Jewels, comprising El-P and Killer Mike, delivers a robust blast of political passion enshrined in lyricism that transcends the ordinary. Unleashed on the digital stage on Christmas Eve of 2016 and gracing physical formats by mid-January 2017, this album propels them from the critical triumph of "Run the Jewels 2" to new heights. Echoing through the tracks is a fusion of defiant vigor and aural finesse, setting a pulsating backdrop for what unfolds into both a vehement statement and an exhibition of rap artistry.


Contributions from a diverse array of artists, including the likes of Danny Brown and Kamasi Washington, inject a kaleidoscope of sonic elements, enriching the record's already vibrant fabric. Run the Jewels masterfully balance the scales with tracks such as "Talk to Me" and "Legend Has It," offering rapid-fire wit and bravado, while turning a reflective eye on societal issues in songs like "2100." Critics have lauded "Run the Jewels 3" for its consistent delivery and its audacious explorations into uncharted territories, solidifying it as not only a pinnacle within Run the Jewels' oeuvre but also as a poignant narrative in the wider hip-hop landscape. - Paris