In the words of the men themselves – “It’s a Christmas f***ing miracle!”

For months, Hip-hop heads and vinyl-loving music snobs alike have basked in anticipation of the third full-length project from Run The Jewels, RTJ3, and today; alongside the rising Christmas sun, RTJ3 was released.

Undoubtedly the most essential hip-hop duo in the game currently, Killer Mike and El-P ascended from the hip-hop underground with RTJ, cemented their status as “best group your friend hasn’t heard of yet” with RTJ2, and are sure to reach even greater pinnacles with their latest album, RTJ3. In fact – I think it’s only fair to say that Run The Jewels has picked up where Outkast left off, in terms of innovative and essential hip-hop duos.

At this point, Killer Mike and El-P’s journey has been well-documented, and the story of their union is well-known. What began as a unheralded attempt to produce a song for Killer Mike has now turned into three albums, the second of which was named Pitchfork’s “Album of the Year” in 2014.

However; hip-hop artists are constantly striving to answer the age-old adage – “what have you done for me lately?” Awards in 2014 are great, but as any number of popular underground emcees can tell you – one great album does not make a career. You’ve got to prove yourself constantly, and improve seamlessly, or risk losing your fan base and your credibility – here’s looking at you, K-os.

With that said, let’s dive into RTJ3.

Does this third album stand up to the duo’s incredible, if brief, discography?

Spoiler alert: Yes. Yes it does.

Although your friendly neighborhood writer has only had the opportunity to listen through a couple of times (It just came out this morning, after all), I would wager that RTJ3 is on its way to instant classic status, right alongside RTJ2.

Opening with “Down (Feat. Joi), RTJ3 demonstrates a matured Run The Jewels, with Killer Mike’s opening verse abandoning the normal wordplay and innuendos in favor of a more nuanced approach, effortlessly delivering the following, “I hope with the highest of hopes that I never have to go back to the trap and my days of dealing with dope.”

This maturity is a through line throughout the entire project. Although previous Run The Jewels albums have been at times very political and always well-thought out, punchlines or not, this album takes that to the next evolution.

RTJ3 feels like the natural progression of RTJ2, a project where we still get all the mischievousness and lyrical prowess that has endeared millions of listeners to Run The Jewels, but with a thoughtfulness and self-awareness that allows the project to not feel like a retread, but an advancement for the duo.

The features are another highlight of RTJ3, with everyone from TV on the Radio to Joi to Danny Brown showing up to take a swing at keeping up with Killer Mike and El-P.

The best features? Keep an eye out for Danny Brown on “Hey Kids,” BOOTS on “2100,” and an uncredited but ferocious Zach de la Rocha on “A Report to the Shareholders / Kill Your Masters.”

Standout tracks for this writer include the aforementioned “A Report to the Shareholders / Kill Your Masters,” “Down,” “Legend Has It,” “Hey Kids,” and “Thieves!”

No matter if you’re a longtime fan of Run The Jewels or a first-time listener, the wit, width, and frankly the wisdom of RTJ3 is sure to make any music fan appreciate this duo.

In fact, I’m about to go take another listen. I’m sure my family downstairs won’t mind if I miss Christmas lunch.

FINAL VERDICT – 4.5/5

Review by Britain Meithe

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