Rating: 4.5/5
Ever since El-P and Killer Mike released Cancer 4 Cure and R.A.P Music in 2012 respectively, the duo have received wide attention from the hip-hop community. Their mass appeal grew even further, when they announced Run the Jewels last year, which later turned out to become the ultimate headphone experience. The sequel dwarfs its predecessor in so many ways, including the intensity of each lyric, furiously crafted into its wide-eyed, gritty production.
2014 has been a little shy of talent within the hip-hop spectrum, though only until the end of the year, Killer Mike and El-P leaked on Twitter their sophomore album titled RTJ2. Killer Mike, months before the release, told the world that RTJ2 is going to be the best album this year……maybe he has a point. What I enjoy most, is how funny it could be at times, then unexpectedly, vicious bars instantaneously set the standard of the record. As far as sequels are concerned in hip-hop, RTJ2 could stand amongst the top of the tree. You just never know what El-P and Killer Mike are going to release, and since RTJ3 is now in the works, hip-hop just got a little more exciting.
Straightaway, Killer Mike yells in a hostile way into the mic, “I gonna bang this bitch the **** out”. It’s fitting on what’s to follow on the album’s dimension. “Jeopardy” is a commanding intro on the two going round for round, claiming they are the most equipped duo in rap music today. Immediately after listening to the first track, I noticed the evolution of both Killer Mike, but notably El-P, as already the energy gauge of RTJ2 is at an all-time high. Remarkably it’s not just the lyricism that’s received an upgrade but the aura is more revealing to the listener and provides more knout-out moments. Remember that dude who done those weird voices on the Police Academy films? Well, Michael Winslow is featured on the vocals from the second track titled, “Oh My Darling Don’t Cry”. This track typifies everything about RTJ2 on the delivery of the duos untouched chemistry. Towards the end of the song, the track turns into an absolute peach of a head banger, a technical achievement from the production team.
The debut single “Blockbuster Night Part 1” plays out rather well, showcasing the raw gift each of these lyrical beasts possess. Killer Mike says, “Last album voodoo, proved that was ****in’ brutal”, signifying the impact their debut album had left on the hip-hop scene. It’s one of the few tracks I admired on first listen, supplemented by the constant loop playing throughout this relentless beat. In terms of the concept, it manages to fit in quite appropriately. It’s pretty clear on the level of confidence both require this time round. “Close Your Eyes (And Count To ****) ft. Zack de la Rocha” stands out as the most energetic track on the record. Rage Against the Machine’s frontman supplied a distinctive loop, as well as an unforgettable verse. At this point, RTJ2 is on autopilot, though the intensity progressively switches up, following each track.
RTJ2 is both exhilarating and passionate all the way through, and I couldn’t think of a greater outro than how “Angel Duster” manages to close out, just screaming with pure viciousness. The start feels like a countdown for a spaceship, ready to take off, and then once it does, they leave dust all over the competition. Definitely the highpoint of the record, compact with authority and signature moments. The pair stand away from all grounds and have recreated their own world. RTJ2 is a feat that’s going to be talked about for years to come. From its domineering production, to how each track blends into the following is genius at times. You get nothing but a pair of 38 year olds just having a little fun on the mic. Within the next five years, could RTJ2 could be perceived as another hip-hop classic? The answer remains unquestioned.
Album Picks: Jeopardy, Close Your Eyes, Angel Duster
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