Released: 2020

Genres: Hardcore Hip-Hop, Political Hip-Hop, Experimental Hip-Hop

The Musiquarium’s RTJ4 Review Score: 10 out of 10

After pumping out the first three critically acclaimed Run the Jewels albums between 2013-2016, the duo took a longer than usual break, not returning again until 2020, when America was in shambles. There was the Covid pandemic, the George Floyd incident and the imminent presidential election —suffice to say, El-P and Killer Mike had a lot to say.

On yankee and the brave (ep. 4), RTJ is back at it like a crack addict, attacking the listener with visceral, pounding bass and badass bars. ooh la la makes creative use of a sample from a line from a Gang Starr song, showcasing how creative sampling can be when you aren’t being lazy. out of sight is a whole lotta fun. holy calamafuck and goonies vs. E.T. are two of the bands most experimental tracks so far, showcasing the brilliant production work of El-P.

the ground below samples Gang of Four’s Ether, and will hopefully lead listeners to their classic 1979 album Entertainment! Rage Against the Machine’s Zach de la Rocha appears on JU$T, making for his third appearance on a Run the Jewels album. Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age also features on pulling the pin, alongside Mavis Staples.

While every RTJ album so far has been superb, RTJ4 might just be the best one yet.

For credit breakdowns and historic release details, view Run the Jewels on Discogs.

Back to the 2020 Album Guide or the Run the Jewels Reviews page.

Written by Brett Nippard