THE BAND: The biggest rap success story of 2014, the combined efforts of Brookylnite super producer EL-P and Atlanta’s Killer Mike have been collaborating since Mike’s heralded solo record R.A.P Music in 2012. Going unnoticed by the mainstream for over a decade, the two artists were widely regarded as purveyors of raw and inventive hip hop. However, this was all set to change with the formation of Run The Jewels; their rap duo that has propelled them to previously unforeseen levels of greatness in the vein of UGK, Madvillian and EPMD. Taken from their almost universally adored sophomore outing Run The Jewels 2, they have revealed the video for album standout ‘Lie, Cheat, Steal.’
THE SOUND: Beginning with a fairly sedate intro before EL-P and Killer Mike proceed to exchange verses brimming with creativity, intriguing imagery and scathing social commentary whilst the structure of the aforementioned track is held together by its modern adaption of the classic boom bap sound. Lyrically, it examines the more unsavoury and treacherous elements of the human condition and the greed driven society in which we live.
THE VIDEO: Crafted by UK based director Ruffmercy, the accompanying visuals for the track are fairly simplistic in nature. Depicting the duo (occasionally clad in Obama and Reagan masks respectively) in front of a graffiti covered backdrop and with intermittent flashes of animation, it doesn’t look to reinvent the wheel for hip hop videos but makes for a highly enjoyable watch.
THE LOWDOWN: Run The Jewels 2 is available now via Mass Appeal.
