Run The Jewels: Close Your Eyes (And Count To Fu*k)
It’s funky Friday! Continuing my focus on the music of 2014, Run The Jewels 2 by Run The Jewels, the rap group formed in 2013 by El-P and Killer Mike, is my favorite rap album of the year. To be honest, it was almost every critic’s favorite rap album of that year. I tend to ignore most popular hip hop in the 21st century, but I’m always down when El-P is involved. El-P has been at the forefront of the alternative hip hop scene since the early ’90s. From his work with Company Flow to his solo work to the four releases by RTJ, the sound of an El-P release is always identifiable. His rap skills are of the highest level, but I especially like the futuristic soundscapes he creates. Along with the extremely unique group Dalek, El-P has been responsible for ensuring that rap music in the 21st century is more than straightforward samples, boring lifts of complete soul songs, and simplistic beats. The addition of Killer Mike’s flow to his unique vision was a partnership that seems like it was always meant to be. Every RTJ release is of the highest quality, even though they have all been released as free releases. For me, RTJ2 is the best of the four, but every fan has their favorite. I am listing it here on my Best of 2014 list as a separate entry, but the truth is that it is near the top of my overall Top 10 list. For many in 2014, it was the album of the year, and I can’t argue with that opinion.
To learn more about Run The Jewels, check out their Wikipedia page.
To listen to all of the songs of the day, check out the Radio Faux Show Song of the Day playlist.
The Radio Faux Show 
Really feeling the exhaustion in this video. This should be a stage play.
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It really is a great video. 10 years later, it feels even more timely.
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It certainly does. I felt similar to when I first watched the This is America video, but even more pause about how we don’t seem to be learning.
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