El-P and Mike, producers of Killer Mike's breakthrough album R.A.P. Music, discuss their reinvention as the duo Run the Jewels. They talk about their collaboration and the creation of their project, the importance of mental health and the impact of one of their songs. They also explore the production process, financial investment, and maintaining momentum. Additionally, they delve into the process of creating music together as a group and the benefits it brings.
Run the Jewels was born out of a spontaneous decision after touring together, evolving from a one-off collaboration to a dominant force in the music industry.
The name "Run the Jewels" represented a renewed sense of fierceness and defiance, encapsulating LP and Killer Mike's determination to go all out and hold on to their passion for creating music.
Run the Jewels created a space where fans of different races, genders, and ages could come together and enjoy their music, bringing together different fan bases and attracting a new crop of listeners.
Deep dives
The Genesis of Run the Jewels
Run the Jewels, the collaborative project of Killer Mike and LP, was born out of a spontaneous decision after touring together. LP had the idea to create a free EP, just to keep the energy going, while Killer Mike expressed interest in jumping on the project as well. Their chemistry and the fun they had working together quickly became apparent, and the project evolved into something more than just a one-off collaboration.
The Symbolism of "Run the Jewels"
The name "Run the Jewels" had been floating around in LP's mind for a while, inspired by a line from an LL Cool J song. It felt fitting for their journey, as both LP and Killer Mike had faced personal and career challenges before they joined forces. The name represented a renewed sense of fierceness and defiance, a determination to go all out and hold on to their passion for creating music.
The Impact and Evolution of Run the Jewels
When Run the Jewels initially started touring, they were unsure if the project would gain traction. But as soon as they hit the stage together, the chemistry and energy of the performances were undeniable. Their blend of styles and the explosive nature of their live shows attracted a new, younger audience. The momentum grew, and Run the Jewels went from being an experiment to becoming a dominant force in the music industry, ultimately redefining their careers.
The Impact of Run the Jewels on Fans
The podcast episode discusses how Run the Jewels brought together different fan bases and attracted a new crop of listeners. The music resonated with people at the right time, offering dangerous and fun music that hit the right notes. The free project allowed many to access the music, and the energy of Run the Jewels appealed to a diverse range of people, including different races, genders, and ages. The podcast highlights how Run the Jewels created a space where fans could come together and enjoy the music, blending their individual connections to LP and Killer Mike.
The Evolution of Run the Jewels and Creating a Unique Sound
The podcast also explores the process of creating the Run the Jewels album and how it differed from previous projects. The music was intended to be competitive and impactful, with a fresh and modern sound. The album aimed to be the loudest thing on the block, using different production styles and rhythms. LP wanted to create a lane that was different from what others were doing and to offer something that tapped into people's love for music. The podcast reveals LP's desire to fuse humor, irony, and politically incorrect content into the songs, creating an inclusive and enjoyable experience for listeners.
Off the heels of producing Killer Mike's breakthrough album R.A.P. Music, El-P and Mike decide to join forces for an entire project that was intended to be a one-off. This is the story of their reinvention/evolution in forming the duo that would change both of their careers: Run the Jewels
