In 2012, El-P produced Killer Mike's critically acclaimed album R.A.P. Music. The following week, Killer Mike appeared on the track "Tougher Colder Killer", from El-P's album Cancer 4 Cure.
Both won the acclaim of media and fans across the globe and led to 2012′s legendary, hugely successful “Into The Wild” tour. One year later, the duo return to satisfy fan demand, and their own creative urges, as Run The Jewels, cementing their musical alliance with a full album of uncompromisingly raw, forward thinking hip-hop.
They released their self-titled debut album, Run the Jewels, on June 26 2013, via Fool's Gold Records to critical acclaim.
Their follow-up record, Run the Jewels 2, was announced in August 2014. It was released through Mass Appeal Records, on October 24, 2014. They also announced the release of a traditional remix album of Run the Jewels 2, which will be released via Fool's Gold Records Records in 2015, and a remix album titled Meow the Jewels exclusively featuring "cat sounds" which will see guest production from Prince Paul, The Alchemist, Just Blaze, Dan the Automator, and others.
Run the Jewels 3 was digitally released on December 24, 2016, three weeks prior to its previously announced release date of January 13, 2017. Physical release of the album appeared on January 13 in the United States and January 20 elsewhere.
In June 2017, the track "Legend Has It" from Run the Jewels 3 was featured in the teaser trailer for Marvel's Black Panther during game four of the 2017 NBA Finals, and was viewed 89 million times in 24 hours. Multiple Run the Jewels tracks were also featured in the 2017 action film Baby Driver, which also featured a cameo by Killer Mike. In September 2017, Run the Jewels released "Mean Demeanor", a track created for the football video game FIFA 18.
In March 2018, Adult Swim released a Run the Jewels/Rick and Morty crossover music video for "Oh Mama". The music was a remix of "Oh Mama" from Run the Jewels 3 accompanied by sound effects from a Rick and Morty short. The effort was directed by Juan Meza-León, and was released prior to Run the Jewels headlining the 2018 Adult Swim Festival on October 7, 2018.
On December 12, 2019, the single "Legend Has It" was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Run The Jewel's 4th studio album, RTJ4, was released on June 3, 2 days earlier than the pre-determined release date, following the wave of protests about the death of George Floyd in the hands of police brutality. RTJ4 was met with widespread critical acclaim. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from professional publications, the album received an average score of 89, based on 26 reviews. Aggregator AnyDecentMusic? gave it 8.8 out of 10, based on their assessment of the critical consensus.
Crown
Run the Jewels Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Down with the shame
Used to walk traps in the rain with cocaine
Used to write raps in the traps as I sat in the rain
And I prayed that God give me a lane
Give me a lane
Give me the fame
Give me the fame and I promise to change
Won't be the same type of man that puts cocaine in this lady's hand
Heard she was pregnant, I'm guilty I reckon
'Cause I hear that good shit can hurt baby's brain
Heard he was normal 'til three and then he stopped talkin'
Since then, ain't nothin been the same
Seen her some years later out in Decatur told her that I'm sorry for causin' her pain
"Causin' me pain?"
"Causin' me pain?"
She asked again and she grabbed my right hand
Asked "Am I crazy, said look here, baby
I release you from all of your sins and your shame
'Cause I've been redeemed
I found in Christ
Whatever it take I hope you find it, Mike"
The look on her face shown that glory replaced all the shame
And the hate and that she wears a crown
My late grandma Bettie had prayed with her heavy
And told her to tell me lay my burdens down
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown, can't pick up no crown
(Down with the shame)
(Down with the shame)
Carried the flag in some other men's name
Loaded my weapon and swore to them vengeance
And stepped with aggression right into the fray
Into the haze
Into the murk
Told me to prove to them what I was worth
We'll teach you to move without mercy
And give you the tools to go after the causers of hurt
You'll become death
You will take breath
This is for everything you've ever loved
Use all the pain that you've felt in your life
As the currency go out and trade it for blood
You are not you
You are now us
We are the only ones that you can trust
You'll become fear
They'll become dust
Before this moment you didn't mean much
You are the smoldering vessel of punishment born to do nothing but justify us
Give us your empathy we'll give you lust
Let yourself go my son time to grow up
Give up your childish obsession with questioning
Anything we don't tell you is irrelevant
Everything you've ever been is replaced
By the metal and fire of the weapon you clutch
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown, can't pick up no crown
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown, can't pick up no crown
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down
The lyrics of "Crown" by Run the Jewels delve into the concept of redemption, shame, and power dynamics. The singer initially reflects on his past as a drug dealer and aspiring rapper, expressing regret for his actions and their possible consequences. He alludes to a particular instance where he sold drugs to a pregnant woman, and her child was later diagnosed with a developmental delay. The weight of his actions, along with his desire to be successful and famous, lead him to pray to God for a different path in life.
The song then takes a dark turn as the singer describes being recruited by a militant group, who strip him of his identity and emotions, and turn him into a weapon for their cause. This transformation is characterized by the demand for blind obedience and loyalty, which is enforced through violence and manipulation. The singer becomes complicit in the group's agenda, symbolized by the weapon he carries, but at a cost of his humanity and freedom.
The overarching message of the song is that power and redemption are intertwined, and the pursuit of one can lead to the loss of the other. The singer's journey illustrates the dangers of succumbing to external pressures or authority figures, which can compromise one's ethical values and sense of self.
Line by Line Meaning
Down with the shame
Rejecting the feeling of shame and regret.
Used to walk traps in the rain with cocaine
Previously participated in illegal activities, dealing cocaine.
Used to write raps in the traps as I sat in the rain
Reflecting on past experiences, writing rap lyrics while in risky situations.
And I prayed that god give me a lane
Asking for an opportunity to succeed in life.
Give me a lane
Continuing to request a chance to achieve.
Give me the fame
Aspiring to be well-known and admired.
Give me the fame and I promise to change
Promising to transform one's way of life in exchange for recognition.
Won't be the same
Committed to no longer living life in the same way.
Won't be the same kind of man that puts cocaine in this lady's hand
Vowing to never harm others through illegal actions like distributing drugs.
Heard she was pregnant, i'm guilty I reckon cause
Feeling responsible for harm caused to someone who was pregnant due to cocaine use.
I hear that good shit can hurt baby's brain
Recognizing the harm that drug use can cause, specifically in this case to an unborn child's development.
Heard he was normal 'til three and then he stopped talkin'
Learning about the negative effects that drugs had on a child's development.
Since then, ain't nothin been the same
Noticing the impact of drugs on the child's behavior and quality of life.
Seen her some years later out in decatur told her
Encountering the woman who was harmed in the past due to drug use.
That i'm sorry for causin' her pain
Expressing genuine remorse for previous actions that caused harm.
Causin' me pain?
The woman questioning the apology and expressing her own pain and suffering caused by the situation.
Causin' me pain?
Continuing to highlight the pain experienced by the woman and reminding listeners of the impact of one's actions.
She asked again and she grabbed my right hand
The woman continuing to engage with the singer and seeking answers or understanding.
Asked am I crazy, said look here, baby
Questioning the singer's stability or intentions, and requesting reassurance or explanation.
I release you from all of your sins and your shame
Offering forgiveness and absolution to the woman for any pain or suffering caused by the artist's actions.
Cause i've been redeemed
Referring to one's own spiritual or emotional transformation.
I found in christ
Attributing one's redemption and transformation to faith or spirituality.
Whatever it take I hope you find it, mike
Encouraging others to also seek redemption and transformation.
The look on her face shown that glory replaced
Observing the positive impact of redemption and forgiveness on the woman's life.
All the shame and the hate and that she wears a crown
Describing the lasting impact of forgiveness and redemption, creating a sense of dignity and power.
My late grandma bettie had prayed with her
Recalling the influence of a grandmother figure in the woman's life.
Heavy and told her to tell me lay my burdens down
Relaying a message of support from the grandmother to the singer, encouraging them to let go of past mistakes and seek redemption.
Can't pick up no crown, holding
Highlighting a sense of stagnation or powerlessness, unable to claim one's own success or pride.
What's holding you down
Questioning what obstacles or negative thoughts are preventing the artist from achieving their goals.
Carried the flag in some other men's name
Acknowledging the role of the singer in supporting or promoting other men's achievements or success.
Loaded my weapon and swore to them vengeance and
Preparing to seek revenge or justice through violence.
Stepped with aggression right into the fray
Acting with boldness and decisiveness in a dangerous or challenging situation.
Into the haze
Going into an unclear or dangerous situation.
Into the murk
Entering into uncertainty or confusion.
Told me to prove to them what I was worth
Feeling pressure to demonstrate one's own value or worth to others.
We'll teach you to move without mercy and give you
Preparing to receive training or instruction in how to act without regard for others.
The tools to go after the causers of hurt
Learning how to identify and seek revenge against those who have caused pain or suffering.
You'll become death
Transforming from a person to a force of destruction and death.
You will take breath
Asserting control over others' lives and claiming the power to end them.
This is for everything you've ever loved
Emphasizing that the motivation for vengeance comes from protecting or avenging loved ones.
Use all the pain that you've felt in your life
Utilizing one's own emotional suffering and trauma as fuel for seeking revenge.
As the currency go out and trade it for blood
Reinforcing that the only way to respond to pain or hurt is through violent retaliation.
You are not you
Eroding one's sense of self and individuality through the training and beliefs of the group or culture.
You are now us
Transforming from an independent person to part of a larger group or collective identity.
We are the only ones that you can trust
Promoting the idea that the group is a source of support and safety, but also reinforcing dependency and control.
You'll become fear
Transforming from a person to an emotion or feeling, representing the ability to intimidate or control others.
They'll become dust
Claiming the power to destroy or eradicate others entirely.
Before this moment you didn't mean much
Belittling the artist's previous identity or sense of self-worth.
You are the smoldering vessel of punishment
Identifying the singer as a tool or instrument for carrying out punishment or revenge.
Born to do nothing but justify us
Reinforcing the power dynamic and control of the group over the individual.
Give us your empathy we'll give you lust
Offering emotional support and shelter in exchange for loyalty and obedience.
Let yourself go my son time to grow up
Encouraging the artist to abandon previous beliefs or patterns of behavior, adopt the group's values, and start anew.
Give up your childish obsession with questioning
Discouraging questioning or skepticism, reinforcing a culture of obedience and conformity.
Anything we don't tell you is irrelevant
Asserting authority over the singer's knowledge and access to information.
Everything you've ever been is replaced by the
Erasing the singer's past identity through indoctrination or transformation.
Metal and fire of the weapon you clutch
Emphasizing the power and danger of a violent weapon and its impact on the wielder and the target.
Can't pick up no crown, holding
Repeating the sense of powerlessness or stagnation, unable to claim one's own success or identity.
What's holding you down
Continuing to question what obstacles or negative thoughts are preventing the artist from achieving their goals.
Can't pick up no crown, holding
Repeating the sense of powerlessness or stagnation, unable to claim one's own success or identity.
Can't pick up no crown, can't pick up no crown
Reinforcing a sense of impossibility or failure, highlighting the challenges or obstacles blocking one's goals or dreams.
Lyrics © SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB., Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Royalty Network, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Michael Santigo Render, Torbitt Castleman Schwartz, Shaun Michael Fleming, Jaime Meline
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@somethingsomethingusername802
Is the Military (in times of peace) the same way?
I enlisted just about a year and half ago. Shipped to Ft. Benning for 19D OSUT, got injured in week 8 (happened a bit earlier but I didn't know until going to sick call for an unrelated injury...go f-in' figure) and was sent home on con. leave for 30 days. Came back rippin and ready to go, did physical therapy for about 3-4 months, whack-ass civie Physical Therapist at the TMC wouldn't grant a Return To Duty. CoC figured it best I be separated, get better treatment outside of TRADOC, and come back.
Since returning home I've been working with a Physician and Physical Therapist - as well as a couple trips to a good Chiropractor. Ended up getting certified as an EMT-B at the community college, been doing that for a minute now.
But I have thought about reenlisting, and have spoken with a recruiter - if only out of curiosity. ASVAB score wasn't stellar, a 77. But all my line scores are above a 105, easily (GT of 110 for example).
I'm still only making +/-$19 an hour, with like a $2+ night/weekend differential. After taxes and living expenses I got enough for gas and maybe another month of Netflix lol. My time spent at Benning...man...never had so much just sittin in my Checking Account. Lower enlisted pay isn't great...but the benefits, the housing, etc., kinda makes up for it in my eyes.
I guess what I'm asking is if it is worth it? I thoroughly enjoyed training, even in a TRADOC environment. I thrived there. I knew what to do, how to do it, and when. Kinda miss that at times.
@klep2ma297
[Verse 1: Killer Mike]
Down with the shame
Down with the shame
Used to walk traps in the rain with cocaine
Used to write raps in the traps as I sat in the rain and I prayed that God give me a lane
Give me a lane
Give me the fame
Give me the fame and I promise to change
Won’t be the same
Won’t be the same type of man that puts cocaine in this lady’s hand
Heard she was pregnant, I’m guilty I reckon 'cause I hear that good shit can hurt baby’s brain
Heard he was normal 'til three and then he stopped talkin'
Since then, ain’t nothin been the same
Seen her some years later out in Decatur, told her I’m sorry for causin' her pain
"Causin' me pain?"
"Causin' me pain?"
She asked again and she grabbed my right hand
Asked am I crazy, said "Look here, baby, I release you from all of your sins and your shame
Cause I’ve been redeemed
I found in Christ
Whatever it take I hope you find it, Mike."
The look on her face shown that glory replaced all the shame and the hate and that she wears a crown
My late Grandma Bettie had prayed with her heavy and told her to tell me lay my burdens down
[Hook: Killer Mike]
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown, can't pick up no crown
[Verse 2: El-P, Killer Mike]
(Down with the shame
Down with the shame)
Carried the flag in some other men's name
Loaded my weapon and swore to them vengeance and stepped with aggression right into the fray
Into the haze
Into the murk
Told me to prove to them what I was worth
We’ll teach you to move without mercy and give you the tools to go after the causers of hurt
You'll become death
You will take breath
This is for everything you’ve ever loved
Use all the pain that you’ve felt in your life as the currency go out and trade it for blood
You are not you
You are now us
We are the only ones that you can trust
You’ll become fear
They’ll become dust
Before this moment, you didn't mean much
You are the smoldering vessel of punishment born to do nothing but justify us
Give us your empathy, we’ll give you lust
Let yourself go, my son, time to grow up
Give up your childish obsession with questioning
Anything we don't tell you is irrelevant
Everything you've ever been is replaced by the metal and fire of the weapon you clutch
[Hook: Killer Mike]
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown, can't pick up no crown
[Outro: Killer Mike]
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down
@danielchang1013
[Killer Mike:]
Down with the shame
Down with the shame
Used to walk traps in the rain with cocaine
Used to write raps in the traps as I sat in the rain and I prayed that God give me a lane
Give me a lane
Give me the fame
Give me the fame and I promise to change
Won’t be the same
Won’t be the same type of man that puts cocaine in this lady’s hand
Heard she was pregnant, I’m guilty I reckon cause I hear that good shit can hurt baby’s brain
Heard he was normal 'til three and then he stopped talkin'
Since then, ain’t nothin been the same
Seen her some years later out in decatur told her that I’m sorry for causin' her pain
Causin' me pain?
Causin' me pain?
She asked again and she grabbed my right hand
Asked am I crazy, said look here, baby, I release you from all of your sins and your shame
Cause I’ve been redeemed
I found in Christ
Whatever it take I hope you find it, Mike
The look on her face shown that glory replaced all the shame and the hate and that she wears a crown
My late grandma Bettie had prayed with her heavy and told her to tell me lay my burdens down
[Hook:]
Can't pick up no crown, holding
What's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown, holding
What's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown, can't pick up no crown
[El-P:]
(Down with the shame
Down with the shame)
Carried the flag in some other men's name
Loaded my weapon and swore to them vengeance and stepped with aggression right into the fray
Into the haze
Into the murk
Told me to prove to them what I was worth
We’ll teach you to move without mercy and give you the tools to go after the causers of hurt
You'll become death
You will take breath
This is for everything you’ve ever loved
Use all the pain that you’ve felt in your life as the currency go out and trade it for blood
You are not you
You are now us
We are the only ones that you can trust
You’ll become fear
They’ll become dust
Before this moment you didn't mean much
You are the smoldering vessel of punishment born to do nothing but justify us
Give us your empathy we’ll give you lust
Let yourself go my son time to grow up
Give up your childish obsession with questioning
Anything we don't tell you is irrelevant
Everything you've ever been is replaced by the metal and fire of the weapon you clutch
[Hook]
@mason_mason
Killer Mike:]
Down with the shame
Down with the shame
Used to walk traps in the rain with cocaine
Used to write raps in the traps as I sat in the rain and I prayed that God give me a lane
Give me a lane
Give me the fame
Give me the fame and I promise to change
Won’t be the same
Won’t be the same type of man that puts cocaine in this lady’s hand
Heard she was pregnant, I’m guilty I reckon cause I hear that good shit can hurt baby’s brain
Heard he was normal 'til three and then he stopped talkin'
Since then, ain’t nothin been the same
Seen her some years later out in decatur told her that I’m sorry for causin' her pain
Causin' me pain?
Causin' me pain?
She asked again and she grabbed my right hand
Asked am I crazy, said look here, baby, I release you from all of your sins and your shame
Cause I’ve been redeemed
I found in Christ
Whatever it take I hope you find it, Mike
The look on her face shown that glory replaced all the shame and the hate and that she wears a crown
My late grandma Bettie had prayed with her heavy and told her to tell me lay my burdens down
[Hook:]
Can't pick up no crown, holding
What's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown, holding
What's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown, can't pick up no crown
[El-P:]
(Down with the shame
Down with the shame)
Carried the flag in some other men's name
Loaded my weapon and swore to them vengeance and stepped with aggression right into the fray
Into the haze
Into the murk
Told me to prove to them what I was worth
We’ll teach you to move without mercy and give you the tools to go after the causers of hurt
You'll become death
You will take breath
This is for everything you’ve ever loved
Use all the pain that you’ve felt in your life as the currency go out and trade it for blood
You are not you
You are now us
We are the only ones that you can trust
You’ll become fear
They’ll become dust
Before this moment you didn't mean much
You are the smoldering vessel of punishment born to do nothing but justify us
Give us your empathy we’ll give you lust
Let yourself go my son time to grow up
Give up your childish obsession with questioning
Anything we don't tell you is irrelevant
Everything you've ever been is replaced by the metal and fire of the weapon you clutch
@mrlowkey4187
You’ll become fear
They’ll become dust
@brittwade3127
damn 1:55-2:45 was savage. combat vet turned hippy can confirm truth in those bars.
@superdave11bodybag13
Britt Wade hooah
@omnitravis
I only tried to join the USMC and that verse makes me tear up often, it's beautiful.
@ManicTheManic
@@omnitravis lolwut
@apexnext
Seen lots of Vets say that verse is legit.
Over the years now.
@somethingsomethingusername802
Is the Military (in times of peace) the same way?
I enlisted just about a year and half ago. Shipped to Ft. Benning for 19D OSUT, got injured in week 8 (happened a bit earlier but I didn't know until going to sick call for an unrelated injury...go f-in' figure) and was sent home on con. leave for 30 days. Came back rippin and ready to go, did physical therapy for about 3-4 months, whack-ass civie Physical Therapist at the TMC wouldn't grant a Return To Duty. CoC figured it best I be separated, get better treatment outside of TRADOC, and come back.
Since returning home I've been working with a Physician and Physical Therapist - as well as a couple trips to a good Chiropractor. Ended up getting certified as an EMT-B at the community college, been doing that for a minute now.
But I have thought about reenlisting, and have spoken with a recruiter - if only out of curiosity. ASVAB score wasn't stellar, a 77. But all my line scores are above a 105, easily (GT of 110 for example).
I'm still only making +/-$19 an hour, with like a $2+ night/weekend differential. After taxes and living expenses I got enough for gas and maybe another month of Netflix lol. My time spent at Benning...man...never had so much just sittin in my Checking Account. Lower enlisted pay isn't great...but the benefits, the housing, etc., kinda makes up for it in my eyes.
I guess what I'm asking is if it is worth it? I thoroughly enjoyed training, even in a TRADOC environment. I thrived there. I knew what to do, how to do it, and when. Kinda miss that at times.
@Rafe758
Everybody loves el-p’s verse, but I find the wisdom in mikes profound
@100dead
Both are amazing, but the targeted attack of El-P's verse is insane
@odstjackson
Only dealers and ex dealers can relate to his verse really.