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.
Ju$t
Run the Jewels Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mastered academics 'cause your grades say you a scholar (slave)
Mastered Instagram 'cause you can instigate a follow (shit)
Look at all these slave masters posin' on yo' dollar (get it, yeah)
Look at all these slave masters (ay)
Posin' on yo' dollar (get it, yeah)
Look at all these slave masters (ay)
Look at all these slave masters (ay)
Posin' on yo' dollar (get it, yeah)
Look at all these slave masters
Ay
Business time, I'm on mine, I be mindin' mine (make money)
Every time on my grind, I'm just tryna shine (stay sunny)
Make a dollar, government, they want a dozen dimes (no cap)
The petty kind, might kill ya 'cause they see you shine (stay strapped)
I done had to have a talk with myself many times (for real)
Am I a hypocrite 'cause I know I did plenty crimes? (yes, I'm ill)
I get broke too many times, I might slang some dimes (back to trappin')
You believe corporations runnin' marijuana? (How that happen? Ooh)
And your country gettin' ran by a casino owner (ooh)
Pedophiles sponsor all these fuckin' racist bastards (they do)
And I told you once befo' that you should kill your master (it's true)
Now that's the line that's probably gon' get my ass assassinated (yeah-yeah, yeah)
Master of these politics, you swear that you got options (slave, yeah)
Master of opinion 'cause you vote with the white collar (slave)
The Thirteenth Amendment says that slavery's abolished (shit)
Look at all these slave masters posin' on yo' dollar (get it)
Look at all these slave masters (ay)
Posin' on yo' dollar (get it, yeah)
Look at all these slave masters (ay)
Posin' on yo' dollar (get it)
Look at all these slave masters (ay)
Posin' on yo' dollar (get it, yeah)
Look at all these slave masters
(Confucius said)
Man, you better duck out, get the bag and then bug out (uh)
Try to run home, you might run your luck out
'Cause just when your bases loaded
They'll roll a grenade in the dugout (you're out)
Earth folk, not a mellow bunch
We got our thumbs in the air like hell or bust (uh)
Look at who we done blessed with our trust
I don't think we'll be left with too much
Hand on my heart and my mind on my drugs
Got a Vonnegut punch for your Atlas shrugs
They love to not love it's just that dumb
Lord, sweet Buddha please make me numb
Brain bounce off walls like a sentient Roomba
Just found out his creator's stupid
Lit by the supermoon, I'm too lucid
Plus got shrooms in the blood, I'm zoomin'
Beep beep, Richie, this is New York City
The X on the map where the pain keep hitting
Just us ducks here sitting
Where murderous chokehold cops still earnin' a livin'
Funny how some say money don't matter
That's rich now, isn't it, get it? Comedy
Try to sell a pack a smokes to get food
Get killed and it's not an anomaly
But hey, it's just money
Mastered economics 'cause you took yourself from squalor (slave, yeah)
Mastered academics 'cause your grades say you a scholar (slave)
Mastered Instagram 'cause you can instigate a follow (shit, yeah)
Look at all these slave masters (yeah-yeah)
Let it sink in (yeah)
2020, run the map
Raw, uncut, yeah my hourglass
Don't watch it spill to the bottom half
You see the piece, now run it fast
On the tarmac, in a starter jack
C4 when I run it back
Like a track star, run a record lap?
Nah, like when his needle catch (yeah)
Clean look, poet pugilist
A shooters view, a Zapruder flick (yeah)
Too rude for ya rudiments
Who convinced you you could move against the crew?
In this, comin' up through the fence
Off shore outta Port-au-Prince (yeah)
Overture left his fingerprints
On our hearts at the gate and the world our residence
How can we be the peace?
When the beast gonna reach for the worst (yeah)
Tear all the flesh off the Earth
Stage set for a deafening reckoning
Quick like the pace of a verse
So I'm questioning this quest for things
As a recipe for early death threatening (yeah)
But the breath in me is weaponry
For you, it's just money
The song JU$T by Run the Jewels featuring Pharrell Williams and Zach de la Rocha is a protest against systemic racism and capitalism. The lyrics criticize the idea of modern-day slavery that is propagated by capitalism. The opening lines, “Mastered economics ‘cause you took yourself from squalor / Mastered academics ‘cause your grades say you a scholar” speak to the fact that people of color have to work twice as hard to achieve the same level of academic and economic success as their white counterparts. The reference to “Instagram” highlights how people can gain followings and become “masters” of social media without necessarily changing their socio-economic status.
The repeated refrain “Look at all these slave masters posin' on yo' dollar” is a direct critique of the fact that many figures historically associated with slavery are featured on US currency. The lyrics also condemn the influence of corporations and politicians who use their power and money to control people’s lives. The chorus underscores the idea that the US is still struggling with the after-effects of slavery, despite the Thirteenth Amendment that abolished it.
The song ends on a note of defiance, with the lyrics, “But the breath in me is weaponry / For you, it's just money,” suggesting that the artist’s voice is a powerful tool in the fight against inequality and capitalism. Overall, the song JU$T is a powerful commentary on the intersection of race, money, politics, and power.
Line by Line Meaning
Mastered economics 'cause you took yourself from squalor (slave)
Became a master of economics by pulling yourself out of poverty (slavery)
Mastered academics 'cause your grades say you a scholar (slave)
Achieved mastery in academics, as proven by your excellent grades (slavery)
Mastered Instagram 'cause you can instigate a follow (shit)
Became skilled at using Instagram to gain a large following (profanity)
Look at all these slave masters posin' on yo' dollar (get it, yeah)
Notice how those in power, who exploit others like slaves, proudly display themselves on your currency (understand it, yeah)
Business time, I'm on mine, I be mindin' mine (make money)
It's time for business, I focus on my own affairs (earn money)
Every time on my grind, I'm just tryna shine (stay sunny)
Consistently working hard to succeed and stand out (remain positive)
Make a dollar, government, they want a dozen dimes (no cap)
Whenever you make money, the government seeks to take a substantial portion (no lie)
The petty kind, might kill ya 'cause they see you shine (stay strapped)
Petty individuals might harm you because they envy your success (remain armed for protection)
I done had to have a talk with myself many times (for real)
I've had numerous conversations with myself (honestly)
Am I a hypocrite 'cause I know I did plenty crimes? (yes, I'm ill)
Do I contradict myself because I've committed numerous offenses? (yes, I'm sick)
I get broke too many times, I might slang some dimes (back to trappin')
If I experience financial hardships again, I might sell drugs (return to illegal activities)
You believe corporations runnin' marijuana? (How that happen? Ooh)
Do you really think corporations control the marijuana industry? (How did that come to be? Ooh)
And your country gettin' ran by a casino owner (ooh)
Your country is being governed by a person who owns a casino (ooh)
Pedophiles sponsor all these fuckin' racist bastards (they do)
Pedophiles financially support these racist individuals (they do)
And I told you once befo' that you should kill your master (it's true)
I previously advised you to overthrow your oppressor (it's true)
Now that's the line that's probably gon' get my ass assassinated (yeah-yeah, yeah)
Now that specific line might lead to my assassination (yeah-yeah, yeah)
Master of these politics, you swear that you got options (slave, yeah)
You claim to have choices in the realm of politics, but you're actually enslaved to it (slave, yeah)
Master of opinion 'cause you vote with the white collar (slave)
You believe you have control over your own opinions, but you're just a slave to the influence of those in power (slave)
The Thirteenth Amendment says that slavery's abolished (shit)
According to the Thirteenth Amendment, slavery is officially abolished (profanity)
Look at all these slave masters posin' on yo' dollar (get it)
Observe how those who hold power, similar to slave owners, proudly feature on your currency (understand it)
Man, you better duck out, get the bag and then bug out (uh)
You should leave quickly, secure your money, and then disappear (uh)
Try to run home, you might run your luck out
If you attempt to escape back home, you could run out of luck
'Cause just when your bases loaded
Because just when you're in a favorable position
They'll roll a grenade in the dugout (you're out)
They will throw a grenade into the dugout, ending your chances (you're out)
Earth folk, not a mellow bunch
The people of Earth are not calm or peaceful
We got our thumbs in the air like hell or bust (uh)
We raise our thumbs defiantly, ready for a fight or failure (uh)
Look at who we done blessed with our trust
Observe who we have mistakenly placed our trust in
I don't think we'll be left with too much
I doubt we'll have much left
Hand on my heart and my mind on my drugs
I have my hand on my heart and my mind focused on drugs
Got a Vonnegut punch for your Atlas shrugs
I possess a powerful blow, inspired by Kurt Vonnegut, for those who ignore societal struggles (referring to Ayn Rand's 'Atlas Shrugged')
They love to not love it's just that dumb
They enjoy pretending they don't love it, but that's just foolish
Lord, sweet Buddha please make me numb
Oh, dear Buddha, please make me emotionally numb
Brain bounce off walls like a sentient Roomba
My brain is hyperactive, bouncing off the walls like a self-aware vacuum cleaner (Roomba)
Just found out his creator's stupid
Just realized that the person who created him is unintelligent
Lit by the supermoon, I'm too lucid
I'm enlightened by the brightness of the supermoon, overly conscious
Plus got shrooms in the blood, I'm zoomin'
Furthermore, I have consumed hallucinogenic mushrooms, intensifying my state of mind
Beep beep, Richie, this is New York City
Beep beep, Richie, referring to Stephen King's character, this is the chaotic atmosphere of New York City
The X on the map where the pain keep hitting
Referring to a specific location on the map where suffering persists
Just us ducks here sitting
We're just sitting here, helpless and vulnerable like ducks
Where murderous chokehold cops still earnin' a livin'
In a place where police officers who use deadly chokeholds are still employed
Funny how some say money don't matter
It's ironic how some claim that money is insignificant
That's rich now, isn't it, get it? Comedy
That's incredibly ironic, isn't it? Understand the comedic aspect of it
Try to sell a pack a smokes to get food
Attempt to sell a pack of cigarettes in order to buy food
Get killed and it's not an anomaly
End up getting killed, and it's not a rare occurrence
But hey, it's just money
But hey, it's only money
Let it sink in (yeah)
Allow it to fully comprehend (yeah)
2020, run the map
In 2020, dominate and control the entire landscape
Raw, uncut, yeah my hourglass
Raw and unfiltered, my time is running out (like an hourglass)
Don't watch it spill to the bottom half
Don't watch it run out completely
You see the piece, now run it fast
You see the opportunity, now seize it quickly
On the tarmac, in a starter jack
On the runway, wearing a starter jacket
C4 when I run it back
Explosive like C4 when I bring it back
Like a track star, run a record lap?
Like a track star, can I run a record-breaking lap?
Nah, like when his needle catch (yeah)
No, it's like when his needle catches (yeah)
Clean look, poet pugilist
With a clean appearance, I am a poet who fights
A shooters view, a Zapruder flick (yeah)
Having a sharpshooter's perspective, like the Zapruder film of Kennedy's assassination (yeah)
Too rude for ya rudiments
Too crude for your basic principles
Who convinced you you could move against the crew?
Who gave you the idea that you could challenge our group?
In this, comin' up through the fence
In this situation, rising up through the obstacles
Off shore outta Port-au-Prince (yeah)
Located offshore, away from Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti (yeah)
Overture left his fingerprints
The opening act left his mark
On our hearts at the gate and the world our residence
Leaving a lasting impression on our hearts, claiming the world as our home
How can we be the peace?
How can we represent peace?
When the beast gonna reach for the worst (yeah)
When the beast-like forces aim for the worst
Tear all the flesh off the Earth
Destroying everything on the Earth's surface
Stage set for a deafening reckoning
Prepared for a loud and profound judgment
Quick like the pace of a verse
Fast, just like the pace of a rap verse
So I'm questioning this quest for things
Therefore, I'm doubting the pursuit of material possessions
As a recipe for early death threatening (yeah)
As a formula that threatens to bring about an untimely death (yeah)
But the breath in me is weaponry
However, the breath within me is my weapon
For you, it's just money
To you, it's simply money
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Jaime Meline, Michael Render, Pharrell Williams, Torbitt Schwartz, Wilder Schwartz, Zachary De La Rocha
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ErbVostfrFanSubber
@@hashylarry8524 I would argue that her life is much more nuanced than you are making it out to be. Yes, she did live off of social security and medicaid in her later years, but she also paid her taxes dutifully even though she was a libertarian. Also, she gets much more of a bad rap due to Republicans citing her, even though she was a true libertarian and not a Republican (she was against Reagan, making fun of him; she was anti-God and an atheist activist, and pro-abortion. She is a very complicated figure and her thoughts were marred by her life.
How could she possibly like or support any form of socialism when she knew Imperial Russia, saw it fall and with it saw the rise of anti-semitism that targeted her family, then the rise of communism and countless Jews dying; especially since she was an intellectual that would have been killed for her outspoken liking for America.
People often forget that it was Marx who suggested that capitalism was a Jewish invention and plague, in Das Kapital, and Soviet Russia was as Nazi as Nazi Germany. Hitler was, in fact, inspired by Marx and hated Jews as well as communists, attributing both financial systems to "Jewish illness and contagion".
In short, Rand held controversial opinions that were products of their time and of her experiences. Whilst we can disagree with her views and we can say that objectivism on its own is not a proper nor complete philosophy, one can appreciate the emphasis on self-respect and self-determination she places. Her ideal society isn't one of anarcho-capitalism, it is one where men still work together, just willingly. She rejects traditional pity and charity, instead focusing on man's ability to determine their own lives freely; without subjecting anyone to their rule, or being subjected to anyone. Living for oneself.
Her message has been perverted and blown out of proportions. I encourage you to read The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged if you want, you'll find they're very pedestrian in their writing styles and not worth all of the hype, but they aren't necessarily bad. They are capitalist fantasies, with very shallow characters that serve as mouthpieces, but that is the point. She did, however, help women's rights a fair bit-- She wrote strong female characters and a female protagonist in industry in Atlas Shrugged. She was herself a strong woman. And I believe she deserves better than being misrepresented on YouTube comments.
As per her social security, she believed it to be payback on her taxes paid that she considers theft, though it did hurt her. As did negative critics of her books. She had trouble with substances all of her life and had an amphetamine addiction, and chain-smoked. She lost her husband and her lover cheated on her. Her popularity waned as she got older, then she died and her books went mainstream again and landed on the shelves of the giants of industry that all cite from it. She was neither good nor bad, in my opinion-- People are complicated.
That being said, dope bar by El-P.
@leonardorestrepo5196
Zack is the DLC character for RTJ
@nathan-christopheredouard7876
PROPHETS OF RAGE
@vincentleroux8383
haha (nerf Zack tho)
@Austin-sw3mf
Shame, I wanted 18 Fire Emblem characters instead.
@xx_perrito_sandia_xx1027
Fr lmao
@cmapez
I'm too poor to afford the DLC. This song feels kinda empty at the end now.
@s.i.rjewel828
On a real note im really glad to see zack de la rocha still doing his thing, super nostalgic hearing his flow in a newer track
@thedirshzone8218
Yeah its awesome to hear him rapping over more classic hip hop type beats!
@josotsrohebroni2537
Where are you?
@seriouslyclark
They're touring together right now or soon