Run the Jewels' Oh My Darling Gets Flossed

Combine the raw energy of Run the Jewels with the rowdy Trap vibe of Flosstradamus and what do you get? A dope, arena filling, headphone shattering symphony of bass with spicy ad libs. For a bit of context, check out RTJ's original, Oh My Darling (Don't Cry) before jumping into the remix...



Rather than a steady rumbling bass and machine gun raps, the remix) takes a more instrumental driven stance from the start. There aren't more than a few bars repeated and chopped from the original, but it's safe to say Flosstradamus picked the most incendiary samples. The mix of clangy percussion and bass reminds me lot of the type of stuff RL Grime and Baauer put out. Needless to say, it's a good look and a fresh take on a classic RTJ track...#OhMyDarling

Run the Jewels - Oh My Darling (Flosstradamus Remix)

"Who Want It? Put jewels On It, Who Want It?"

Statik Selektah STAND UP! Talk about providing EL-P and Killer Mike with a perfect playground to do lyrical gymnastics all over...give a listen to Put Jewels On It. Both lyricists from RTJ dropped stellar, machine-gun flow style verses over a forceful, grimy beat.

It's a beat DJ Premier would listen to and smile because of the cuts and samples seamlessly mixed throughout. I'll put it this way, anyone who has been listening to Hip Hop since the 1990s will appreciate this track. It's an homage to East Coast style, stream of consciousness style rap that seems to have vanished over the years. Luckily we have Wu-Tang and Nas to keep that alive, but it's a fact that you just don't hear this style of track much anymore. For those of you anxious for more, I'd encourage giving Statik's new 8 album a listen when it drops in early December. On the album you can look forward to cuts featuring Prodigy (RIP), Raekwon, No Malice, The Lox, and Juelz Santana...#PutJewelsOnIt



Statik Selektah feat Run the Jewels - Put Jewels On It

"Better, Better, Meaner, Meaner, 'til the Very Last Breath"

I feel like I need to start this post with a slow clap for the crew over at FIFA? When it comes to building excitement for a video game, could you pick a more hype duo than Run the Jewels to spearhead a soundtrack? Nope, it doesn't get any more in your face and brash than Killer Mike and EL-P.

In case you missed the trailer last week, FIFA's yearly release is on the horizon. I haven't played the game in years, but EA's marketing approach of focusing on the social moments driven by the game will surely resonate with the younger demo they're clearly going for. Hat tip to Trackstar the DJ for the dope instrumental on Mean Demeanor too. Few beats deserve a full 30 second lead in, but this is the exception. As a bonus, the FIFA 18 Soundtrack just hit Spotify and it's 40 tracks! Interestingly enough, it's a mish-mash of already released music, so you won't be able to buy it all like you would a normal album. Pro tip, hit up the Spotify link and enjoy your spin around the world of music from many of the soccer dominant countries...#MeanDemeanor



Run the Jewels - Mean Demeanor

Videos of the Week July 7th

This week we got another Tiny Desk highlight to go along with a few music videos and some obligatory novelty. I've posted quite a few of NPR's Tiny Desk videos, but you'd be hard pressed to find another one better than the one below. Of course Chance performed a poem that he wrote while driving to the NPR offices. Luckily he had some DC traffic because what resulted was a fun watch.

Moving along to music videos where Ke$ha made a triumphant return on Praying. She's been through a lot over the past few years and if her new single is any indication, she's doing a hell of a job channeling that emotion. On a similarly invigorating way, Run the Jewels new claymation roller coaster video for Don't Get Captured was unique. Spooky is the word that comes to mind, which fits the vibe of the track quite well. If comedy is what you're looking for then you may be interested in James Van Der Beek's new show "What Would Diplo Do?" I'll give it to him, it was bold to cast himself as Diplo, but we'll see if the mockumentary has more than a few silly laughs to carry the series.

And last, but not least, this week delivered a new trailer for a star-studded new Jumanji reboot. The cast definitely gets your attention with Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and The Rock leading the way, but it makes you wonder whether or not they will be able to pull off a serious plot like the original did. Maybe it'll be an upgraded version of the original with a huge dose of comedy added to the mystery. Maybe it'll be one huge, contrived cluster. We shall see, at least we have until Christmas to hold our judgment...#WelcomeToTheJungle
Chance the Rapper Performing Puts on a Tiny Desk Concert for NPR

Ke$ha - Praying (Video)

Run the Jewels - Don't Get Captured (Video)

Viceland - What Would Diplo Do? (Trailer)

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (Trailer)

Photo Credit: NPR

Videos of the Week March 24th

Couple interesting story lines baked into this week's top five. The first being the ultra sexy, Willy Wonka colored video for Jason Derulo's Swalla. Needless to say, the lyrical innuendo on the track manifested itself as well as you could have hoped in the video. Next, let me introduce you to DJ Hanzel, the German alter ego of Dillon Francis. As entertaining as he is, you could imagine why TBS sought him out for his own One Deeper Talks series. There are now seven short episodes in the series and two of them made this week's top five. If you're a fan of tongue in cheek humor and EDM, these will be right up your alley.

Just in case you forgot there was still social turmoil across the US, Run the Jewels took the liberties to bring that to the forefront like only they know how. Let's just say there's a police lineup and all signs point toward it being a setup. And last, but not least, I'm ending this week's top five on a heartfelt note with Sampha's Tiny Desk performance. The dude can flat out sign and all he needs is a crowd and his piano to put on a show. Tip of the cap Sampha, you rocked that tiny desk and had us all on pins and needles...#TinyDesk

Jason Derulo feat Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign - Swalla (Video)

DJ Hanzel (Dillon Francis) Interviews Calvin Harris on One Deeper Talks

DJ Hanzel (Dillon Francis) Interviews Flosstradamus on One Deeper Talks

Run the Jewels - Legend Has It (Video)

Sampha Performs an NPR Tiny Desk Concert

Photo Credit - YouTube

Videos of the Week February 10th

Yet again this week, it was a thankless task narrowing down a top five videos. If there was one underlying theme this week it was the presence of soul. Starting with Chance the Rapper's video for Same Drugs where he delivers a duet with what can only be described as a muppet. Trippy video, but nonetheless, a stellar track. Then there was that time John Legend invited over Gallant so they could sings some songs acapella and answer questions with fans. Hate on Facebook live all you want, but if it leads to more intimate sessions like this, I'm all aboard.

Moving on with Run the Jewels who seemed to fill every nook and cranny of NPR's Tiny Desk space. You can't hate one bit on their ability to hold the crowd (regardless of size) in the palm of their hands, but I question whether the type of music they make is suited for the Tiny Desk setting. Don't get me wrong it was hella entertaining, but it was akin to watching two dudes practice rapping, which isn't the most interesting thing. The good news is, Stephen Colbert and John Oliver have all the interesting you need as they exchanged political humor and banter for a good ten minutes. And last, but certainly not fifth on the list, was Anderson .Paak's church choir fueled rendition of The Come Down. At this point it would be foolish to question how talented of a performer Anderson. Find me another artist in Hip Hop that can lead a choir while playing the drums and singing...#TheComeDown
Chance the Rapper - Same Drugs (Video)

John Legend and Gallant Perform Penthouse Floor and Overload on Facebook Live

Run the Jewels Tiny Desk Concert at NPR

Stephen Colbert Interviews John Oliver on The Late Show

Anderson .Paak Delivers a Gospel Performance of The Come Down

Photo Credit: YouTube

"It s War Time, Check Your Wrists (Ready, Kids?)"

After what can only be described as a tumultuous week for people in the US, it's fitting that Run the Jewels stepped up with a new hit to invigorate the protest movement. 2100 is heavy on anti-government bars, but touches on everything from Civil Rights to the threat of nuclear war. Despite the anti-establishment tone, there's a clear underlying message of unification that tries to rise about the negativity that we're all dealing with when we see someone leading us that we don't necessarily agree with. The pitter-patter bars have the velocity and vigor to light a fire, yet the vocals provided by BOOTS provide a calmness that is necessary for the message to get across. You can expect this to surface on their upcoming Run the Jewels 3 album that will be released in the coming months. It's all about unification at this point, so more power to RTJ for using their platform to get people to rise above the divisive messages that have become common whenever we turn on the news...#2100

Run the Jewels feat BOOTS - 2100

Videos of the Week November 4th

This week's top five was a nearly even split between late night performances and actual music videos. Led by the politically charged of Black America Again by Common and BJ the Chicago Kid on Fallon, there was a solid dose of drama. If you're looking for silly then look no further than Colbert and Run the Jewels crafting a new Halloween anthem that will make the parents blush. On second thought, it was more outlandish than anything, but RTJ spit some hot fire while Colbert did his best to be cater to the straight edged demographic.

In the world of real music, Cudi released a new video for Surfin' with Pharrell despite still being on the mental mend. The video was a lot more celebratory than his last, but shared the same low budget, trippy forest vibe. Then we got another reminder of why Anderson .Paak is the peoples' choice for best new artist. So much funk when that man graces a mic! And of course, last, but not least, Zedd came through with what I'd characterize as one of the most unique performances I've seen in a while. Performing his track Ignite, he started with a live orchestra, then proceeded to finish the track in the center of a 3D box. The folks at the Staples Center are lucky to have witnessed such a fresh rendition of the track, but audio and visual wise...#Ignite
Common and BJ the Chicago Kid Perform Black America Again on Fallon

Run the Jewels Perform the Halloween Wiggle on Colbert

Kid Cudi feat Pharrell - Surfin' (Video)

Anderson .Paak - Come Down (Video)

Zedd Performs Ignite with an orchesta at the Staples Center

Photo Credit: YouTube

"Militant Michael Might Go Psycho, On Any Ally or Rival"

Back like they never left, Killer Mike and El-P are out to rage again with their recent announcement that a new album is on the horizon. Talk to Me is the first single off their upcoming Run the Jewels 3 album, which is a follow up to their previous Run the Jewels 2 album from 2014. It's crazy to think it's been over two years since their last album dropped, but that's probably more of a reflection of how the album steadily grew on everyone that gave it a chance.

Their new one is every bit as rugged and grimy as you'd hope from the duo. Packed with enough bass to make your eyebrows raise and spitfire verses that steadily deliver a powerful punch, it's abundantly clear there's plenty of vigor left in their music. You don't listen to their music to chill, you listen to it to get hype. This falls in nicely with that notion, so enjoy it loudly if you're a fan RTJ. Head on over to Adult Swim and download this sucker for free before you have to pay for it...#RTJ3

Run the Jewels - Talk To Me

Videos of the Week August 26th

There was a whole lot of straight up caucasian, whiteness to this week's top five. It all started with DJ Shadow and Run the Jewels video for Nobody Speak where a bunch of white politicians decided to duke it out. From there it got a lot less violent, but still stayed blanco with a new video from G-Eazy for Calm Down and another more than mildly entertaining video from Lil Dicky and Gronk. Those two need to go on tour together, straight up.

And for your usual late night fix, both Seth Myers and Fallon delivered the goods with entertaining guests. Current favorite Jon Bellion continued his rampage through pop culture with another rousing performance of All Time Low. Saying he's safe bet to rise to super stardom isn't even a bet anymore, it's simply a matter of when. Speaking of super-stardom, you're not going to find anyone more talented than Donald Glover. Not only is Atlanta on the horizon, he's also got an album and unique album debut concert experience coming up. I believe in all that is Childish Gambino, so count me in on whatever he decides to be a part of...#Pharos

DJ Shadow feat Run the Jewels - Nobody Move (Video)

G-Eazy - Calm Down (Video)

Lil Dicky and Big Daddy Gronk Talk Physique vs Technique

Jon Bellion Performs All Time Low on Late Night With Seth Myers

Jimmy Fallon Interviews Donald Glover on Fallon Tonight

Photo Credit: YouTube

Videos of the Week April 1st

All in all, it was an eclectic mix of videos this week. There wasn't a real discernible pattern to the top five, just a bunch of randomness, which is fun if you're in the mood. Leading the way was the internet bending Ariana Grande video for Dangerous Woman. That video needs no intro if you're a guy as you may find some enjoyment in seeing Ariana in lingerie for about four minutes straight. A natural segue from that video is to another woman who is equally sexy, Jennifer Lopez. She, on the other hand, is clothed for the entirety of the video, but her and James Corden had a lot of fun singing karaoke and texting Leo DiCaprio.

If Hip Hop and animation is what you're after, you'll enjoy the more than a little weird double video for Big Grams' Born to Shine and Run for Your Life. Simply put, nobody does weird like Adult Swim. Moving on to the world of live performances where Zedd and Aloe Blacc performed their latest hit Candyman on GMA. The horns section with Zedd on the keys was definitely a good look. And rounding out the top five was a new gem from Skylar Grey in the form of Moving Mountains. I'm not used to hearing her sing over acoustic guitar, but that's not a problem when you've got her voice...#MovingMountains
Ariana Grande - Dangerous Woman (Video)

Jennifer Lopez & James Corden Carpool Karaoke

Big Grams + Run the Jewels - Born to Shine/Run for your Life

Zedd & Aloe Blacc Perform Candyman on Good Morning America

Skylar Grey - Moving Mountains (Video)

Photo Credit: YouTube

Big Grams Debuts at Treasure Island Music Festival

You'd be hard pressed to convince me that there was a better one day ticket than last weekend's Saturday lineup for Treasure Island Music Festival. The likes of Gorgon City, Cashmere Cat, Run the Jewels, Hudson Mohawke, Big Grams and Deadmau5 all spaced out nicely without overlap seemed like a gift from God in hindsight. Rather than a full concert review, here are a few quick tidbits about each...

• Gorgon City - seeing a live performance rather than a DJ set was cool because there were live vocals in the mix. It allowed their set that was riddled with Deep House favorites to sound unique amongst the other DJ sets.
• Cashmere Cat - was surprisingly awesome. Maybe I just wasn't familiar enough with the type of music he creates, but it reminded me a lot of Odesza's melodic trap style. His set was the most pleasant surprise.
• Run the Jewels - you wanna talk about the South's version of the Beastie Boys. EL-P and Killer Mike go in and don't hold back one ounce of energy the entire set. There's no pause, it's just non-stop, in your face Hip Hop and rocking the mic old school style. There's a much deeper message behind a lot of their lyrics, but when it comes to going hard bar after bar, nobody can touch RTJ.
• Hudson Mohawke - man what can I say, HudMo brought his A game. His set has evolved a lot since I saw him at the Rickshaw Stop a year ago, but adding a drummer and keyboardist made a difference. It was the set I was most looking forward to and it did not disappoint one bit
• Big Grams - how many times can you say that you saw a group perform for the first time together? Such a cool vibe and their set was incredibly well executed for a first performance. They don't have a ton of music yet, but the crowd got pretty rowdy when they brought Killer Mike on stage. Their set was something I won't soon forget.
• Deadmau5 - last but certainly not least Joel came through with a show stopping headline set. The production value of his set was insane, as he slowly emerged from an egg looking pod that gradually shape shifted as the set continued. The most interesting part of the set was when he came out from behind the mask and rocked the crowd without his trademark mouse mask. I admire how his sets are always crisp, well-thought out and fluid. I'll admit to loosing it when he broke out the original version of Strobe...might be one of my favorite tracks played live by anyone.

Now on to the highlights from the Big Grams set. I included my two favorite snippets from the concert, which was tough because they set it off with Goldmine Junkie, Drum Machine and the Run the Jewels assisted Born to Shine. The lead verse from Fell in the Sun is such a classic Big Boi verse that I hope it doesn't take us years to appreciate how incredibly dope his swagger filled bars sound.
Big Grams - Fell in the Sun

The biggest surprise of the set was when they mashed up Outkast favorite Ms. Jackson with Phantogram favorite Mouthful of Diamonds. I can't say I was that familiar with the Phantogram favorite, but the audience energy from hearing the Ms. Jackson beat was palpable.
Big Grams - Ms. Jackson/Mouthful of Diamonds Mash Up
Other than the Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival in March, Big Grams doesn't have any official tour dates announced. I'm guessing that's going to change and when it does, I'd suggest scooping up some tickets because they put on a great show...#BigGrams

Rubble Kings Got Run by the Jewels

To be frank, I'm still amazed at everything having to do with Run the Jewels' come up. Years before Run the Jewels were a thing I took a liking to Killer Mike's unapologetic and brazen flow on the mic. Admittedly, I had less exposure to El-P, but I appreciated that everything track he was associated with, I ended up liking. How they pieced together their under appreciated abilities into something much bigger than both of them combined is something awe inspiring.

And just because they've made it to the top of the mountain does not mean they're about to take a break from making great music. This week they let loose a new heat rock that will serve as the theme song to the recent Rubble Kings documentary. Check the trailer if you aren't up on how gangs and Hip Hop collided in New York during the late 1960s and early 1970s...

Dynamite is as in your face as you'd expect and it does a great job of setting the tone for the movie. Best part about it, you can head on over to Adult Swim and cop the single for free if you're quick enough...#RubbleKings

Run The Jewels - Rubble Kings Theme (Dynamite)

Videos of the Week January 16th

Eclectic week for videos with Fallon and Gwyneth leading the way on Broadway versions of Hip Hop hits. I really don't know how Jimmy keeps doing it, but he has an uncanny ability to get celebrities to play unfamiliar roles in really entertaining ways. Right behind the clear top video is deadmau5's Spirit of Gumball documentary. It's interesting bioptic on featuring the always entertaining deadmau5. Yea, it's a safe bet that you're going to hear some great music mixed throughout the exotic card racing on the sixteen minute documentary.

In other news, Childish Gambino and Run the Jewels were the talk of the town when it came to late night. For those of you keeping score at home, Donald Glover took over Kimmel, while RTJ took over Conan. So many late night options these days it's becoming hard to track. Rounding out the top 5 is the Mikey Posner assisted video for Sugar by Maroon 5. Ever wondered what wedding crashing is really like? Well press play and watch Adam Levine go to work...#Sugar

Jimmy Fallon & Gwyneth Paltrow Sing Broadway Versions of Hip Hip Verses

deadmau5 Spirit of Gumball Documentary

Childish Gambino Performs Sober on Kimmel

Maroon 5 - Sugar (Video)

Run the Jewels Perform Lie, Cheat, Steal on Conan

Photo Credit: YouTube

"So I Think We've Burned Our Bridges"

I've always been a fan of Killer Mike, so when he teamed up with El-P to form Run the Jewels, it definitely got my attention. While they play a supporting role in the track below with Until the Ribbon Breaks, I loved Killer Mike's verse over the experimental synth-pop style beat. I'll be the first to admit that I had not heard of the British trio before the track, but the fact that they were able to reel in Mike and El-P for a somber track was a nice surprise. Dap is in order for Peter Lawrie Winfield and Storme Whitby Grubb for the direction on the video too. Cool mix of camera shots that did what a good video should do, give added context and intrigue through visuals to augment the audio. For reference, Until the Ribbon Breaks' debut album A Lesson Unlearnt is due out in early 2015 if you feel like investing via iTunes...