Run the Jewels

Run the Jewels is an American hip-hop duo formed by Atlanta rapper Killer Mike and Brooklyn producer-rapper El-P. The pair first connected when El-P produced Killer Mike’s acclaimed 2012 album R.A.P. Music, and the chemistry led them to launch a group of their own the following year with a self-titled debut. The name comes from a line in LL Cool J’s «Cheesy Rat Blues» — «run the jewels» — and quickly became shorthand for the duo’s aggressive, no-filler approach to rap.

Their sound pairs Killer Mike’s forceful Southern delivery and political bite with El-P’s dense, industrial-leaning production and rapid-fire wordplay, resulting in records that are both confrontational and technically intricate. Albums like Run the Jewels 2 and RTJ4 cemented their reputation as one of the most acclaimed acts in modern hip-hop, blending humor, protest, and razor-sharp punchlines.

Beyond the music, the duo built a cult following through free album releases, playful stunts like the fan-funded cat-sound remix album Meow the Jewels, and collaborations with artists ranging from Rage Against the Machine’s Zack de la Rocha to Josh Homme. Their work has been praised for tackling social and political issues without sacrificing energy or wit, making them a defining voice in politically engaged hip-hop of the 2010s.