Run The Jewels performing during the Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber Tour at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas on June 15, 2025, with El-P and Killer Mike. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
In a landscape often fragmented by subgenres and fleeting trends, the hip-hop superduo Run The Jewels stands as a formidable and consistently exhilarating force. Comprising the fiery Atlanta emcee Killer Mike and the Brooklyn-based rapper and visionary producer El-P, their collaboration has transcended what began as a side project to become a globally celebrated phenomenon, renowned for its uncompromising lyricism, hard-hitting beats, and incendiary political commentary.
The genesis of Run The Jewels lies in a potent artistic synergy. After El-P produced Killer Mike's critically acclaimed solo album, the two found an undeniable chemistry, leading them to unite as a duo. This partnership has resulted in a string of highly lauded albums, each a masterclass in aggressive, forward-thinking hip-hop. Their signature sound blends the industrial grit of New York with the vibrant bounce of the South, forging a sonic tapestry that is both brutal and undeniably infectious. El-P's production is consistently innovative, characterized by layered, often ominous soundscapes that perfectly complement Killer Mike's booming, authoritative delivery and El-P's own intricate, rapid-fire flows.
What sets Run The Jewels apart is their unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power. Their lyrics are a scalpel, dissecting societal injustices, police brutality, systemic racism, and political corruption with a biting wit and unflinching honesty. They weave personal narratives with broader social critiques, creating music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Yet, amidst the fury, there's a powerful undercurrent of hope, unity, and a defiant call for perseverance, inviting listeners to become part of the "us" against oppressive "them."
Beyond the music itself, Run The Jewels has cultivated a fervent, almost cult-like following. Their iconic "pistol and fist" hand gesture has become a symbol of their movement, appearing across various cultural touchstones from comic books to video games. Their decision to offer their major album releases as free downloads further solidified their connection with fans, fostering a loyal audience built on shared ideals and a love for uncompromising art.
Live, Run The Jewels delivers an explosive and electrifying experience. Their performances are celebrated for their raw energy, tight synchronization, and the palpable chemistry between Mike and El-P. They command the stage with an intensity that transforms concerts into communal acts of catharsis, where the crowd chants every lyric, unified in a shared sense of defiance and empowerment.
Run The Jewels isn't just a rap group; they are a cultural institution, a testament to the power of artistic integrity and a relentless pursuit of truth. They continue to push boundaries, challenging listeners to think, feel, and confront the world around them, all while delivering some of the most dynamic and essential hip-hop of their era.
Fan reviews:Setlist for the show at the Moody Center
Best Show of my life! Run The Jewels put on an incredible show!
This was my first time seeing Run The Jewels on tour. Do they put on a show! The energy, lighting, not to mention the special guests, words cannot describe my experience at this show. 10/10 would recommend seeing these legends live in concert!
So much energy from two almost 50 year old's that cap out rap most new rappers. They always put on an amazing show.
Best show we have seen! Run The Jewels is amazing and I don't know how they keep up that level of energy! My wife was just a passing fan, but she said after the show that she loved every minute of it and it was probably the best concert she has ever seen!
Phenomenal experience! Would absolutely go see them again.
Run The Jewels was awesome! They came on right on time and played an amazing show. These guys are awesome live, sometimes live shows don't tend to sound as good as a produced album, but honestly they may have sounded better live. One of the better shows I've been to for sure.
Amazing! This was the best show i have ever been to, Run The Jewels was amazing!
- Legend Has It
- Run the Jewels
- Blockbuster Night Part 1
- Oh My Darling Don't Cry
- Talk to Me
- ooh la la
- Nobody Speak
- Stay Gold
- Don't Get Captured
- Close Your Eyes
Run The Jewels shared the stage with Wu-Tang Clan at the Moody Center. They continue across the United States and Canada with the last stop at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 18, 2025.
Run The Jewels
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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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