I said maybe. It's like his version of pop production and it ****ing works.

**** me how good is his solo material?

this is going to be super unpopular but just tossing it out here: I don't really care too much for his solo work because I don't think he's that great of an MC. RTJ2, the Cold Vein, and R.A.P. Music are the best albums he's ever been a part of imo

Some of the absolute best hip hop out there. Check out Cancer 4 Cure.

yes, this.

what!? i mean, personal preference of course but i would easily put him in my top 10.

Same

Been blasting this **** on repeat for the last couple days and it's still bitchin' as ****.

I'm pretty much at this point. It's more fantastic the more I listen to it.

RTJ3 is a grower for both the listeners and for Mike and El.

You can tell RTJ1 was assembled in a few months with some leftover beats from RAP Music and Cancer 4 Cure. You can tell RTJ2 was made a little over a year later. And from there, you can tell RTJ3 was made 2 years after RTJ2. RTJ hasn't really changed all that much between their three albums, but they've refined their sound, lyrics, chemistry and overall aesthetic with each new album.

My only negative is one of those dumb ironic negatives... I'm not sure how they can top this. El has already said RTJ4 will happen (he didn't say when), but there would be no shame in ending RTJ and leaving this trilogy behind. There is part of me that wants a break and for them to release some solo material again. But you hear Mike and El constantly mention how they've been at making music for nearly 2 decades each, and they've never been happier or in a better place creatively than they are right now working together as RTJ. There are several musical partnerships throughout history where the chemistry is obvious, but rarely do you see friendship on display in their music, interviews and shows like you do with Mike and El. If they want to release 28 more RTJ's, who the **** am I to say "no, do something different!"

My first listen didn't leave me blown away (outside of the surprise feature on the last track), but I definitely wanted to listen to it again. It finally clicked as a full album around listening #8 and it was well worth the wait.

5/5, no question.

iight so i've decided

rtj 2 > rtj 3 >rtj

i think this one may be their most consistent but it fails to ever reach the heights of tracks like Close Your Eyes and Blockbuster Night.

I downloaded this the other day but still haven't listened to it.

It's honestly a consistently good hip hop album.

Man, you must dun forgot about "Panther Like a Panther". I probably got more 5-star tracks on 3 than 2 tbh.

Call Ticketron is so ****ing good.

you should listen to RTJ2 again

I've been. RTJ3 > RTJ2

I haven't given enough time to sit on it but I think prefer RTJ2 over RTJ3 even though RTJ3 is more consistent for me than RTJ2 because RTJ2 has really dope songs that are better than the really dope songs on RTJ3.

This is about where I'm at on the album.

I'd probably feel that way if I didn't legit like the best songs from RTJ3 more than the best from RTJ2.

Pitchfork Live series - perform at Terminal 5

Watch Run the Jewels Perform at Terminal 5 | Video | Pitchfork

Might turn out I'm full of ****, as I have little prior experience with hip-hop. But I've listened to both RTJ2 and RTJ3, and while RTJ2 is the more brutal album, RTJ3 isn't in any way a weaker release. In fact, artistically, it represents a great leap forward for Run the Jewels. While RTJ2 was just an unadulterated assault on practically every hypocrite ever, RTJ3 seemed more like a clear rallying cry against specific ills. An example: in RTJ2, "****boys" fell under fire. Who is a ****boy? Anyone full of ****, really. But in RTJ3, it's pretty clear who's being attacked: oppressors.

Now, can I say which album has the strongest tracks? Not really, as I'd need to give the two albums a couple more listens. But no matter which one is more enjoyable, it's difficult to deny that Run the Jewels are progressing.

Agree or disagree: Zach de la Rocha would make a great permanent 3rd member of RTJ.

hm... i think he's great but i don't think he's up to El or Mike's level, i could definitely go for an album done with him though. i'm expecting El to do most of the production on his solo album, whenever that comes out.

Def waiting for that solo.

Disagree.

Zach works well in RTJ because he matches their intensity but has a different style. His two verses are also as effective as they are because they stand out from everything else both on those songs, and on the record as a whole. You get him on as a permanent member, and I'm not sure he can keep up the level from his two features, combined with the fact that he's no longer that ace in the hole.

While I think Zach has an incredible verse on Kill Your Masters, that fact that he wasn't credited and came on as a total surprise is what made that song for me.

I take it back. RTJ are repeating themselves and if the next album is just the same thing with more expensive production again imo people will stop caring.

Would like to see Mike and El-P take a break from one another for like an album.

Well we haven't seen a new release in a few years, so I bet the focus group said pretty much the same thing.