Run The Jewels 2 vs. Run The Jewels 3

Attribute	Run The Jewels 2	Run The Jewels 3
Release Date	October 24, 2014	December 24, 2016
Number of Tracks	11	14
Guest Appearances	Zack de la Rocha, Travis Barker, Diane Coffee	Kamasi Washington, Danny Brown, BOOTS
Production Credits	El-P	El-P, Little Shalimar, Wilder Zoby
Album Cover	Black and white image of hands holding chains	Black and white image of hands holding a gold chain

Production

Run The Jewels 2, released in 2014, was produced by El-P, who is one half of the duo along with Killer Mike. The production on this album is characterized by hard-hitting beats, intricate sampling, and a gritty, industrial sound. El-P's production style on RTJ2 perfectly complements the aggressive and politically charged lyrics delivered by Killer Mike and El-P. On the other hand, Run The Jewels 3, released in 2016, sees El-P once again handling the majority of the production duties. However, the production on RTJ3 is more varied and experimental compared to its predecessor. El-P incorporates more electronic elements and unconventional sounds, creating a more dynamic and layered sonic landscape.

Lyrical Content

Both Run The Jewels 2 and Run The Jewels 3 feature socially conscious and politically charged lyrics that touch on topics such as police brutality, systemic racism, and income inequality. Killer Mike and El-P's lyrics are sharp, witty, and often confrontational, delivering powerful messages with a dose of humor and swagger. In RTJ2, the duo's lyrics are more focused on personal experiences and societal issues, while RTJ3 delves deeper into introspection and self-reflection. The lyrics on RTJ3 are more introspective and introspective, exploring themes of self-doubt, mental health, and personal growth.

Guest Appearances

Run The Jewels 2 features guest appearances from artists such as Zack de la Rocha, Travis Barker, and Gangsta Boo, adding diversity and depth to the album. These guest features bring a different energy and perspective to the tracks they appear on, enhancing the overall listening experience. On the other hand, Run The Jewels 3 has fewer guest appearances, with only Danny Brown and Kamasi Washington making notable contributions. While the lack of guest features on RTJ3 allows Killer Mike and El-P to shine even brighter, the presence of guest artists on RTJ2 adds a unique flavor to the album.

Reception

Both Run The Jewels 2 and Run The Jewels 3 were met with critical acclaim upon their release, with many critics praising the duo's chemistry, lyrical prowess, and innovative production. RTJ2 was hailed as a modern classic, with its raw energy and uncompromising attitude resonating with fans and critics alike. RTJ3, on the other hand, was praised for its evolution and growth, with many critics noting the duo's willingness to push boundaries and experiment with new sounds. While both albums have their own strengths and unique qualities, they both showcase Killer Mike and El-P's undeniable talent and creativity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Run The Jewels 2 and Run The Jewels 3 are both standout albums in the duo's discography, each offering a distinct listening experience. While RTJ2 is characterized by its hard-hitting production and socially conscious lyrics, RTJ3 explores more experimental sounds and introspective themes. Both albums showcase Killer Mike and El-P's chemistry and creativity, solidifying their status as one of the most dynamic and innovative hip-hop duos in the industry. Whether you prefer the raw energy of RTJ2 or the experimental nature of RTJ3, one thing is clear - Run The Jewels continues to push boundaries and deliver thought-provoking music that resonates with fans around the world.