Run the Jewels

USA, 2013–now

Duo of rapper Killer Mike and rapper-producer El-P, formed in 2013. Their hard-hitting, politically charged, wickedly funny records (RTJ2, RTJ3, RTJ4) made them one of the most acclaimed hip-hop acts of the 2010s.

MusicRoots documents 2 artists who influenced Run the Jewels and 0 artists Run the Jewels influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Run the Jewels?

• Public Enemy — Public Enemy's dense, politically charged, sample-heavy hip-hop is a clear model for Run the Jewels' hard-hitting, activist rap.
• Rage Against the Machine — Rage Against the Machine's rap-metal fury and radical politics are kin to Run the Jewels' incendiary sound (RTJ have toured and recorded with Zack de la Rocha).