RTJ4
by Run the Jewels
  • Record Label: BMG
  • Release Date: Jun 3, 2020
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 325 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 299 out of 325
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 325
  3. Negative: 19 out of 325
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  1. ChiIIaoi
    Jul 19, 2023
    9
    Review só pra lembrar a nota que eu dei pro album:
    album mt bom, agora só escrever pra passar dos 75 caracteres.
  2. sanzasurf
    Aug 16, 2021
    6
    ***Fave Songs***
    Ooh la la
    Out of Sight
    Walking in the snow
    never look back
    pulling the pin
    A few words for the firing squad

    ***Worst Songs***
    Yankee and the brave
    Goonies vs. E.T
    JU$T
    The ground below
  3. BeckTheWolf
    Jul 29, 2021
    6
    It's...fine? Other than "goonies vs. E.T.," none of the tracks really stand out for me. Lyrically it's...honestly nothing really all that special when I think about it. Maybe I'm not familiar enough with RTJ, but it feels like a Twitter rant thread turned into an album. Just because they're saying something that's relevant now doesn't make the project special, it...just means they'reIt's...fine? Other than "goonies vs. E.T.," none of the tracks really stand out for me. Lyrically it's...honestly nothing really all that special when I think about it. Maybe I'm not familiar enough with RTJ, but it feels like a Twitter rant thread turned into an album. Just because they're saying something that's relevant now doesn't make the project special, it...just means they're saying something relevant now that gets everyone behind them. It also means that the project is going to age horribly in the future. And musically, it feels incomplete. It all feels rather rushed, it's all pretty bland. Especially the opening of "walking in the snow," the guitars and drums are off-beat.

    I'm sorry, but I just don't get the hype for this release, I really don't. And I already know people are going to tear me up for it and say it's because of my political beliefs. And honestly, whatever. If it upsets you that much, go read someone else's review you agree with, who says what you want to hear. Just like how I should find something else to listen to that I actually do like, that tells me what I want to hear. This is my opinion, and in my opinion this album is overrated. If the album did line up with my beliefs, would I give it a higher rating? Of course not, cause the instrumentals still don't work for me.

    I think I need a break from the internet.    … Expand
  4. GamePlayer77
    Jun 8, 2021
    9
    Killer Mike and El-P carry us through 2020 with an album helping to soundtrack our horrible society.

    FAV TRACK: pulling the pin
    LEAST FAV TRACK: JU$T
  5. clem666
    Feb 22, 2021
    9
    Yeah that's definitely some classic Run The Jewels here. The beats are as aggressive as ever and the lyrics are dense and shocking in an awesome way. This record is bright, striking, clever and dancing. Some tracks are particularly strong as the flow delivering of El-P and Killer Mike perfectly match and complement each other. The production is terrific.

    Run The Jewels as always managed    Yeah that's definitely some classic Run The Jewels here. The beats are as aggressive as ever and the lyrics are dense and shocking in an awesome way. This record is bright, striking, clever and dancing. Some tracks are particularly strong as the flow delivering of El-P and Killer Mike perfectly match and complement each other. The production is terrific.

    Run The Jewels as always managed to have some interesting guests on their albums. In 'RTJ4' we have 2 Chainz, DJ Premier, Zach De La Rocha (as a regular customer) and Mavis Staples among others. There are a lot of different names but the project always keeps it straightforward, clear and consistent. However I maintain that the presence of more credited women would have been wonderful. As the duo tries to deconstruct stereotypes they definitely should position themselves against the male numerous superiority in the rap game. On nine names credited in 'RTJ4' we have only one woman which quite underlines the sex repartition issue in rap as a musical genre.

    I am glad they used the actual political events (Black Lives Matter) to release their album sooner. We see too many times artists calcuate the perfect timing to make their album come out in order to have more money and acknowledgement. This release felt so natural, so logic and authentic. We miss that in actual music industry. And we definitely miss artists with a real message and deep things to say.

    It is not a ten out of ten for me because I found some tracks quite disharmonious and because I would have added one or two more female artists. They surely benefits from a strong fanbase but this is a perfect example of an under-rated and far too little known band. I hope the best for them and I think their work point in the right direction as they manage to create some songs more and more accessible.    … Expand
  6. Cookie0329
    Dec 26, 2020
    9
    Instrumentals fully on point, both voices are insanely talented, spitting absolute fire.
  7. IndianaParkWars
    Dec 10, 2020
    0
    9.6/12

    The opening track contains the same energy as "Yeezus" by Kayne West. RTJ is saying that they're angry and they have **** to say. Their albums are typically vulgar and political and this one puts that in your face. And what a better time than 2020 with the civil rights movements and Killer Mike's speech on it. "Ooh La La" is such a hit. "Legend Has It" was a favorite of mine but    9.6/12

    The opening track contains the same energy as "Yeezus" by Kayne West. RTJ is saying that they're angry and they have **** to say. Their albums are typically vulgar and political and this one puts that in your face. And what a better time than 2020 with the civil rights movements and Killer Mike's speech on it.
    "Ooh La La" is such a hit. "Legend Has It" was a favorite of mine but this one is up there with my favorites. It's one of those songs that makes you feel badass and makes you want to move. The production is perfect, the lyrics are intelligent, and the refrain is catchy.
    "Pulling the Pin" is great and memorable with the legendary Mavis Staples and Josh Homme (of Queens of the Stone Age and Them Crooked Vultures). It's like a QOTSA song with Staples' vocals and RTJ's verses. It's tremendous.
    "Ju$t" is an incredible song as well. It is angry and makes a good point in our current racial climate. Systemic racism is embedded in our culture and racist people are honored. "Just like the slave masters on your dollars." We honor these people and put them on paper money or as logos on food or as statues or street names. Yet, they owned human beings and played a role in oppressing BIPOC. It may be "inconsequential", but we need a new slate and some changes.
    The biggest problem this album has is its forgettable tracks. After several listens, a lot of the tracks meld into one and don't stand out too well.

    ALBUM ARTWORK: Their album names and covers are quite simple. They're always the same thing. RTJ# and their symbol animated differently. But, that's what it is and it works for them. Like "Fetch the Bolt Cutters", the color scheme here is black, gold, and purple (or maybe more pink). It feels powerful and bold. This may be the color scheme of the year. It really works.
    Artwork rating: 9/12    … Expand
  8. Mykel0310
    Dec 4, 2020
    10
    I didn't know about Run The Jewels until like 2017 which was the same year i found out about Gorillaz the animated band but ever since then I've been listening to Run The Jewels and when rtj4 came out i loved it from the gritty beats to the fantastic meaningful lyrics. It was one of my favorite albums of 2020 and still is in my Top 10 along with No pressure by Logic, After Hours by TheI didn't know about Run The Jewels until like 2017 which was the same year i found out about Gorillaz the animated band but ever since then I've been listening to Run The Jewels and when rtj4 came out i loved it from the gritty beats to the fantastic meaningful lyrics. It was one of my favorite albums of 2020 and still is in my Top 10 along with No pressure by Logic, After Hours by The Weeknd, Song Machine by Gorillaz and Savage Mode 2 by 21 Savage and Metro Boomin.… Expand
  9. Lajaleaa
    Sep 30, 2020
    8
    ( 80/100 )

    El-P y Killer Mike regresan con esta nueva versión de su proyecto multi-nominado al Grammy llamado Run The Jewels. Este Rap y Hip-Hop de Brooklyn y Atlanta regresa pesado, fuerte y crudo. La mejor producción viene desde el mismo El-P con ayuda de Wilder Zoby y Little Shalimar y cuidan la estructura de la música alrededor de las letras para que estas puedan expresarse    ( 80/100 )

    El-P y Killer Mike regresan con esta nueva versión de su proyecto multi-nominado al Grammy llamado Run The Jewels. Este Rap y Hip-Hop de Brooklyn y Atlanta regresa pesado, fuerte y crudo. La mejor producción viene desde el mismo El-P con ayuda de Wilder Zoby y Little Shalimar y cuidan la estructura de la música alrededor de las letras para que estas puedan expresarse libremente. Aunque son pocos los tracks, la música expresa dinamismo, volumen y textura logra mantener un humor enérgico y fuerte que mantendrá a sus fans satisfechos. El Rap es puntual con la velocidad de la música y la producción explota la versatilidad en su propio concepto. En "RTJ4" el dúo explora un lado más West-Coast Hip-Hop y Gangsta-Rap que se aprecia como un buen tequila añejo. Quema la garganta pero se disfruta el poder con un buen limón.
    -
    El-P and Killer Mike comes back with this new version of their Grammy multi-nominated project called Run The Jewels. This Rap and Hip-Hop of Brooklyn and Atlanta comes back heavy, strong, and raw. The best production comes from El-P himself, with help from Wilder Zoby and Little Shalimar, and takes care of the structure of the music around the lyrics so these can express freely. The music expresses dynamism, volume, and texture that achieves to have an energetic and strong mood that will keep their fans satisfied. Rap is on time with the music velocity and the production exploits the versatility of its own concept. In "RTJ4", the duo explores a more West-Coast Hip-Hop and Gangsta Rap side that can be appreciated like a good old tequila. It burns the throat, but you enjoy the power with a good lemon.    … Expand
  10. Crazydemon
    Aug 28, 2020
    0
    That's a **** album, **** delete it, it is boring af u know, I prefer her old albums
  11. Da_Rap_Oracle
    Aug 7, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of the best projects of 2020!! Killer Mike Has My Vote For The Next President Of Our Country!! Dude has POWERFUL lyrics in this project and El-P adds dope bars as well... these dude’s chemistry is unmatched and we (our country) could not have asked for a more incredible album in such a trying time in our history! ALL HAIL RUN THE JEWELS!!!!! ****… Expand
  12. seancoz
    Jul 29, 2020
    10
    It might be because of the recent events at the time of this album’s release and the hysteria those recent event caused me and many Americans to feel, but I got goosebumps and chills at different points of my first listen to this album. While this album did end up releasing early, it was only two days earlier than scheduled, so while many of these lyrics hit home and feel extremelyIt might be because of the recent events at the time of this album’s release and the hysteria those recent event caused me and many Americans to feel, but I got goosebumps and chills at different points of my first listen to this album. While this album did end up releasing early, it was only two days earlier than scheduled, so while many of these lyrics hit home and feel extremely relevant to what’s happening in our world after the death of George Floyd, it seems like it was just an incredible yet honest and sad coincidence that some of the lyrics were relevant and it shows a bigger and important picture of just how often police brutality occurs and how terrible it really is in America. Maybe the relevance of the topics and lyrics on these albums played a factor in my opinion/score of this album, but truthfully it’s such a fantastic listen. There’s truthfully not a single song I dislike and the album seems perfectly crafted in terms of the songs, intro and outro, lyrics, production, track list etc. Every rebellion or protest needs a soundtrack, and it seems the soundtrack for the 2020 protests is RTJ4 and I couldn’t be happier with that. Killer Mike’s verse on walking in the snow might just be the verse of the year and the relevance of the verse is one of the many things that gave me goosebumps and made me really say, “this may just be an Album of The Year contender when 2020 is over,” and I truthfully still feel that way. While I’ve loved many albums this year, the importance and impact of this album has not been talked about enough and at the end of the day that’s one major thing in my book for deciding an Album of The Year. Run The Jewels come through with their best album or project to date and as time goes on, we very well may end up calling RTJ4 a classic album.… Expand
  13. Uberdoctor
    Jul 27, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Conscious music, great productions and the way the duo blended and exchanged bars made it a super hiphop for me.… Expand
  14. NormanAlee
    Jul 9, 2020
    9
    Adventurous, richly sounding hip hop. One of the strongest albums of 2020. Every song distinctly differs from other, I like that.
  15. madufek
    Jun 29, 2020
    10
    Legendary lyrics, from a legendary duo. Truly the sound of 2020. Hopefully 2021 won't need to go as hard, but alas, I feel like RTJ5 is already on its way.

    "we don't mean no harm, but we truly mean all the disrespect" "Funny fact about a cage, they're never built for just one group So when that cage is done with them and you're still poor, it come for you The newest lowest on the    Legendary lyrics, from a legendary duo. Truly the sound of 2020. Hopefully 2021 won't need to go as hard, but alas, I feel like RTJ5 is already on its way.

    "we don't mean no harm, but we truly mean all the disrespect"

    "Funny fact about a cage, they're never built for just one group
    So when that cage is done with them and you're still poor, it come for you
    The newest lowest on the totem, well golly gee, you have been used
    You helped to fuel the death machine that down the line will kill you too (oops)
    Pseudo-Christians, y'all indifferent
    Kids in prisons ain't a sin? ****
    If even one scrap a what Jesus taught connected, you'd feel different
    What a disingenuous way to piss away existence, I don't get it
    I'd say you lost your Goddamn minds if y'all possessed one to begin with"
    "And you so numb you watch the cops choke out a man like me
    And 'til my voice goes from a shriek to whisper, "I can't breathe"
    And you sit there in the house on couch and watch it on TV
    The most you give's a Twitter rant and call it a tragedy
    But truly the travesty, you've been robbed of your empathy
    Replaced it with apathy, I wish I could magically
    Fast forward the future so then you can face it
    And see how **** up it'll be
    I promise I'm honest, they coming for you
    The day after they comin' for me"    … Expand
  16. Eroksteady
    Jun 20, 2020
    10
    Easy 10. There may never have been album released at a more perfect and urgent time. El-P’s beats bang and he has reinvented himself yet again on this fantastic project. Reminds me of some Bomb Squad and Public Enemy, Ice Cube, NWA, Beastie Boys and “Ooh LaLa” gives me vibes of Nas “NY State of Mind”. This is the soundtrack to 2020. I recommend it to all my clients and friends because IEasy 10. There may never have been album released at a more perfect and urgent time. El-P’s beats bang and he has reinvented himself yet again on this fantastic project. Reminds me of some Bomb Squad and Public Enemy, Ice Cube, NWA, Beastie Boys and “Ooh LaLa” gives me vibes of Nas “NY State of Mind”. This is the soundtrack to 2020. I recommend it to all my clients and friends because I feel it’s such an important album and can teach people how to unite with eachother rather than divide, as well as open peoples eyes on what’s wrong with our country all while having fun Listening. It’s obvious how much these legends enjoy their craft and I respect that so much. They could easily follow the trends of so many new rappers out there and just put out 25 tracks of subpar material and get millions of streams but they choose to bless us all with concise albums of extremely well thought out music with no BS and no filler. The world needs groups like RTJ right now and I pray we’re lucky enough to get an RTJ10 someday. My five top tracks are Ooh LaLa, Out of Sight, The Ground Below, goonies VS E.T., and Pulling The Pin. And Yankee and the Brave. Lol. I love the whole thing so my top tracks are likely to change.… Expand
  17. RageNate
    Jun 17, 2020
    3
    Worthies (3/11):
    - Yankee And The Brave (Episode 4)
    - Holy ****
    - The Ground Below
  18. GLang
    Jun 14, 2020
    9
    Great album. El-P is great as always, but Killer Mike is on another level throughout, especially on walking in the snow
  19. DavidCall360
    Jun 12, 2020
    10
    RTJ has always delivered incredible beats, lyrics, and flows all charged by injustices. But RTJ4 is on a whole other level. This is an album that only they could have created. They kicked everything into high gear seemingly effortless. They are completely done mincing words. They don't give a **** if you are offended. And if you are, this album isn't for you. This is music for theRTJ has always delivered incredible beats, lyrics, and flows all charged by injustices. But RTJ4 is on a whole other level. This is an album that only they could have created. They kicked everything into high gear seemingly effortless. They are completely done mincing words. They don't give a **** if you are offended. And if you are, this album isn't for you. This is music for the revolution. And the revolution is now.… Expand
  20. Michaeljmoran3
    Jun 11, 2020
    10
    Front to back - no misses. So far it's this and Alfredo for rap album of the year. Impressive production even by El-P's standards. Strong lyrical performance from both of them and all of the features are perfectly selected. Couldn't ask for anymore from them, lived up to the hype!
  21. okbuddyjosh
    Jun 11, 2020
    8
    Incredibly powerful and important album, especially now. Even though most of the lyrics were written in late 2019, the lyrics feel terrifyingly perfect for whats happening now. The album, to put it simply, is banger after banger and features the familiar cast of features on a RTJ album,, Zach de la Rocha for example, and new features such as 2 Chainz, Pharrell Williams, and Mavis Staples.Incredibly powerful and important album, especially now. Even though most of the lyrics were written in late 2019, the lyrics feel terrifyingly perfect for whats happening now. The album, to put it simply, is banger after banger and features the familiar cast of features on a RTJ album,, Zach de la Rocha for example, and new features such as 2 Chainz, Pharrell Williams, and Mavis Staples. Some high points: the sample/instrumental on ooh la la, Killer Mikes Verse on walking in the snow, Mavis Staples on pulling the pin, and everything about JU$T and tHE fantastic a few words for the firing squad. Killer Mike and El-P's chemistry is as good as ever as well. The only downside is that it is very similar to every other album they've put out. If you're a fan of RTJ, this isn't a problem, but their style may drive away new fans or long time haters. 4th best album of the year so far.… Expand
  22. njp500
    Jun 9, 2020
    10
    The worst part of COVID19 was missing an RTJ / RATM concert. The best part of COVID19 is this album. Killer Mike fan & RTJ since the beginning. This is a good one.
  23. sweeterman
    Jun 8, 2020
    2
    RTJ has proven to be one of the most poignant lyrically charged rap groups in an era when lyricism is being dumb-downed in favour of repetitive and earcandy sounds. The lyrics reflect now but the only problem I have with the album being that, like a twitter hashtag tag it won’t live longer before devoted fans shelve the project and go back to listening to RTJ2 instead.Problem with criticsRTJ has proven to be one of the most poignant lyrically charged rap groups in an era when lyricism is being dumb-downed in favour of repetitive and earcandy sounds. The lyrics reflect now but the only problem I have with the album being that, like a twitter hashtag tag it won’t live longer before devoted fans shelve the project and go back to listening to RTJ2 instead.Problem with critics nowadays they are quick to call projects instant classics which reduces the weight of the word and its meaning.… Expand
  24. Atum_
    Jun 8, 2020
    10
    This album is amazing. It came out at the perfect time as well, as everything discussed on this album you can see in effect in america right now. The beats, lyrics and flows on this album is just great. It's not poppy rap, it's not affected by big companies trying to make a more mainstream sound, this is just raw, political hip-hop in its best form. My album of the year 2020 for sure
  25. JuneD
    Jun 7, 2020
    10
    This is a thoroughly captivating and hard hitting album from start to finish. Without a doubt going to be in my top 5 albums of this year. A pertinent and intellectual soundtrack to this scary time.
  26. Bruhmaster1
    Jun 7, 2020
    10
    I’ve listened to this album 25 times and I’m still struggling to find a bad song. Best Tun The Jewels album yet.
  27. Kuggz
    Jun 6, 2020
    10
    The other day I was thinking I wish a rap album would come out that sounded like it came from the 90's. The next day this little gem dropped.
  28. stefbuckle
    Jun 6, 2020
    10
    There was a convergence
    RATM - RATM
    Wu Tang Clan - Enter the 36 Chambers
    Public Enemy - Fear of Black Planet
    We are better for the fact this album exists
  29. 5am
    Jun 6, 2020
    10
    This is yet another great album by RTJ, containing great relevant lyrics, great production, great features, and it could not have come at a better time. There isn’t a single bad song on this album. AOTY for me so far.
  30. CountOrange
    Jun 6, 2020
    10
    Run the Jewels continue to kill it while spreading the message. RTJ' s best production to date, Mike's verses hit harder than Ngannou.
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best Album of 2020
44
#44 Most Discussed Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. The Wire
    Jul 10, 2020
    70
    It’s a strange brew, some distance from the monumental party music that has tended to characterise the duo’s three previous albums. [Jul 2020, p.50]
  2. Q Magazine
    Jun 30, 2020
    80
    This is the sound of RTJ staking their claim as one of the all-time great hip-hop duos. [Aug 2020, p.112]
  3. Uncut
    Jun 19, 2020
    80
    Crackles with a wisecracking energy. [Aug 2020, p.36]
See all critic reviews »