Run the Jewels - Run the Jewels 2 [2014]

Run the Jewels was one of the best albums of 2013 and Run the Jewels 2 continues that trend of high quality. It's hard to tell which record is better, but that doesn't matter because both are fantastic. Outside of Gangsta Boo's feature verse, which is a step below El-P and Killer Mike's typical standards on "Love Again", there is really nothing to complain about.

El-P's production has more range on Run the Jewels 2. While he is still staying within the lane of aggressive bangers, something like "Early" sounds nothing like "Close your Eyes (And Count To Fuck)". The chaotic beat change at the end of the ridiculously fun "Oh My Darling Don't Cry" is incredible. It shows a notable progression from the sonic palette of Run the Jewels.

Lyrically this album is more or less a continuation of the kick-ass-and-take-names-attitude found on Run the Jewels and the rappers are just as impressive. El-P and Killer Mike spit two of the best verses of their career respectively on "Crown" and "Early". Killer Mike dominates "Early" with a captivating verse on police brutality. The Atlanta rapper shines again with a tale of the ills of cocaine-dealing on "Crown", but El-P's harrowing verse on how a soldier's training strips him of humanity and agency is somehow even more impressive. Like it's predecessor did with "A Christmas Fucking Miracle", Run the Jewels 2 ends amazingly with "Angel Duster". Run the Jewels 2 is a great sequel that is sure to please anyone who enjoyed the first album.