How Run the Jewels Made the Perfect Protest Album

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  • Опубліковано 2 сер 2024
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    Theme Music by Pracs: / pracs
    Sound Design by Graham Haerther
    00:00 Intro
    01:21 Title Card
    01:28 “A True Album”
    01:55 Yankee and the Brave
    03:00 Tongue and Cheek Politics
    04:08 Joy and Hope
    04:59 Criticisms
    06:07 Walking in the Snow
    07:49 Police Brutality/Eric Garner, George Floyd
    08:57 Privilege and Friendship
    10:03 Ju$t
    11:19 Pulling the Pin
    12:55 A Few Words for the Firing Squad
    15:48 Yankee and the Brave reprise
    16:05 Conclusion

КОМЕНТАРІ • 489

  • @PRODUCTOMART
    @PRODUCTOMART 3 роки тому +1582

    thank you for this, man. thank you for getting us.

    • @calderacollapse
      @calderacollapse 3 роки тому +85

      and thank YOU for being fantastic. this album blows me away.

    • @ODAALx
      @ODAALx 3 роки тому +50

      Holy shit, keep doing what you're doing and don't stop

    • @MrEazyE357
      @MrEazyE357 3 роки тому +61

      Wow... Honored to have the chance to even reply to you. As a 39 y/o lifelong rap fan, every album yall make reminds me why I fell in love with rap music. Thank you both SO much for what you do.

    • @kida4313
      @kida4313 3 роки тому +9

      never ever stop.

    • @sudevsen
      @sudevsen 3 роки тому +11

      wowie zowie the GOAT has spoken.

  • @blakeO34
    @blakeO34 3 роки тому +640

    “A Few Words for the Firing Squad” is one of the most emotionally powerful hip hop songs I’ve ever heard.

    • @dylandarcy1150
      @dylandarcy1150 3 роки тому +23

      it's like Angel Duster on steroids

    • @JWMCMLXXX
      @JWMCMLXXX 3 роки тому +14

      Dude. I got a little bit teary eyed reading deeper into that one. That was strong

    • @StayPuftedMarsh
      @StayPuftedMarsh 3 роки тому +1

      Jason Wood bro same.

    • @SidPhoenix2211
      @SidPhoenix2211 3 роки тому +8

      @@JWMCMLXXX Same. I teared up listening to Mike's final verse with all of the context of that song laid out. I have loved this album since it came out, and understood it for the most part... but seeing it all laid bare here, so eloquently.... that final verse made me tear up. So goddamn powerful.

    • @kosischilifry
      @kosischilifry 3 роки тому +1

      It reminds me of pink floyd

  • @sudevsen
    @sudevsen 3 роки тому +413

    It's called Yankee and the Brave cause ElP is from New York(home of the Yankees team) and KM is from Atlanta(home of the Braves team)

    • @lando3258
      @lando3258 3 роки тому +12

      It could also have a double meaning, it's a popular concept within hip-hop.

    • @isuckatnamingthings5499
      @isuckatnamingthings5499 3 роки тому

      @@lando3258 could you elaborate? I'm new to hip-hop

    • @thatguyanderson
      @thatguyanderson Рік тому

      the circles around Mike and El in the video are the maps of NYC and ATL respectively, such a cool detail.

    • @aleksisuuronen5969
      @aleksisuuronen5969 Місяць тому

      Yes but it is also is what's said, he just didn't mention Smokey and the Bandit 😅 Which is the movie the tracks title is reffering to.

    • @Jason17300
      @Jason17300 7 днів тому

      ​@@aleksisuuronen5969 I thought it was Pinky and the Brain

  • @raivane__
    @raivane__ 3 роки тому +461

    No doubt about it now: Run The Jewels will go down as one of the greatest rap groups in history

    • @posae86
      @posae86 3 роки тому +2

      I mean, they are good. I wouldn't put them all the way up there though.

    • @raivane__
      @raivane__ 3 роки тому +30

      @@posae86 I meant it as a more of a prediction. They're still relatively a young group, so we'll have to wait and see for sure, but the potential is here.

    • @rurathn5534
      @rurathn5534 3 роки тому +19

      @@posae86 why wouldnt you? They are absolutely amazing

    • @HotStrange
      @HotStrange 3 роки тому +10

      Konrad Pachel they’re only one album away from releasing as much as OutKast did in their career. I still think OutKast is the best, but RTJ is certainly up there.

    • @johnmarcdegaard6589
      @johnmarcdegaard6589 3 роки тому +10

      I already viewed them as carrying the torch that Rage Against The Machine left off. But tbh, I think they're already one of the greatest rap groups ever

  • @user-fn1ot9es3b
    @user-fn1ot9es3b 3 роки тому +233

    I can't even put into words how much I love the editing style, it's just captivating

  • @loosescrew472
    @loosescrew472 3 роки тому +310

    Nothing like the smell of a new polyphonic video in the morning

    • @caldwell9-0
      @caldwell9-0 3 роки тому

      Coolsome The One Morning?

    • @caldwell9-0
      @caldwell9-0 3 роки тому +1

      Oh morning

    • @DrippyWaffler
      @DrippyWaffler 3 роки тому +1

      @@caldwell9-0 Morning for me too, 7:34am

    • @jbasti227
      @jbasti227 3 роки тому +1

      @@caldwell9-0 It's always morning somewhere in the world

  • @dylandarcy1150
    @dylandarcy1150 3 роки тому +135

    how crazy is it that this is an instant protest classic and just classic in general... and it's not even their best album? like, this is a huge 10 and it will be remembered for so long and 2 and 3 out do it so much? fr RTJ are the best duo in the history of rap

    • @xanderfunk492
      @xanderfunk492 3 роки тому +14

      I like it better than 3 personally. The brevity and non stop nature of it were highlights for me.

    • @dylandarcy1150
      @dylandarcy1150 3 роки тому +7

      @@xanderfunk492 ye in all fairness they're really close, it just depends on whether you prefer the straight to the point non-stopness of 4 or the cinematic grandness of 3

    • @dongvermine
      @dongvermine 3 роки тому +2

      “Protest classic” who’s creators have licensed it to Riot games, Pepsi, and Cadillac. Hardly Woody Guthries are they?

    • @dylandarcy1150
      @dylandarcy1150 3 роки тому +11

      @@dongvermine imagine not being able to seperate art from artist 💀 💀 💀

    • @dongvermine
      @dongvermine 3 роки тому +4

      Olivia D'Arcy when it comes to implicitly moral stuff like protest music-and there exist a wealth of artists who actually walk the walk-it’s not wrong to point out that hilarious level of inconsistency.

  • @alouise
    @alouise 3 роки тому +83

    I'm not usually great with keeping up with new releases, but I listened to RTJ4 as soon as I could, and it's definitely become one of my favourite new albums.

    • @sudevsen
      @sudevsen 3 роки тому +3

      Same
      RTJ4 was the only Covid era release I bought Day 1. Its upbeat and vitriolic and just what's perfect for now.

  • @CalabazaDJ
    @CalabazaDJ 3 роки тому +57

    This may be your best work on UA-cam yet when it comes to the animation. Thank you for analyzing this masterpiece!

    • @Saintsdevotee
      @Saintsdevotee 3 роки тому +2

      The video was so well animated throughout. When you credited it to skillshare it became the greatest ad for them of all time

  • @jordanharris6563
    @jordanharris6563 3 роки тому +27

    This is the most underrated channel ever. I've been trying to find a channel that breaks down music and art. This is amazing. I fucking love you.

  • @dry_cereal_4283
    @dry_cereal_4283 3 роки тому +57

    JU$T playing in the backround is smooth

    • @alexw3777
      @alexw3777 3 роки тому +3

      It’s such a simplistic yet effective beat.

  • @emilwinter8095
    @emilwinter8095 3 роки тому +18

    Went and listened to the whole album after watching this. Though I am not a big fan of heavy rap and heavy music in general, I love the album. From the messages to the sound of the songs themselves. Most definitely putting Run The Jewels on my 'artist to remember' list.

  • @monsermoran
    @monsermoran 3 роки тому +115

    I had only listened to RTJ briefly but this album was something very powerful to me and I couldn't get enough. Thank you for covering this! The editing is amazing and I enjoyed the aesthetic in the imagery

    • @dylandarcy1150
      @dylandarcy1150 3 роки тому +2

      you should definitely give a listen to RTJ 2 if you haven't, it's got a lot more out and out bangers than 4 but also has moments that are just as emotionally potent

    • @monsermoran
      @monsermoran 3 роки тому +2

      Olivia D'Arcy Thank you! I’ll go ahead and check it out today :)

    • @dylandarcy1150
      @dylandarcy1150 3 роки тому +2

      @@monsermoran you should also check out 3 if you feel like it, not as much of a must listen but it's a very grand and cinematic album. half is crazy bangers like 2 on steroids, the other is like proto-Firing Squad songs.

    • @monsermoran
      @monsermoran 3 роки тому +3

      Olivia D'Arcy will do! I’ll have them on all day.

    • @gaslightingabbie
      @gaslightingabbie 3 роки тому

      I never liked rap, the electric beat felt fake, i also never cared about politics, so I never liked rtj, but what makes me hate them is they’re fans telling me awful things about how I NEED to like them or else I’m a terrible human and racist,

  • @JWMCMLXXX
    @JWMCMLXXX 3 роки тому +38

    I was having a hard time getting into this album, but I'm going to give it another look after seeing this.
    They're real lyricists. You gotta pay attention, I guess. Thank you.

  • @jamesrichie7844
    @jamesrichie7844 3 роки тому +19

    Zach de la Rocha's verse might be the best one of his career.

  • @monkey07reese
    @monkey07reese 3 роки тому +29

    Evey time I see a new video notification. I get a sudden jolt of joy. Especially when it's on my favorite rap group.

  • @chickennuggies906
    @chickennuggies906 3 роки тому +9

    this is why i love this channel so much. You watch a video and your taste of music changes because you found something so good! I love this. Lately I learned a lot about subcultures and music history and what I will forever remember is that all characteristics of a subculture are somehow tied together by a spirit. Music is politics just as fashion is. It’s the statements that I love so much about all of this.

  • @_RKev
    @_RKev 3 роки тому +89

    A great video that doesn't hold back about the messages and themes from the best Album of the year thus far (at least for me)

    • @CardsNHorns04
      @CardsNHorns04 3 роки тому +2

      As far as an album (not a mixtape or single release), this album is one of the best albums. I like The Weeknd’s album and Tame Impala, but this album truly feels like it will be used by future historians to tell the story of Summer 2020. Hopefully.

  • @FireEyedGuy
    @FireEyedGuy 3 роки тому +14

    You've really levelled up the graphics - such great collage work!

  • @Moglidor
    @Moglidor 3 роки тому +48

    Don’t mind me. Just here to help the algorithm.

  • @m1st3rr33d
    @m1st3rr33d 3 роки тому +13

    I never miss an episode. The visuals are amazing and the insights are brilliant.

  • @Thybr1d9
    @Thybr1d9 3 роки тому +11

    Kinda hoping you dive into RTJ and Mike's & EL-P's solo stuff a bit more. They're both fantastic artists who have always been refreshingly honest about where they write from & what they fight for

  • @conorbarber1676
    @conorbarber1676 3 роки тому +6

    The editing and motion graphics in this are GORGEOUS! Good job man.

  • @seb-astian-design
    @seb-astian-design 3 роки тому

    your editing and you narrative are really something special. the way you see music and are able to explain it is in itself a virtue. Thanks for all the inspiring and informative essays!

  • @abedozier4212
    @abedozier4212 3 роки тому +42

    Rtj 4 is what eminem wanted bad meets evil to be

  • @lucaschulz4967
    @lucaschulz4967 3 роки тому +1

    Oi, this video has to be one of your best yet. Incredibly powerful, fitting for an album of such quality, and just bloody brilliant. Keep it up man.

  • @Eihcra96
    @Eihcra96 3 роки тому +1

    This is a beautiful video. Love it. Put the whole album into a wider perspective for me. Thank you.

  • @SarahPriceMoore
    @SarahPriceMoore 3 роки тому +8

    Thank you for referring to Eric Garner’s death as a murder. ❤️💕🤟

  • @renegonzalez1336
    @renegonzalez1336 3 роки тому +4

    Your editing on this videos is killer. Keep it up man, your doing great 👍

  • @arcr1790
    @arcr1790 3 роки тому +9

    I believe rap is at its best when they slap the system in the face

  • @kirillboldyrev4450
    @kirillboldyrev4450 3 роки тому

    This video is just exceptional. The best one I've seen on this channel. Thank you so much, it's been a true joy to listen to such a deep album review accompanied with amazing graphics.

  • @arturoromero1798
    @arturoromero1798 3 роки тому +12

    WALKING IN THE SNOW IS THE BEST SONG TO COME OUT IN 2020

  • @Junker.66
    @Junker.66 Рік тому +1

    I don't know why this didn't got recommended to me before, great video! The editing, narration, and everything is on point.

  • @cristoferpedroso7241
    @cristoferpedroso7241 3 роки тому

    The more videos I watch from this channel, the more thankful I feel for the amazing content you deliver! YT needs more stuff like this! Thank you so much

  • @SarahPriceMoore
    @SarahPriceMoore 3 роки тому

    Thank you. Just thank you so much. I’ve introduced friends to so much amazing music using your videos and breakdowns. Thank you. Much love. 💕

  • @oskarsvensen1370
    @oskarsvensen1370 3 роки тому

    By far the best visuals in any of your videos! Great work!

  • @905Review
    @905Review 3 роки тому

    Very incredible video! Absolutely loved the production and formatting

  • @perfectlycorrupt420
    @perfectlycorrupt420 3 роки тому +4

    Dude, I haven't been interested in a NEW album in years. I love this album so much.

  • @lillyrey5727
    @lillyrey5727 3 роки тому

    Always schooling me and I love it. Tour videos are always 🔥

  • @JimmyInKona
    @JimmyInKona 3 роки тому

    amazing video! great breakdown of an album that I was long expecting and instantly loved!

  • @iquemedia
    @iquemedia 3 роки тому +1

    so the way i watch your videos is:
    1. put on whatever song/album/etc that the video is about and just vibe
    b. watch ur video
    3. listen to the song w/e again now with the new context and shit I didn't pick up before
    it's incredible man thank you

  • @francomuza
    @francomuza 3 роки тому

    amazing video, great editing and insightful lyrical breakdowns

  • @GoldBlaze
    @GoldBlaze 8 місяців тому

    This video is seriously so good, insane motion graphic work, great production, and super underrated. Deserves more views.

  • @atomicpatra943
    @atomicpatra943 3 роки тому +21

    ABLUM OF THE YEAAAAAAAR

    • @elstonngunn4193
      @elstonngunn4193 3 роки тому

      Rough and rowdy ways is better for me I get that the album is a protest album it just isn’t for me, the lyrics on RRW has some of the best lyrics I’ve heard in years especially in the song my own versions of you

  • @kionnakelly2918
    @kionnakelly2918 3 роки тому +39

    There's nothing like protest music. Always hits the hardest

  • @dannieyebagsz
    @dannieyebagsz 2 роки тому

    Honestly, if i can remember i watched a video and i want to go back and watch it again on youtube, its a very good video, like, very, very good. Congratulations

  • @rupertbutcher4682
    @rupertbutcher4682 3 роки тому +2

    This is maybe your best vid yet, Nice job

  • @kingxhaki_91
    @kingxhaki_91 3 роки тому +3

    "A Few Words For The Firing Squad" and "Never Look Back" are my two favourites hands down. Great album.

  • @JustinGoode
    @JustinGoode 3 роки тому +3

    I'm definitely looking into this group more!

  • @officerrodfarva8149
    @officerrodfarva8149 3 роки тому

    This is THE BEST album breakdown I've ever seen.
    Great job man 👉👊

  • @chcknpie04
    @chcknpie04 3 роки тому

    I needed this. Thank you!

  • @SMONSTER_DJ
    @SMONSTER_DJ 10 місяців тому

    This style of editing is literally perfect for the tone of the album would love for them to make a lyric video with the style

  • @mansourhaddad398
    @mansourhaddad398 3 роки тому +1

    I really hope you're going to do more rap albums in the futur your content is really awesome and shed new light and framing to albums so I hope it's going to be more common in the futur

  • @seanbuggy2185
    @seanbuggy2185 3 роки тому

    Such a great video man love this type of style keep it up 👍

  • @devansh6956
    @devansh6956 3 роки тому

    amazing video dude !!

  • @saintrecent
    @saintrecent 3 роки тому +34

    i’m so so so happy you started making so many videos on black history in the real world and the world of music without having to make a huge statement you just kept doing what you’ve always done. make videos about music you love and i can so easily see you really lvoe everything about the artists you cover

  • @rorymaclean4949
    @rorymaclean4949 3 роки тому

    gorgeous album and video, best i've seen from polyphonic

  • @eskapegoat86
    @eskapegoat86 2 роки тому

    Good job on this

  • @kirbusd3728
    @kirbusd3728 3 роки тому +4

    God, I love this channel so much. Perfect work! Big love!

  • @thefrogger6507
    @thefrogger6507 3 роки тому +8

    If you made a video on Doom and Death Grips. I'd be the happiest camper.

  • @YoniIsrael
    @YoniIsrael 3 роки тому

    I just want to say, thank you
    you one of my inspiration to start a music blog, right now only on Facebook
    I can send you a link but it solely in Hebrew

  • @liammcnicholas918
    @liammcnicholas918 3 роки тому

    The editing style in this video is great

  • @brianmiller1077
    @brianmiller1077 3 роки тому

    Thank you. I really need to check this out,

  • @psyche4867
    @psyche4867 3 роки тому +5

    i didnt even know they made a fourth

  • @chubtab3151
    @chubtab3151 3 роки тому

    Excellent visuals & incite on RT4. Video seems like an extended Ju$t video. Kudos man

  • @leokelly5116
    @leokelly5116 3 роки тому +1

    Incredible video, the best music content on the internet

  • @samtrue1
    @samtrue1 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks for this.

  • @eabea
    @eabea 3 роки тому +14

    no war but class war ✊🏴

    • @kousvetkousvet4158
      @kousvetkousvet4158 3 роки тому +1

      There's no class war bro, please let me ask you where the systemic racism and classcism is.

  • @JayFortran
    @JayFortran 3 роки тому

    Great animation and review

  • @burtburt9321
    @burtburt9321 3 роки тому

    Thanks for giving me another couple of artists to listen to

  • @wetsocks212
    @wetsocks212 3 роки тому

    This is your best video. Good job 👏

  • @Its_Barguido
    @Its_Barguido 3 роки тому

    I just love how you format your videos! Amazing vid on RTJ, dude! If I could make a request, I would love to hear your take on The Caretaker's "Everything at the End of Time."

  • @rosecity_chris
    @rosecity_chris 3 роки тому

    I've been an El-P fan since the company flow days and I'm beyond hype hes found mainstream success after grinding for so long. He deserves all the success, and KM deserves it too.

  • @Nick_Rowlett
    @Nick_Rowlett 3 роки тому

    So sick! Great work. Have you ever used the “posterize time” effect? Can often really sell that collage stop-motion effect if you set it to like 12 or 15

  • @32kuba32
    @32kuba32 3 роки тому +3

    I love rtj4. My favorite album this year so far

  • @FUZZY_FREQUENCIES
    @FUZZY_FREQUENCIES 3 роки тому +9

    awesome video! can you work on making your audio bit louder? its bit too lower than songs

    • @MrEazyE357
      @MrEazyE357 3 роки тому +1

      Yup. The songs are loud as hell once you turn it up enough to hear the dialogue.

  • @ronnieremark3355
    @ronnieremark3355 3 роки тому

    Well done, well said. Cheers brother.

  • @jacobscott2514
    @jacobscott2514 3 роки тому +3

    Fantastic video. RTJ4 is easily in contention for album of the year, and I always love seeing Polyphonic cover more hip-hop. The visuals in this one are top-notch as well. Stupendous ob with the editing.

  • @marcoantino2920
    @marcoantino2920 3 роки тому

    good to get to know new music
    awsome vid

  • @jacktravis2718
    @jacktravis2718 3 роки тому +2

    Just got done walkin in the snow.

  • @Razz415
    @Razz415 3 роки тому

    I found RTJ a few years ago. Enjoyed the hooks, but when 4 came out...whoa. it was something else. Maybe it's because I missed the first few albums, but man. Timing and theme really immortalized this one.

  • @BBbobsleigh
    @BBbobsleigh 3 роки тому +5

    I love RTJ but it feels hypocritical that Pharrell Williams talks about capitalism while being worth 150 million

  • @MerlinZuni
    @MerlinZuni 3 роки тому

    This is so good

  • @LeonVelazquez
    @LeonVelazquez 3 роки тому

    The quality of your videos is unparalleled

  • @GHfan4life
    @GHfan4life 3 роки тому

    This album was so timely and there’s not a single skip on it either. Walking in the snow and a few words for the firing squad are my favorite songs, so deep and very needed

  • @Ali_D_Katt
    @Ali_D_Katt 2 місяці тому

    Love RTJ another id love to see one of these done on is Grandson

  • @mihirb8090
    @mihirb8090 3 роки тому +1

    GREAT video

  • @JWMCMLXXX
    @JWMCMLXXX 3 роки тому +7

    You still do your own graphics?
    Crazy good these days man.

  • @helo8427
    @helo8427 3 роки тому +2

    I just got goosebumps while watching this

  • @ericaguilera4907
    @ericaguilera4907 3 роки тому

    Never did I think I would see the day you would talk about RTJ, but this is definitely something worth talking about

  • @BAKED_PRUNES
    @BAKED_PRUNES 3 роки тому

    Rtj4 was one of my favorite albums of 2020 to this day I always go back and relisten this one of the best albums in the decade

  • @ResistReact
    @ResistReact 3 роки тому

    Amazing video

  • @londoncalling05_47
    @londoncalling05_47 3 роки тому

    That reference to strange fruit was great

  • @cheesewizz_
    @cheesewizz_ 3 роки тому

    One of your best videos by far...

  • @madness1744
    @madness1744 10 місяців тому

    A few words for the firing squad is one of those songs that will always give me goosebumps and pump me up at the same time

  • @teddyfurstman1997
    @teddyfurstman1997 3 роки тому

    Damm RTJ and Polyphonic. I love it. Also, love the night where Adult Swim and Toonami (Action Anime Block) Played their Music for the Release of RTJ4. Best Protest Album as well in 2020. I also loved your Pink Floyd DSOTM Project.

  • @hijonathan
    @hijonathan 3 роки тому +3

    To Pimp A Butterfly, Lemonade, and now Run The Jewels 4. Every time someone makes art that genuinely addresses issues of racism, classicism, and gender dynamics - in non-performative fashion - the Grammys (and The Academy) turn their back on them.

  • @danielsailors7782
    @danielsailors7782 3 роки тому

    The video is amazing, but God damn those graphics are LEGENDARY 🤩

  • @coffinspired3092
    @coffinspired3092 3 роки тому

    RTJ4 let me down in a few VERY minor ways, but hits SO hard in many more important ones. When you consider that equation, it's an amazing effort and a definite classic. (Also Rap Album of the Year - don't @ me).
    The wait begins for what I hope will be their Magnum Opus - RTJ5.
    Great video as usual bro. Appreciate ya.

  • @TheKrakenreleased
    @TheKrakenreleased 3 роки тому

    Please do a video about the killers imploding the mirage about how the emotions behind ageing and changing as a “has been” band I love that album so much