Halsey Reviews: RTJ 4
Long-time friends, Killer Mike and El-P are the best rap duo out there today. And RTJ4 isn’t your typical, present-day, rap album. Their music, especially in these current times, is necessary listening. Even when spitting nonsensical lyrics about each other, they don’t steer away from what’s happening, and has been happening, in their home country. They meet issues head on, leaving you no option but to HEAR what’s being said. Their anti-racist stance is reflected perfectly through the content of this album. This is a statement and a call to action, urging you to rise to the occasion.
On the track Walking In The Snow, Killer Mike gives an especially poignant delivery, whispering out to his audience “I Can’t Breathe”, then blasting right back with the full force of his growl. This album is aggressive and full of grimy production. You can feel the camaraderie, the sadness, and anger. The production on Ju$t is a major stand out, with the added treat of Zack De La Rocha’s scathing voice, screaming at you to “look at all the slave masters”. Again, poignant. I’m a big fan of El-P’s production and, as he aptly puts it, this record is a “punch in the face’. And, I gotta say, I’m truly saddened that I won’t be seeing Rage and RTJ perform together this year.
The album features key cameos from Greg Nice, DJ Premier, 2 Chainz, Pharrell Williams, Mavis Staples, Josh Homme and, as I mentioned before, frequent collaborator Zack de la Rocha. In my opinion, RTJ4 is their best album yet. It is a call to arms- it is protest music. This is conscious, take no prisoners, genre bending Hip Hop that challenges and woos you, all at once. Simply put, RTJ4 is timely. Keep your ears and minds open and have a listen. LOUDLY.
Halsey Gonsalves, Audiophile and Hifi Guru
@thebrownbandit
@halseybandito
