Run the Jewels and Danny Brown. If you’re familiar with both artist’s work, you’ll know why the hype for this tour was unmatchable. For years, hip-hop was notable for its failure in a live capacity, but these artists put on shows with the energy of hardcore-punk, all without compromising the dazzling lyricism that makes the genre great. It was hard to tell how many of the buildings they toured would be left standing after these artists united.
The first to test the O2 Academy’s foundations is Danny Brown. Playing a chronological, career spanning set, Brown lurches from party starter to drug addled philosopher with schizophrenic ease.
It’s hard to deny the infectious, party ‘til you puke spirit of songs like ‘Smokin’ and Drinkin’ and ‘Dip’, but Danny also dives into the darkness of his latest album, Atrocity Exhibition. The wonderfully abrasive ‘Aint it Funny’ serves as a shock to those unfamiliar with his work, with its overdriven horn section blasting the eardrums out of everyone in Brixton. Still, he goes out on a high with his collaboration with Rustie, ‘Attak’. The song is an absolute force of nature, and there’s hardly a soul that doesn’t lose their shit when it drops.
However, if its energy that you’re looking for, there isn’t a group on the planet, hip-hop or otherwise, that can match Run The Jewels.
Their set, which comprises mostly of their latest release, but also a few old bangers to keep long-time fans satisfied, absolutely flattens the venue. It’s a constant barrage of high-energy beats and mind-blowing lyricism, and its borderline exhausting to watch. There are absolutely no missteps, from their DJ Shadow collab ‘Nobody Speak’, to rarely aired cuts like ‘Sea Legs’.
Killer Mike and El P are just infectiously likeable. They’re a wisecracking, high-fiving, mirth machine. It’s hard not to feel the good vibes emanating from the two. As well as making sure that people are “throwing up the pistol and fist”, they also make sure people take a step back when people are getting crushed.
This set, if nothing else, serves as an affirmation that Run the Jewels are an absolutely unstoppable force. Run the Jewels not only make sure that everyone leaves having had the time of their life, but also offers enriching and uplifting messages in their music. The word “iconic” may be overused, but it’s a completely apt way to describe this show.
