Above: RUN THEM JEWELS FAST: Jamie “El-P” Meline, and Michael “Killer Mike” Render performs at the Georgia Theatre on April 4.
Story and Photos by ROBERT WALKER – Managing Editor
On April 4, rap duo Run The Jewels performed at the Georgia Theatre in front of a sold out crowd. RTJ consists of Atlanta-based rapper Michael “Killer Mike” Render, and New York producer/rapper Jamie “El-P” Meline, and performed songs from their first album, Run The Jewels, as well as their second, Run The Jewels 2.
The duo are known for their high-energy songs, and their concerts are no different.
Throughout the event, the mid-20s, male-dominated crowd was jumping or dancing; movement never stopped. Killer Mike and El-P would demand lyrics from the crowd with an outstretched mic and were answered with roars that affirmed everyone there was quite familiar with the duo’s music. Rather predictably, the duo’s most successful song off of their sophomore album, “Oh My Darling (Don’t Cry),” was performed twice to a gleeful crowd.
Both Killer Mike and El-P knew their roles for the concert as well, which came off polished, but not overly rehearsed. For most of the concert, El-P would handle the interludes, talking with the crowd and hyping them up accordingly. Killer Mike would then handle the very long solo rap verses in their songs without taking breaks.
Overall, the close relationship between the two artists, along with an active, attentive crowd made for a fantastic sold out show.