Run The Jewels, a.k.a. emcee Killer Mike and producer/emcee El-P, released their first video official video from their self-titled debut album: “36″ Chain.” Inspired by Deathwish and other seventies grindhouse films, this Timothy Saccenti directed video follows the dynamic duo’s journey to recover their abducted puppet friend Killums. Along the way, they manage to manhandle Andrew W.K. and are attacked by a deranged maid or soccer mom. The video is filled with grotesque images, that are meant to make you feel disturbed, but keep watching. When you see the twist at the end, you may hurl, but you won’t be disappointed.

The vibe of the track and the video match perfectly together. Killer Mike and El-P both rap about how they are “raw” and are dismantling competitors. While there are a lot of references to drugs in the game today, Run the Jewels still find inventive ways to include narcotics in their lyrics. For example the entire second half of Killer Mike’s verse, where he compares himself to cocaine.

All of the lyrics and images are set to a dark El-P soundtrack, that is as brooding and menacing as it is good. The deep synth and kick drums create a horror like ambiance, that helps to give meaning to everything you hear and see. Definitely a unique piece of work that El-P has been consistently been putting out.

James Elliott (@Nativejimi)