Run the Jewels - 2100 feat. BOOTS

Run the Jewels’ politicised status is mostly attributed to no-bullshit, first foot forward frustration. But ‘2100’ flips the rulebook, offering an uplifting message when it was tempting to dive into a pit of despair.

Amidst endless thinkpieces and ‘how did this happen?!’ post-election rage, ‘2100’ was released yesterday, and it offers an alternative to outrage and violence. It finds El-P and Killer Mike offering hope in the face of hate, via the same shuffling, fireworks-blasting noise they’ve always traded in. “I’m here to tell you don’t let ‘em tell you what’s right wrong,” they declare. “Make love, smoke kush, fight or laugh hard and live long”.

In the aftermath of a world-shaking event that questions everyone’s values and resolve, it’s easy to wind up more confused than before. ‘2100’ at least attempts to provide some tonic, an antidote to a time when millions are fearful of what’s round the corner. They’re rarely credited for it, but Run the Jewels are just as effective spreading positivity as they are a desire for change.