Killer Mike revealed an unknown fact about The Alchemist‘s involvement in 2014’s Run The Jewels 2 as the album celebrates its 10-year anniversary.
Released on October 24, 2014, Mike and El-P‘s RTJ2 solidified Run The Jewels‘ rising success and went on to be crowned Album of the Year by publications including Stereogum and Pitchfork.
AD LOADING...
Reflecting on the album in an Instagram post, Mike noted how the project changed the duo’s lives – and how The Alchemist and his late father played a major role.
“10 years ago I dropped this album with my brother @thereallyrealelp (as our duo @RunTheJewels),” he began. “RTJ2 changed our lives, validated our artistry in ways that it hadn’t in a long time, and built the foundation for one helluva run. Im grateful for all the jewel runners for connecting with us through our art and showing up for us across the world. I can’t talk about RTJ2 without honoring our late friends Gangsta Boo and Ikey Owens, whose special contributions helped make this album the classic it is!”
AD LOADING...
He continued: “Little known facts We recorded parts this in @alanthechemist (Thanks Al!) studio & got time to meet his old man RIP he was a G & I will always remember his kindness & words of wisdom. I was thinking like a fighter. Listen to my attitude & energy! ‘Let’s Go El P’!!!”
After collaborating on Killer Mike’s Rap Music in 2012, Killer Mike and El-P joined forces in 2013 to announce they would release a joint album under the name Run the Jewels. The project found instant success that had the group reach far beyond its existing fan bases.
Run The Jewels would end up going on a decade-long journey that saw Mike and El earn Grammy nominations, gold-certified singles, mainstage appearances at major music festivals, global touring, forays into art, beer, cannabis, film, TV and more.
Last year, the duo celebrated their 10-year anniversary together by performing their four albums over four different concerts in New York, Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles.
“It’s mind blowing to us that it’s been 10 years since we joined forces as RTJ,” Killer Mike and El-P said in a statement at the time. “The best way we can think to celebrate is to get the whole family together and do what we love for the people who love us back. It’s going to be amazing, just like this entire ride has been, and we are grateful to get a chance to celebrate with our Jewel Runners this year and finally get back into clubs to destroy some stages for you.
AD LOADING...
“We’re doing four cities, four nights each, and four full albums worth of jams, many we have only performed a small handful of times during our whole existence. So on night one it’s RTJ1 in full, plus many more songs from the other records; night two it’s RTJ2… etc. etc. We can’t wait to get out there and see you.”
