Run The Jewels have every reason to celebrate this week. According to Billboard, their latest album Run The Jewels 4 has debuted in the Billboard 200 Top 10, a first for the seasoned Hip Hop duo.
With roughly 38,000 total album equivalent units sold in its first two days, the project lands at No. 10. Their last two albums — 2017’s Run The Jewels 3 and 2014’s Run The Jewels 2 hit No. 13 and No. 50, respectively.
The 11-track project seemed to arrive right on time. As riots and protests erupt across the globe in the name George Floyd, RTJ’s music sounds more urgent than ever. In his booming voice, Killer Mike blasts police brutality and systemic racism while El-P provides a raucous — and at times, haunting — soundtrack for a revolution.
Run The Jewels Offering ‘Run The Jewels 4’ For Free In Wake Of George Floyd’s Death
RTJ released the album on June 3, two days ahead schedule, explaining, “Fuck it, why wait? The world is infested with bullshit so here’s something raw to listen to while you deal with it all. We hope it brings you some joy. Stay safe and hopeful out there and thank you for giving 2 friends the chance to be heard and do what they love.”
Mike tweeted about the album on Sunday (June 7) after someone brought it to his attention RTJ4 made history.
“This made my day more dope!!!” he wrote.
This made my day more dope!!! https://t.co/3iATq5Eg3B
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) June 7, 2020
RTJ4’s sales benefited from several merchandise/album bundles sold through RTJ’s website and it was also made available as a free download, alongside an appeal for donations to the Mass Defense Program. Billboard reports none those free downloads were sent to Nielsen Music/MRC Data.
The project featured guest appearance from Pharrell, 2 Chainz, Zack de la Rocha, DJ Premier and Greg Nice, among others.
Check out the album above.