Not much new music was released in the last week as singles and albums were pushed back out of respect for the protestors risking their lives to combat anti-Black racism in the middle of a pandemic. Still, a number of people have been looking for music to entertain them during this historic time. We saw some artists release new protest anthems in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, and others drop their regularly-planned programming. Our staff gathered up our personal favorites from the last several weeks for the new update of the TIDAL Wave playlist.
We start off with a stretch of music that will wake you right up, including Meek Mill's new single "Otherside of America" and select sounds from Run The Jewels, Flatbush Zombies, and Freddie Gibbs. This week's update is filled with RTJ4 tracks, also complemented by a number of selections from FBZ's new album now, more than ever.
Elsewhere on the tracklist, there are offerings from Gunna, Lil Durk, Sleepy Hallow, Conway, Joell Ortiz and KXNG Crooked, Leon Bridges, Lil Yachty, and more.
Listen to the playlist below and check out our individual picks. Be sure to also sign up for your free trial at TIDAL here.
Alex Zidel (Editorial)
Gunna - DOLLAZ ON MY HEAD (feat. Young Thug)
Lil Durk - 3 Headed Goat (feat. Lil Baby & Polo G)
RMR - I'M NOT OVER YOU
Lil Yachty - Whew' Chile
SAINt JHN - Roses Remix (feat. Future)
Alex Cole (Editorial)
Sleepy Hallow - Don't Panic (feat. Sheff G)
Sleepy Hallow - 6am In NY
Run The Jewels - JU$T (feat. Pharrell Williams & Zack de la Rocha)
Run The Jewels - never look back
Flatbush Zombies - herb
Lynn S (Editorial)
Leon Bridges - Sweeter (feat. Terrace Martin)
DJ Drewski - Water (feat. DreamDoll, Rubi Rose, & Molly Brazy)
Flatbush Zombies - herb
Flatbush Zombies - iamlegend
Flatbush Zombies - dirty elevator music
Cole Blake (Editorial)
Armand Hammer - Frida (feat. Quelle Chris & Fielded)
Armand Hammer - Ramesses II (feat. Earl Sweatshirt, Fielded & Moor Mother)
Armand Hammer - Bitter Cassava (feat. Pink Siifu)
Run The Jewels - JU$T (feat. Pharrell Williams & Zack De La Rocha)
Run The Jewels - never look back
Mitch Findlay (Editorial)
Run The Jewels - holy calamafuck
Run The Jewels - out of sight (feat. 2 Chainz)
Run The Jewels - pulling the pin (feat. Mavis Staples & Josh Homme)
Flatbush Zombies - dirty elevator music
Conway - Front Lines
Paul Pirotta (Sales)
Meek Mill - Otherside Of America
Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist - 1985
Joell Ortiz & KXNG Crooked - Memorial Day
Mike Rapp (Sales)
Run The Jewels - out of sight (feat. 2 Chainz)
Meek Mill - Otherside Of America
Run The Jewels - JU$T (feat. Pharrell Williams & Zack de la Rocha)
Aron A (Editorial)
Jorja Smith - Rose Rouge
Apollo Brown & Che Noir - '94
Yaya Bey - sida A/ juu rant
Run The Jewels "RTJ4" Debut In Billboard 200 Top 10
With only two tracking days, Run The Jewels earn their first top 10 album.
The Billboard 200 matter to some (i.e. major label artists) but most independent artists could care less about it. Over the past few days, we were blessed with the early release of Run The Jewels highly anticipated fourth studio album, RTJ4. The album arrived in the wake of protests across the country in support of Black Lives Matter, so it was either bound to get overshadowed by the headlines or bring solace to fans who are participating in the protests.
None of this actually matters to Killer Mike and El-P who both decided to give the album away for free with an option to purchase. Per Billboard, even with two tracking days, RTJ4 is by far Run The Jewels' most commercially successful to date. In a few days, it moved 38K album-equivalent units, propelling it to number 10 on the Billboard 200. This is now their first album to ever enter the top 10 on the chart.
The album benefitted from merch bundles with 30K of the 38K units coming from pure sales. Though it was available for free, they did encourage listeners to donate. After two days, they generated $160K in charitable donations for National Lawyers Guild Mass Defense Program and several other organizations.
Surely, this album couldn't have come at a better time. What's your favorite track off of the project? Sound off below.
Meek Mill, Run The Jewels, & More Highlight Our "Fire Emoji" Playlist
Our “Fire Emoji” playlist this week includes some powerful new protest anthems from Meek Mill, YG, and more, plus a cut off the new Run The Jewels album.
These past few weeks have been heavy and emotional, as they’ve highlighted the issues of systemic racism and police brutality that have existed not only in America but in places all around the world for decades. People across the globe are protesting these injustices in many different ways, whether it be through signing petitions, donating to worthy and helpful causes, or standing right out on the frontlines. Others, still, are using music to get this message across, which is why we decided to highlight a few of the protest anthems that dropped this past week on our “Fire Emoji” playlist this week, along with a cut off Run The Jewels‘ new project.
One artist who’s been outspoken issues of racism for years now is Meek Mill, so it came as no surprise when he dropped the poignant “Otherside of America,” serving as a reality check to those who still insist on denying what’s really going on in the United States. YG also dropped a politically and socially charged track this week, the message of which could not be clearer. On “FTP” or “F*ck The Police,” a follow-up to the rapper’s anti-Donald-Trump tune, “FDT” YG calls out all the corruption and violent misconduct within the American police force. Check out the rest of our new additions to “Fire Emoji” below, and keep on fighting the good fight.
Follow our Wake & Bake playlist here.
Follow our G.O.O.D. Music playlist (for a GOOD ASS FRIDAY) here.
El-P Debuts New "Run The Jewels 4" Anthem
Killer Mike and El-P have something to say on the powerful "Run The Jewels 4" anthem "A Few Words For The Firing Squad."
With protests against police brutality and systemic racism ongoing throughout the United States and Canada, many rappers have come forward in solidarity with the revolutionary movement. The legendary rapper and orator Killer Mike recently caught attention with a powerful speech in Atlanta, where he implored those hurting "to strategize, to organize, and to properly mobilize.” Mike's voice continues to resonate now more than ever, and it's likely he'll expand on some of his positions on the upcoming Run The Jewels 4 album.
Karl Walter/Getty Images
Following the announcement that it will arrive this Friday free of charge, an initiative announced by El-P yesterday, the rapper slash producer took to Instagram to preview one of the album's upcoming tracks "A Few Words For The Firing Squad." Premiering the song in full, the track features a heavy-build up accentuated by frantic bursts of brass.
"It's crippling, make you want lean on a cup of promethazine, but my queen say she need a king, not another junkie, flunky rapper fiend," raps Mike, drawn between love and duty. "Friends tell her he could be another Malcom, he could be another Martin / she told her partner 'I need a husband more than the world need another martyr.'" El matches Mike's energy, offering some words of wisdom of his own. "When your surrounded by the fog, treading water in the ice-cold dark," he spits. "When they got you you feeling like a fox running from another pack a dogs / put the pistol and the fist up in the air, we are there, swear to God."
Check out the track below, and look for Run The Jewels 4 to arrive in full this Friday.
View this post on InstagramRun The Jewels "RTJ 4" Will Be Available For Free In Wake Of Protests
El-P announces the release of “RTJ4” will be available for free.
Run The Jewels have consistently been fighting against the system through their music — even when Killer Mike and El-P work as solo artists. Following the protests going on across America against the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, Run The Jewels have announced that the release of their fourth LP will be available for free upon its release.
Nicholas Hunt/Getty ImagesIn a statement issued to Instagram, El-P explained that he and Killer Mike are offering this project for free in support of the protests. “I don’t have shit left to say right now that me and my brother @killermike don’t express on this album so i’m not saying shit anymore til then. on it is all our joy, humor, friendship and rage. we got bangers to help you lose yourself and smile and we got shit that comes from the deepest places in our hearts and when it drops on friday it will not only be for sale but it will be made available for FREE for ANYONE who wants some music,” he explained. “for me this is the only way i really know how to contribute to the human struggle and experience beyond just trying to be kind and aware and grow. it’s the only weapon i’m truly trained in and i’m grateful to have it. so no more talk from me until the music drops . i love y’all be safe don’t fall for the fuck shit and protect each other and your spirits from those that would divide and hurt you. this ain’t an advertisement this is just me saying i love you and i hope this music does something for you in these fucked up times.”
The announcement arrives after Killer Mike spoke about the current situation in Atlanta last night alongside T.I. The two rappers urged their communities to stop looting and rioting, though they did acknowledge that they understood the pain that many people across the country are feeling.
Check out El-P’s post below.
Killer Mike Raps Powerful Bars About Police Brutality On "RTJ4"
Following the tragic killing of George Floyd at the hands a police officer, Killer Mike showcases some poignant lyrics from “Run The Jewels 4.”
With Run The Jewel’s RTJ4 lined up to be released on June 5th, Killer Mike has taken it upon himself to preview one of the upcoming tracks, “Walking In The Snow.” And while a sneak peek is generally seen as a joyous affair, this latest arrives under somber circumstances. Though it wasn’t specifically written about the death of George Floyd, Mike’s lyrics about police brutality resonate even harder in the wake of it.
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
“And every day on the evening news they feed you fear for free, and you so numb you watch the cops choke out a man like me,” he raps, over El’s off-kilter production. “And ’til my voice goes from a shriek to whisper, ”I can’t breathe” / and you sit there in the house on couch and watch it on TV / The most you give’s a Twitter rant and call it a tragedy.”
It’s unclear whether Mike’s verse offers his suggestions as to what might be done, but it doesn’t appear as if he’s particularly satisfied with the current societal state. He all but confirms as much in his caption, writing “I will keep pushing for a better society but I refuse to not acknowledge the one I am stuck with.” Given everything that has transpired, all the racial tension that seems to be brewing in the United States, it’s no surprise that Mike feels the way he does. For now, he remains one of the most powerful voices in the game, speaking as an authority when people need to hear it the most.
Look for Run The Jewels 4, complete with the full version of “Walking In The Snow,” on June 5th. Rest in peace, George Floyd.
El-P’s Acclaimed Debut "Fantastic Damage" Hits Streaming Services
At long last, El-P’s acclaimed debut album “Fantastic Damage” has landed on all streaming services.
Though the streaming era has made countless albums available at the drop of a hat, there remain many classics and gems that have yet to make the transition. For the longest time, El-P‘s solo catalog has been inaccessible in that regard, including his debut album Fantastic Damage. Hailed as a classic by those familiar with underground hip-hop, the project marked El’s first release following the breakup of his former group Company Flow. Arriving eighteen years ago to this date, Fantastic Damage was an instant showcase of El’s immense talents, earning itself instant critical acclaim in the process.
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images
And while there are many who have kept entertained through El’s Run The Jewels rebrand, there remain those who cover the good old days when he was running the underground scene. Now, after a lengthy waiting period, Fantastic Damage has officially made the transition to streaming services. Should you be interested in revisiting the science fiction inspired project, which spawned tracks like “Stepfather Factory” and “Deep Space 9mm,” be sure to check it out on your streaming service of choice.
In other El-P related news, he recently confirmed that Run The Jewels 4 will be dropping on June 5th, featuring guest appearances from DJ Premier, Pharrell Williams, Josh Homme of Queens Of The Stone Age, 2 Chainz, and more. It’s a good time to be a fan of El Producto.
Run The Jewels Announce "RTJ 4" Release Date & Share Tracklist
El-P and Killer Mike's "RTJ4" is on the way. June 5th
For anyone who's been waiting on the return of Killer Mike and El-P's Run The Jewels 4, we have some good news for you. El-P hit the Twittersphere earlier today announcing that the hip-hop duo's fourth collaborative album will be arriving next month. The rapper/producer extraordinaire shared a pre-order link that went live at noon but immediately shut down the Run The Jewels website. Instead, El-P followed with another tweet that read, "RTJ4 DROPPING IN 24 DAYS." June 5th, y'all. Get ready.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty ImagesAlong with a pre-order link and a release date, El-P also shared the cover art for the project that features the fist and gun hand logo in gold and black with a pink background. The tracklist was also shared featuring an eclectic array of collaborators. Greg Nice and DJ Premier, of course, appeared on the previously released track, "Ooh La La." Aside from those two, 2 Chainz, Pharrell Williams, Zack De La Rocha, Josh Homme of Queens Of The Stone Age, and Mavis Staples make appearances on the album.
Keep your eyes peeled for RTJ4 and peep the tracklist and album art below.
- Yankee And The Brave (Ep. 4)
- Ooh La LA ft. Greg Nice and DJ Premier
- Out of Sight ft. 2 Chainz
- Holy Calamafuck
- Goonies vs. E.T.
- Walking In The Snow
- Ju$t ft. Pharrell Williams and Zack De La Rocha
- Never Look Back
- The Ground Below
- Pulling The Pin ft. Mavis Staples & Josh Homme
- A Few Word For The Firing Squad
Run The Jewels Promise New Album Is "Relentless"
Run The Jewels might be waylaid by the pandemic, but that hasn’t dulled their excitement for dropping their most “relentless” album yet.
As the quarantine continues to run its course, so too does it impact the artists that keep us entertained. Unfortunately, such has indeed proven to be the case for Run The Jewels. Having already completed their long-awaited fourth album, the aptly-titled RTJ4, it seemed like only a matter of time before we’d be getting our hands on the project. Yet now that coronavirus has gone and flipped the table, all bets are — for the time being at least — off.
Theo Wargo/Getty Images
That doesn’t mean its creators can’t come through with some much-appreciated details in the meantime. Today, Killer Mike and El P hit up Zane Lowe’s Beats 1 radio show to open up about the current state of the album. “It’s just a pain in the ass because me and Mike really want to get this record to the people and so we’re working our asses off to make sure that that happens as soon as we possibly can,” says El, prompting Mike to offer a creative suggestion. “We’re going to come to everybody’s door like the census.” “In hazmat suits,” adds El — safety first.
“Relentless, if that’s what you want to hear,” says Mike, describing the sound of the record, as well as its creative process. d. We relentlessly pushed through because there were songs where we both had different verses. We’d go for a month, meet back up and be like, “You know what? I don’t like my last eight bars. I’m going back in to do it.'” El proceeds to lay out a key distinction between RTJ4 and its predecessor. “We weren’t in the same mind frame as we were in [Run the Jewels 3],” he teases. “This one we were in a fiery place.”
Keep an eye out for more news on Run The Jewel’s upcoming album the minute it surfaces, and be sure to check out the latest single “Ooh La La.” Are you excited for this one?
[ Apple Music]
Wiz Khalifa, Tyga, & Joyner Lucas Hold Down Our "Fire Emoji" Playlist
Wiz Khalifa, Tyga, Joyner Lucas, and are among the latest additions to our weekly updated “Fire Emoji” playlist on Spotify, full of the hottest tracks today.
The latest additions to our scorching “Fire Emoji” playlist on Spotify include a new collaboration from Wiz Khalifa and Tyga, two cuts off Joyner Lucas‘ freshly dropped, ADHD, and much, much more. As you all spend your days wandering aimlessly around the house trying to find something to occupy your mind, why not check out our “Fire Emoji” playlist, updated weekly with the absolute hottest tracks out right now? Despite the global pandemic forcing everyone to stay inside, plenty of your favourite artists are still delivering heat. While most of this new music was likely recorded before the coronavirus escalated, it’s likely that some tracks were concocted for the purpose of keeping fans entertained during this stressful and confusing time. Whether it’s a remix of The Weeknd’s “Heartless” with Lil Uzi Vert off the deluxe edition of After Hours, or the highly-anticipated “Turks” collab with Nav, Gunna, and Travis Scott, we’ve got you covered with our specially curated collection of the dopest music out there.
Leading the way with two joints off his long-awaited debut album, ADHD, is Joyner Lucas with “Will” and “The War” featuring Young Thug. Among the rest of our newest additions is Wiz Khalifa and Tyga’s joint effort, “Contact,” which dropped earlier this week followed by some accompanying visuals. Childish Gambino also made our list with a track off his cryptically teased project, 3.15.20, titled “Algorhythm.” Tory Lanez came through with his latest single, “Do The Most,” as did Mick Jenkins with “Snakes” featuring Kojey Radical. Trouble and Quavo teamed up for their banger, “Popped,” and who could forget Murda Beatz and YNW Melly joining forces with Lil Turk to deliver “Banana Split.” With drops from the likes of Run The Jewels, Schoolboy Q, and more, check out our updated “Fire Emoji” playlist and don’t forget to follow our other specially-curated playlists.
Follow our freshly-updated Wake & Bake playlist here.
Follow our G.O.O.D. Music playlist (for a GOOD ASS FRIDAY) here.
