A recent study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health found that 90% of rappers today are friendless loners. As it turns out, the high demands of the profession can cause severe isolation, which in time makes it more and more difficult for these increasingly socially inept hip-hoppers to connect with those around them. This isolation often causes feelings of worthlessness, depression, and songs such as this. The study concludes by asserting that, next to coal mining and temping, rapping may be the worst profession for one’s mental health.
With these new developments still fresh in our minds, the announcement that Run the Jewels will be touring in August, a news story that should be joyous and celebrated, comes instead as a distressing and potentially harmful prospect. For those who don’t know, Run the Jewels is a collaboration between legendary rappers El-P and Killer Mike, who first connected in 2012 when El-P produced Killer Mike’s album R.A.P. Music (one of our favorite albums of that year). The two have reportedly been “best buds” ever since. This new tour comes following last year’s self-titled Run the Jewels album and in support of a second Jewels album coming in the near future, with the album’s first single being released through Adult Swim’s Singles Club in September. While fans could not be more excited to have the pair coming to a town near them, many city officials fear for the health and stability of some of their lonelier MCs in the face of such a successful rap-related friendship.
Fortunately, El-P and Killer Mike understand the negative effects this tour could have on the hip-hop community and have provided some encouraging words for any lonesome rappers who feel they may never forge such a strong connection with another person. “It’s all about being open, with yourself, with others. Look at us: just a few years ago we were just like all of you out there, two lonely MCs spitting rhymes about paranoia and government conspiracies alone in our basements over hard-ass beats. Now we’re two best friends spitting rhymes about chains and shooting poodles and shit over hard-ass beats. You may feel alone now, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel that way forever. Muthafuckas.”
Dates:
08.02.14 - Chicago, IL - Double Door
08.03.14 - Chicago, IL - Lollapalooza
08.08.14 - San Francisco, CA - Outside Lands
08.09.14 - Seattle, WA - Showbox
08.11.14 - Victoria, BC - Upstairs Cabaret
08.12.14 - Vancouver BC - Biltmore
08.13.14 - Calgary, AB - Republik
08.14.14 - Edmonton, AB - Starlite Room
08.16.14 - Portland, OR - Music Fest Northwest
08.22.14 - Denver, CO - Mad Decent Block Party
08.23.14 - Los Angeles, CA - FYF Fest
• Run the Jewels: http://www.runthejewels.net
• Fool’s Gold: http://www.foolsgoldrecs.com
More about: El-P, Killer Mike, Run the Jewels
