Rappers Killer Mike and El-P form the unlikely duo Run the Jewels and are bringing fans a new edition on an old favorite.
“Meow the Jewels,” a cat-themed remix album of their 2013 sophomore release “Run the Jewels 2” uses Killer Mike’s Southern drawl, El-P’s fast paced rapping style and recorded sounds from cats to deliver a collection of meow-infused rap anthems.
This record leaves the smooth and subtle appeal of the duo’s sophomore album, “Run the Jewels 2” for a bold mix of hi-hats, bass drops and featured artist.
The sets first track,“Meowrly” is a remix to the duo’s single “Early” and begins with a rhythmic pair of cats purring and bass drums. True to it’s title, a cat’s meow timidly chimes in the tune every few seconds. Killer Mike and El-P rap over the beat while production and singing credits come courtesy of Boots.
An eerie narrator starts “Oh My Darling Don’t Meow” explaining the events that lead to El-P’s subsequent viewership of cat week, a clever choice considering the nature of the album. El-P comes into the track like a pouncing tiger, equipped with lyrical metaphors that seemed at home on the meow-fused trap beat. Killer Mike starts his ascension on this track slowly but matches his fellow group member in attitude.
“Meowpurrdy” is a stand-out track thanks to it’s quirky use of computerized meows and a guest appearance from artists Lil Bub, Maceo, Delonte and Snoop Dogg. The track begins with Snoop Dogg expressing his excitement with the duo’s idea of a cat-themed album and later singing cat food brand, Meow Mix’s, famous theme song. El-P and Killer Mike continue their lyrical assault of any contenders over a lion’s roar and a screeching cat. The instrumental differs from Run the Jewels’ usual bass ridden beats but delivers the same intensity.
Rapper and producer, Prince Paul lends a helping hand on “Lie, Cheat, Meow” which seems better suited for a Kendrick Lamar album than this hard hitting assortment of songs. A remix to the pair’s “Lie, Cheat, Steal” a singing cat croons on the instrumental and creates a surprisingly euphoric sensation.
A brilliant mix of cat sounds, production and hard-core lyrics, “Meow the Jewels” is well worth the thousands of dollars fans paid through Kickstarter for the execution of the album. A compilation of hard hitting songs, this album is better suited for a party than a “small get-together.”
This album could be your cat nap or could thrust you into a catfight depending on your mood.