Killer Mike and El-P returned to Toronto last night on an unseasonably warm winter day bringing their own heat to a sold out Danforth Music Hall.
Easily the rap duo could have been booked into a much bigger room. They are playing to much larger crowds in smaller towns so this was probably 1500 people’s lucky night to catch Run the Jewels in an intimate setting. Me thinks they will announce a festival headlining slot soon hence this show not getting moved when it sold out in minutes.
The pair dropped RTJ3 digitally on Christmas adding another solid platter to their canon. RTJ3 is a little laid back in energy compared to the first two items, but is every bit as memorable.
The rapturous crowd was chanting “RTJ” minutes before the lights went down and the place absolutely erupted once they tore into set opener “Talk To Me”. They would follow it up with two more new songs “Legend Has It” and the infectious “Call Ticketron”, and the new material held up nicely with the selections from the previous albums and the crowd roared their approval.
RTJ3 was the focus of the 75 minute set but both albums got a few cuts in each in addition to “Nobody Speak” the DJ Shadow tune from his latest album that features the duo.
The sound could have been louder, but it was clear. I wasn’t expecting much of a light show but they pummeled the room with lights. And what can I say about the duo themselves that hasn’t already been said? Their energy and chemistry make their shows the joyous party that they are. The boys clearly are still having fun and loving what they do and all of that came across to the audience who hopped right on board.
Killer Mike was noticeably quiet for banter and anyone expecting political speak would leave sorely disappointed. Instead banter focused on thanking the crowd for being there from the beginning and more humble speak that was surprisingly heartwarming. El-P lost the jean jacket three songs in and at times, especially their stormer “Close Your Eyes (and Count to Fuck)” for the encore, it really did feel like the place would combust.
