Run the Jewels follows a long line of rap twosomes. Here’s a quick guide to their rhymes and reasons:
OLD-SCHOOL DUOS
Iconic acts: DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince; EPMD; Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock; Kid ’n Play
Typical themes: Skills, style, parents, making money
ECLECTIC INNOVATORS
Iconic acts: OutKast; Blackalicious; Pete Rock and CL Smooth; the Neptunes
Typical themes: Hard knocks, baby momma’s momma, realness, Polaroid pictures
STREET TEAMS
Iconic acts: Mobb Deep; Capone-N-Noreaga; UGK; M.O.P.
Typical themes: Rock, paper, heat, weight, beefs, stash
PARTY PAIRS
Iconic acts: Kris Kross; Method Man and Redman; Das EFX; Rae Sremmurd
Typical themes: Rocking out, losing one’s mind, gettin’ up, sparking blunts
POLITICAL POETS
Iconic acts: Gang Starr; Eric B. & Rakim; Black Star; Run the Jewels
Typical themes: Knowledge/science,…
