Emerging from a mutual admiration between two established forces in underground hip-hop, Run the Jewels solidified itself as one of the most critically acclaimed and fiercely independent rap duos of the 2010s and beyond. The supergroup, formed in 2013, consists of Brooklyn rapper and producer El-P and Atlanta rapper Killer Mike. Their potent chemistry, blending El-P's dense, futuristic production with Killer Mike's booming, politically charged delivery, redefined collaborative energy in hip-hop and garnered a fervent worldwide following known as the "Jewel Runners."

The genesis of Run the Jewels was rooted in collaboration. El-P produced the majority of Killer Mike's 2012 album "R.A.P. Music," a critical success that showcased their artistic synergy. In turn, Killer Mike appeared on El-P's album "Cancer 4 Cure" the same year. Recognizing their potent creative partnership, they decided to formalize it as a duo. They debuted in 2013 by releasing their self-titled album "Run the Jewels" as a free digital download, a move that established their fan-first ethos. The album's raw, aggressive sound and lyrical dexterity was met with immediate praise, setting a high bar.

Their momentum skyrocketed with the 2014 release of the sophomore album "Run the Jewels 2." The project was a landmark, landing on numerous year-end lists and being certified gold. It amplified their signature style with harder beats and more incisive social commentary, featuring notable collaborations with artists like Zack de la Rocha of Rage Against the Machine. This success cemented their status as a major cultural force. They continued their streak of free album releases with "Run the Jewels 3" in 2016, which debuted at the top of the Billboard Rap Albums chart, and "RTJ4" in 2020, an album whose themes of systemic oppression resonated powerfully amid global protests.

Beyond their core discography, Run the Jewels expanded their influence through notable collaborations in other media. Their music has been featured in major film trailers and video games, and they contributed the song "Legend Has It" to the opening sequence of the acclaimed series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. They have also performed their hit "Close Your Eyes (And Count to Fuck)" with Zack de la Rocha on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. As individuals, both El-P and Killer Mike remain active; Killer Mike also pursues solo work, activism, and appears on Real Time with Bill Maher, while El-P continues his production work. The duo continues to tour extensively, delivering their high-energy performances to massive crowds, and maintains a direct, engaged relationship with their fans, upholding the independent spirit upon which Run the Jewels was built.