Run The Jewels set it off at Franklin Music Hall for Goose Island’s 215 Block Party

Run the Jewels | photo by Ben Wong for WXPN

When Killer Mike and El-P join forces under the Run The Jewels banner, they step into the role of hip-hop’s Marvel superheroes, as Wu-Tang did before them and many have done since. You could see that thrill-ride excitement, mixed with devotion and elation, throughout the crowd in the Franklin Music Hall parking lot on Saturday night where RTJ headlined the second Goose Island sponsored 215 Block Party. 

The gig also included an opening set by Chevy Metal, a superstar cover band fronted by Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins and bassist Wiley Hodgden. They do versions of 80s trash rock — Motley Crue, Van Halen, etc. — and were met with a mixed reception.

A trio of Philly rap stars fared much better: State Property affiliates Young Chris, Peedi Crakk, and Freeway, who rocked the stage decked out in a t-shirt emblazoned with the phrase “Will Work For Idiots,” a subtweet and a half right there.

Though RTJ didn’t unveil any of the new jams they’ve been cooking up for Run The Jewels 4, they did hit on the high points of their three albums to date, from “Close Your Eyes (And Count to Fuck)” to “Thursday in the Danger Zone.” They also busted out their DJ Shadow collab “Nobody Speak,” which is always a guaranteed party rocker.

Check out photos from the show in the gallery below.

 

[full gallery]