Run The Jewels has earned their first Top 10 album with their recently released project, RTJ4. The record debuted at the No. 10 spot on the Billboard 200 this week, earning 38,000 equivalent album units. The acclaimed duo last entered into the Billboard 200 with 2017’s Run the Jewels 3, which hit No. 13, and 2014’s Run the Jewels 2, peaking at No. 50.
Even more impressive, Run The Jewels has also been able to raise over $150,000 for protesting efforts from the album — so far. After releasing RTJ4 early and offering a free download last week, Killer Mike and El-P encouraged their fans to donate to the National Lawyers Guild Mass Defense Fund through their website.
“The world is infested with bullsh*t so here’s something raw to listen to while you deal with it all,” the pair wrote in a statement at the time. “We hope it brings you some joy. Stay safe and hopeful out there and thank you for giving 2 friends the chance to be heard and do what they love.”
A joint effort between The Mass Defense Committee and The National Lawyers Guild, the fund provides legal help and bail assistance to protesters and “Know Your Rights” workshops. El-P announced on Twitter that fans had raised over $10,000 within 30 minutes of the album’s release and over $150,000 a day later.
Killer Mike previously gave an impassioned speech in his home city of Atlanta about ongoing protests and the police killing of George Floyd.
“I’m mad as hell. I woke up wanting to see the world burn yesterday, because I’m tired of seeing black men die,” he addressed the crowd.
“I am duty-bound to be here to simply say: That it is your duty not to burn your own house down for anger with an enemy,” he continued. “It is your duty to fortify your own house, so that you may be a house of refuge in times of organization. And now is the time to plot, plan, strategize, organize, and mobilize.”
Revisit RTJ4 below.