Ride The Jewels: A Run The Jewels Tribute Ride

In 2011, a Cartoon Network exec introduced two rappers who had no business knowing each other: El-P, a Brooklyn underground lifer with a decade of weird, dense production behind him, and Killer Mike, an Atlanta heavyweight who first showed up on an Outkast record. They clicked instantly. After collaborating on each other's solo albums and touring together, they made it official — borrowed a name from an old LL Cool J track and dropped their self-titled debut for free on June 26, 2013. Critics lost their minds. Four albums later, Run the Jewels is one of the most beloved rap acts of the last decade, with a fist-and-pistol logo recognized worldwide and a discography that hasn't cost a single fan a single dollar. To mark 13 years since RTJ1 hit the internet, we're rolling through Portland with the full catalog playing front-to-back, in order, no skips. All four albums plus Meow the Jewels — the cat-noise remix of RTJ2 that started as a Kickstarter dare and ended up an actual record. Roughly 3.5 hours of music. Plan accordingly. The BIKESxBEATS sound trailer will be in tow with all the bass you can handle. Come dressed in RTJ-coded fits — chains, shades, gold, whatever you've got. Cat ears recommended for the back half. We'll roll at a social pace over ~10-12 mostly flat miles with regroups so nobody gets dropped, plus a store stop midway for snacks and water. Bring lights — we'll be out past sundown. One thing to flag: if you flat or have a mechanical, we won't be able to hold the ride for repairs, so come with a plan to get yourself home if something goes sideways. Fists up. ✊ Event link: https://shift2bikes.org/calendar/event-23554

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