Album Review: Killer Mike x El P – R.A.P. Music

When I first came across the rumor that Killer Mike was recording an entire album with El P, I was excited. Killer Mike is versatile enough to flex over abstract instrumentation. El P has enough gonads to bring the electronic funk to a conscious trapper. Thus, this collaboration could have the potential of musical greatness. To be honest, R.A.P. Music is pretty great.

Killer Mike, as usual, brings what he brings best: political textuals from a hood documentarian. “Reagan” makes the connection between presidential stances and the truth behind their actions (dollar signs and affiliations abound). “Jo Jo’s Chillin” and “Don’t Die” demonstrate Mike’s impeccable ability to weave worthwhile stories that connect to any urban dweller. To be even more accurate, “R.A.P. Music” spits hard about the musical influences that helped make black music what it is today. People can say what they want about Killer Kill from Da ‘Ville. What they need to start realizing is that he rarely comes wack, if ever.

In reality, I have read reviews trying to actually knock the production on this album. Personally, I think they are tone deaf.

El P actually crafted his musical mastery for the type of artist Killer Mike is. He has managed to craft his electronic sound to match the revolutionary funk that Mike is known for. “Butane (Champion Anthem)” sounds like something that people would bump in old school Caprices with big rims and white walls. Then again, “Southern Fried” sounds like a countrified version of a track that one would hear Cannibal Ox on. Even the instrumentally focused “Willie Burke Sherwood” shows depth in what El P can craft. In short, anyone that feels that El P is the Achilles heel needs to find another physician.

The “book reader, crook leader” has succeeded once again. Killer Mike brings the usual hardcore lyrics made for the “everyman” struggle. However, the biggest surprise is El P’s dynamic production that never gets boring or redundant. El Producto uses his musicianship to manipulate moods and enchant ears. I don’t ever expect people to get this album. Then again, I don’t care anymore. You either love Killer Mike or you don’t deal with him. Since I don’t straddle fences, I ride with Michael Render regardless.

Music review submitted by contributing writer, Mark A. Harris.