Music
El-P Reveals Run The Jewels Reached Out To Alex Trebek To Appear On ‘RTJ4’
Getty Image The rapper said the rap duo wanted the late TV host to appear on their recently released album. …
The entertainment world was hit with shocking news on Sunday when it was announced that longtime Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek died at the age of 80 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. As expected, Trebek’s biggest supporters took to social media to share their favorite memories. Among them was Run The Jewels’ El-P, who jumped on Twitter to share an idea involving Trebek that he and Killer Mike had hoped to make a reality on the rap duo’s recently released album Run The Jewels 4.
true story: when we were originally crafting “a few words for the firing squad” off RTJ4 we were going to make it a sequel to “jeopardy” from RTJ2 and call it “final jeopardy”. we reached out to alex trebeks people and tried to get him on the jam but couldn’t make it happen.
— el-p (@therealelp) November 8, 2020
we thought of that because run the jewels was an answer on jeopardy which we sampled and had in between verses but it didn’t quite work so we tried to get Alex to re-do it a little differently. when we couldn’t get him we scrapped the idea and created “a few words…” instead. https://t.co/NMjjkPBWAP
— el-p (@therealelp) November 8, 2020
“True story: when we were originally crafting ‘a few words for the firing squad’ off RTJ4 we were going to make it a sequel to ‘jeopardy’ from RTJ2 and call it ‘final jeopardy,’” El-P wrote. “We reached out to alex trebeks people and tried to get him on the jam but couldn’t make it happen.” The rapper explained why the duo felt that the Jeopardy! host’s involvement would be a great fit on the album. “We thought of that because run the jewels was an answer on jeopardy which we sampled and had in between verses but it didn’t quite work so we tried to get Alex to re-do it a little differently,” El-P said. “When we couldn’t get him we scrapped the idea and created ‘a few words…’ instead.”
to me Alex represented a calm joy of knowledge and it’s pursuit. he had a gentlemanly demeanor and seemingly kind soul and used intelligence playfully and encouragingly. sad to see him go and hope he rests peacefully.
— el-p (@therealelp) November 8, 2020
Run The Jewels’ “A Few Words For The Firing Squad (Radiation)” is a strong outro from Run The Jewels 4, and it was also crowned Uproxx’s mid-year song of 2020 so far back in June. El-P also shared what Trebek meant to him personally, saying he “represented a calm joy of knowledge and it’s pursuit.” He added, “He had a gentlemanly demeanor and seemingly kind soul and used intelligence playfully and encouragingly. sad to see him go and hope he rests peacefully.”
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Couldn’t Be Happiers unleashes a harmonious ode to modern existence with its EP “Couple(t)s Side A”
Get ready to be enchanted as North Carolina’s folk-rock duo Couldn’t Be Happiers invites listeners into their universally resonant anthems by releasing their eagerly awaited EP masterpiece, “Couple(t)s Side A.” This ambitious and heartfelt six-track collection brimm with introspection, poetic storytelling, and bold sonic exploration. The timeless melodies EP showcases the duo’s signature blend of heart-on-sleeve authenticity and genre-defying artistry.
More than a clever title, “Couple(t)s Side A” celebrates Jodi Hildebran Lee (playing drums, vocals, harmonica) and Jordan Crosby Lee (guitar, vocals) both as a married couple and as fervent admirers of poetic couplets. Produced in collaboration with Doug Davis of Flytrap Music Production, the EP is a testament to the duo’s harmonious synergy that defines their partnership in music and life. Organized thematically into categories of romantic compositions, protest anthems, and folk narrative ballads, the EP interweaves a complex tapestry of emotion, resulting in a work that is both diverse and cohesive.
The EP evocatively begins with “Come Back Tomorrow,” a euphoric folk-rock brilliance brimming with optimism and hope. With assertive harmonies and striking lead vocals, the track embodies a poignant reflection on the resilience of love and community amidst the uncertainties of modern life. The title track, “When I Die,” follows with a soulful warmth that lays bare life’s imperfections through melancholic yet therapeutic tones.
Each subsequent track deepens the EP’s emotional and thematic complexity. “Plastic Bag Odyssey (I’ll Never Die)” delivers a skillfully crafted critique against societal ills, while “Tear It Down” electrifies with timeless folk-infused grooves and emotive instrumentation. The haunting “Devil’s Tramping Ground” pairs dynamic beats with a dreamlike atmosphere, exploring the euphoria of discovery. Closing the EP, “Pretty Polly” leaves an indelible mark with its hauntingly introspective folk narrative, with trembling vibrato and seamless narrative flow.
With robust instrumentation including sousaphone, melodica, accordion, and musical saw, “Couple(t)s Side A” captures the essence of the duo’s dynamic live performances while pushing the boundaries of their artistry. It’s a sonic odyssey that invites listeners into the intimate, heartfelt world of Couldn’t Be Happiers, blending classic folk vibes with modern, introspective charm.
This EP marks a significant milestone in the duo’s growing discography, highlighting their unique approach to songwriting and storytelling. As Couldn’t Be Happiers continues to evolve and innovate, “Couple(t)s Side A” firmly solidifies its place as an exciting rising voice in the folk-rock scene.
For more information about Couldn’t Be Happiers, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Couldn’t Be Happiers’ EP “Couple(t)s Side A“ on Spotify.
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Artist Spotlight
“Blue Christmas” by Lisa Humber delivers a heartfelt holiday melancholic glow
Weaving an ethereal soundscape that cuts straight to the soul, Lisa Humber’s rendition of “Blue Christmas” feels like unwrapping an intimate letter to the heartbroken, transforming the familiar holiday classic into a profoundly personal exploration of seasonal melancholy. Gone are Elvis Presley’s iconic version’s upbeat, almost playful undertones; Lisa offers a stripped-back performance characterized by a haunting resonance.
Working closely with producer and guitarist Justin Abedin, Humber breathes life into the song’s quiet void that lingers in the spaces where laughter should reside. Her tender and vulnerable voice evokes a rare sense of unfiltered longing. It’s as though she’s singing directly to the part of us that carries the burden of lonely and disappointed festive promises during a time usually filled with happiness and celebration, creating a stark contrast to the glittering cheer of the season.
The minimalistic instrumentation creates an intimate auditory experience. Abedin’s guitar strings hum softly, almost like a fragile heartbeat, leaving room for Lisa’s vocal tenderness to shine. Each note she sings feels deliberate, and every lyric is imbued with the ache of memories and the quiet hope of what could have been.
Humber’s evolution as a songwriter began with her debut original composition, ‘Boxing Day.’ With this new single, she demonstrates her adeptness in capturing the nuances of human emotions. “Blue Christmas” isn’t just a cover; it functions as a reimagined dialogue with the audience, providing shared solace to anyone whose holiday experiences might not meet the cheerful festive narrative.
This interpretation of “Blue Christmas” encapsulates a dual sense of introspective warmth and illumination while simultaneously embodying bittersweet emotions. Its impact is particularly pronounced when complemented by visuals of twinkling lights juxtaposed against through a lens of melancholy. Ultimately, it represents a stunning addition to Humber’s growing catalog of musical works.
For more information about Lisa Humber, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Lisa Humber’s “Blue Christmas“ on Spotify.
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