Run The Jewels Explain Why They Signed a Label Deal After Being Independent

Run The Jewels' new album Run The Jewels 4 will be released digitally on June 5. They revealed the cover art and tracklist earlier this month.

The duo of Killer Mike and El-P stayed independent for their first three LPs, but signed a one-off licensing deal with BMG for the fourth. 

BMG will try to grow the group's brand.

"The truth of the matter is, [Run the Jewels] outgrew our capability to handle it correctly," El-P told Billboard. "You just have to acknowledge what it is. This is way bigger than we ever expected it to be, and I think we’re still amazed by how big it got."

"I'm into having partners that understand what I see when I see Run the Jewels," Killer Mike followed. "I see a global force. I’m glad that they share that vision with us."