"Early" - Run The Jewels ft BOOTS on David Letterman October 31, 2014 [Video]

Run The Jewels played a gritty version of "Early" last night on The Late Show with David Letterman. Watch the official YouTube video above.

It's a bold decision for Run The Jewels to play a political song on their first TV performance after their new album dropped, and a decision that I applaud them for. It's a powerful song, and very much a representation of what's been happening this year in Ferguson, MO and other cities around the world. As Killer Mike dons a hoodie sweatshirt with palpable pride, you get a feel for just how deep the pain of Trayvon Martin's murder still is to so many people over two years after he met his untimely end. The song is about the unjust realities that happen every day, but there's also a message of hope and responsibility.

The Letterman performance is pretty true to the version on their new album, RTJ2, released last week. On the album version, BOOTS' vocal is more processed -- like the 1980s sound of INXS frontman Michael Hutchence. It's not a long song, but there's a cool sense of exploration toward the end of the tune. The band includes DJ Trackstar on the turntables, BOOTS on guitar and singing the hook, a bass / keyboard player, a keyboard player, and 3 backing singers.

Listen to RTJ2 right here on Zumic, and read our review of the album. You can also download for free at runthejewels.net, or support these fine artists by buying it on Amazon (Vinyl, CD, MP3) and iTunes.

Get the latest music, news, and tour dates for Run The Jewels at their Zumic artist page.