Andrew Veeder on November 14th, 2014

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The dynamic duo of El-P and Killer Mike continued their world tour as Run the Jewels on Thursday night at the Echoplex, plowing through the bulk of their two albums, including the recent “Run the Jewels 2,” and keeping the basement venue bouncing the whole time.

• ||| Photos by Carl Pocket, courtesy of the Echo

After guest spots from Despot, DJ Z-Trip, and Gangsta Boo during the main set, the encore featured surprise appearances by Zack da la Rocha on “Close Your Eyes (And Count to F*ck),” and drummer Travis Barker on “All Due Respect,” which was performed for the first time live.

Over the past two years, Run the Jewels have become a powerhouse tag-team, flowing fluidly back and forth effortlessly with electric performances that continue to
amp up with each visit through town. The playful pair of rappers kept the banter lively between songs, with El quipping, “We must have blown up, I’m used to just a light bulb,” in reference to the multi-laser light show, and Mike telling the crowd, “Whatever voice I have left, I will lose if you turn the f*ck up.” The crowd obliged, often times with their RTJ fist-and-pistol hands in the air.

Inglewood rapper Thurz kicked off the night with a string of jams from his latest EP, “Designer.” Backed by a fantastic seven-piece band, he was joined by Overdoz’s Kent on “Favorite Girl,” and Jarell Perry on “21,” before relinquishing the stage to DJ Quik, who performed “Tonite” from his 1991 debut album “Quik Is My Name.”

Thurz’s talent was on display as rapped fast-paced, intricate and meaningful lyrics with a commanding presence that was barely contained within the stage space he had.

Mystery Skulls‘ Luis Dubuc kept the energy up next with a banging electro-dance set of cuts largely culled from his new album, “Forever,” including “Hellbent” and “Paralyzed.”