WATCH: Run the Jewels Release Virtual Reality Video for “The Crown,” Announce VRTJ

Make it a Blockbuster night.
Art & Culture
WATCH: Run the Jewels Release Virtual Reality Video for “The Crown,” Announce VRTJ

Make it a Blockbuster night.

Words: Sadie Sartini Garner

March 10, 2016

El-P in the video for “The Crown” by Run the Jewels

Since Run the Jewels dropped their first album, we’ve been living in Killer Mike and El-P‘s world. And while it’s becoming more and more apparent that Jamie and Mikey are reshaping every space they occupy—you think rappers with songs called “Close Your Eyes (And Count to Fuck)” were semi-official spokesmen for presidential campaigns before RTJ?—you used to have to at least be in the same zip code as the dudes themselves to feel that force.

Not anymore, though. In another show of the duo’s sudden influence, Run the Jewels have partnered with the New York Times to release a virtual-reality video for RTJ2 single “The Crown.” The 360º video is running exclusively through the NYT VR app, a recently developed platform that allows the Old Gray Lady to immerse readers more deeply into what’s going on in the world. While they’re meant to be viewed with Google Cardboard viewer, NYT VR’s videos (including “The Crown”) can be viewed on a regular smartphone. You can check out a teaser video below.

Additionally, Run the Jewels have announced the creation of VRTJ, their own virtual reality platform. Over the next few months, they’ll be releasing exclusive VR content, including tours of the Art the Jewels art show. You can peep that content through a set of VR goggles designed by RTJ artist Nick Gazin. Check those out below, then head over to NYT VR’s page to download the app and immerse yourself in the video for “The Crown.”

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