Last month on Record Store Day, one of the most celebrated rap duos of the millennium Run The Jewels decided to sell a tote bag. It may not have been as exciting as the augmented reality device they put up the year before, but this was no ordinary tote bag. Those who purchased it also received a link to download a copy of the demo version of the dynamic rap duo’s third album standout “Panther Like A Panther.” Now, today, the rest of the world finally gets to hear that version of the song.
This alternate rendition is noticeably rawer than the one that made Run The Jewels 3. The verses are basically the same. Every word spit by El-P and Killer Mike remains essentially untouched. It’s in the production end that things get weird. The song is far less bombastic, and maybe more mechanical sounding than it ended up becoming in its final form. Trina, who sings the hook is no where to be found. Mike takes over for her in that capacity. However you feel about it, it certainly gives an interesting look at how El-P builds out the bones of the music from behind the boards.
You can listen to the demo version of “Panther Like A Panther” above and the original “Miracle Mix” below.
