“Run The Bag Up” has been in circulation since April, while the project it includes, Up All Night 2, was released just over a week ago with the support of the full roster of HBK. Kool John manages to recruit a few outsiders into the fold in the music video “Run The Bag Up.” In the leadoff position, Kool John slots himself, because well, he foots the bill.
First, with his friends, he spawns in a hangar, but not for long, as the choreographer / videographer then chooses to deploy a dancer off to the side in a darkened room. Literally, Kool John traps himself in one too many vignettes before Donnie Darko’s eyes on the viewer’s strobe settings -signaling P-Lo to jump in and rap the hook. Next up is Nef The Pharaoh, with probably the most balanced of attacks on “Run The Bag Up.” Nef’s well-researched style never looks out of place at the heart of a record, leaving Larry June in the final seconds to close up shop. Easy peasy, like breakfast, or Brexit, the first thing to come. Enjoy Kool John’s new(ish), it’s a real bop.