Run-D.M.C.

Musical Style

Run-D.M.C. pioneered a new school of hip-hop that was hard, raw, and unabashedly urban. They were the first to infuse hard rock guitar riffs and beats into their rap, which led to a unique sound that was a fusion of rock and hip-hop. This style is best exemplified in their ground-breaking and chart-topping hits like "It's Tricky," "My Adidas," and their cover of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way." Their lyrical content, often filled with social commentary, moved away from the party-themed narratives of old school hip-hop, reflecting the gritty reality of urban life.

Career Highlights

The trio, consisting of Joseph "Run" Simmons, Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels, and Jason "Jam-Master Jay" Mizell, emerged from the streets of Hollis, Queens in New York City and took the music world by storm in the mid-1980s. Their eponymous debut album made them the first rap act to receive a gold album, and their follow-up, "King of Rock," was the first to achieve platinum status. However, it was their third album, "Raising Hell," that truly cemented their place in music history. The album featured the aforementioned "Walk This Way" collaboration with Aerosmith, which became the first hip-hop song to hit the top 5 on Billboard Hot 100. Their successful career was recognized by their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009, the second hip-hop group ever to receive this honor.

Cultural Impact

Run-D.M.C. had an enormous impact on both music and popular culture. They were instrumental in breaking hip-hop into mainstream music and were among the first to demonstrate that rap music had the commercial viability to reach a wide audience. They changed the fashion game in hip-hop, famously rocking Adidas sneakers, fedora hats, and gold chains. Their endorsement deal with Adidas was the first of its kind for a musical group, paving the way for future collaborations between musicians and fashion brands. Beyond music and fashion, they also used their platform to address social issues, with songs like "Hard Times" and "It's Like That" providing commentary on the struggles faced by urban communities. The legacy of Run-D.M.C. lives on, their innovative style and cultural influence continue to resonate in the music industry and beyond.