Run-D.M.C., one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time, was formed in Hollis, Queens, New York, in 1981. Comprised of Joseph "Run" Simmons, Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels, and Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell, the trio revolutionized rap music and left a lasting legacy in both the music and fashion industries. They are widely credited with bringing hip-hop into mainstream culture.
Run-D.M.C. Career Highlights
- 1983: Released their debut single "It's Like That/Sucker M.C.'s," which became an instant hit and is often cited as one of the greatest rap songs of all time.
- 1984: Dropped their self-titled debut album, which featured the hit singles "Hard Times" and "Rock Box." The album was a critical and commercial success, establishing Run-D.M.C. as major players in the hip-hop scene.
- 1985: Released their second album, "King of Rock," which further cemented their reputation as hip-hop pioneers. The title track's music video was one of the first rap videos to be played on MTV.
- 1986: "Raising Hell" was released, becoming the first rap album to go platinum and later multi-platinum. The album included iconic tracks such as "Walk This Way" (a collaboration with Aerosmith) and "My Adidas."
- 1987: Collaborated with Aerosmith on a re-recording of "Walk This Way," bridging the gap between rock and rap and bringing both genres to new audiences.
- 1988: Released the album "Tougher Than Leather," which was accompanied by a feature film of the same name. The album included hits like "Run's House" and "Mary, Mary."
- 1993: Released "Down with the King," which showed their versatility and ability to stay relevant in the evolving hip-hop scene.
- 2002: Tragically, Jam Master Jay was murdered in his recording studio, marking the end of Run-D.M.C. as a performing group.
Run-D.M.C. Grammy Awards
Run-D.M.C. was a trailblazer in the music industry and earned several Grammy nominations throughout their career. In 2009, they were honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing their significant contributions to the music industry and their influence on the hip-hop genre.
3 Most Famous Run-D.M.C. Songs
1. "Walk This Way": This groundbreaking collaboration with Aerosmith brought rap and rock together in a way that had never been done before. The song's success helped pave the way for future genre-crossing collaborations.
2. "It's Tricky": With its catchy beat and memorable lyrics, "It's Tricky" remains one of Run-D.M.C.'s most recognizable and enduring songs.
3. "My Adidas": This track not only celebrated their love for Adidas sneakers but also sparked a landmark endorsement deal with the brand, a first for any musical act.
Run-D.M.C. Scandal/Gossip/Trivia
Adidas Endorsement: Their song "My Adidas" led to a historic endorsement deal with the brand, making Run-D.M.C. the first hip-hop group to sign such a deal with a major corporation.
Feuds: Run-D.M.C. had a notable rivalry with another legendary hip-hop group, the Beastie Boys, during the 1980s. The feud was mostly competitive and highlighted the vibrant hip-hop scene of the era.
Fashion Icons: Run-D.M.C. popularized the street style of Adidas sneakers, leather jackets, and fedoras, which became a signature look for hip-hop culture.
~Run-D.M.C. Band Members
- Joseph "Run" Simmons: Known for his dynamic presence and sharp lyrics, Run was one of the group's primary voices.
- Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels: D.M.C.'s deep, powerful voice and insightful lyrics complemented Run's style perfectly.
- Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell: As the DJ, Jam Master Jay provided the group's beats and scratches, playing a crucial role in their sound and performances. His tragic death in 2002 marked a somber end to the group's active years.
Run-D.M.C. not only shaped the sound of hip-hop but also influenced the culture, style, and business aspects of the genre. Their legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans around the world.
Run-DMC ratings
