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Run-DMC

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Run-DMC was a hip-hop group from Hollis, a neighbourhood in Queens, New York. The three members grew up there together: Joseph Simmons (Run), Darryl McDaniels (DMC) and Jason Mizell, the DJ who called himself Jam Master Jay. Run was the younger brother of Russell Simmons, who was then the manager of the rapper Kurtis Blow. In 1983 Russell helped them get a record deal. The first single, It's Like That/Sucker MCs, was an instant success.

Music and breakthrough

Run-DMC sounded different from the hip-hop that came before. Instead of disco and funk grooves there were hard, bare drum machine beats, scratches by Jam Master Jay and two rappers who shouted the lines at each other. The debut Run-D.M.C. (1984) included Rock Box, with a rock guitar beneath the raps. Its video was the first hip-hop video on MTV. King of Rock (1985) and Raising Hell (1986) followed. The latter album included Walk This Way, a new version of the Aerosmith song, with Steven Tyler and Joe Perry joining in and Rick Rubin as producer. It became one of the best-known songs in both hip-hop and rock.

Influence

In their clothing, too, they broke with the old style. No more glitter and leather, but Kangol hats, leather jackets and Adidas shoes without laces, as on the street. Run-DMC was the first hip-hop group with a gold and a platinum album, and performed at Live Aid. With the Beastie Boys, LL Cool J and Public Enemy they ushered in the new school of hip-hop. In 2009 they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Walk This Way by Run-DMC and Aerosmith. Notice how the two rappers shout the lines in turn, and how Joe Perry's guitar riff cuts through the bare drum beat.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

The chapters, maps and magazine stories of School of Rock are currently available in Dutch only.

See also

Categories: Artists