Joseph “Run” Simmons, Daryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels, and Jason “Jam-Master Jay” Mizell are the three members of the undeniably influential Hip Hop group, Run D.M.C. The three pioneered a new look and sound for Hip Hop in the 1980s. While other acts displayed a flashier, disco aesthetic, Run D.M.C. paraded around in gold-link chains and black tracksuits. They were intent on differentiating themselves from the pack of artists that were popular at the time.
Though most of Run D.M.C.’s tracks did incorporate minimalistic, electronic drumbeats they were more known for their fusion of raw Hip Hop and Hard Rock. Hits like “Rock Box”, “King of Rock”, and “Walk This Way” are notable tracks that defined their signature sound. With the legendary Rick Rubin as their producer, Run D.M.C. released Raising Hell, which is credited with starting the golden age of Hip Hop. Not only did they become one of the most successful groups, but it also catapulted the Hip Hop genre to the mainstream. The overwhelming success of Raising Hell paved the way for so many other artists, such as LL Cool J and The Beastie Boys, to use the genre to become household names.
Run D.M.C.’s electronic innovations were not saturated with synthesizers like Kraftwerk, or danceable like Afrika Bambaataa, but provided a voice for those who had none in popular music. They were gritty and tough, reflecting the streets they were from. Their tough aesthetic allowed acts like N.W.A., Wu-Tang Clan, and 50 Cent to be accepted by the mainstream.
Run D.M.C are the pioneers of the Hip Hop revolution. They took the genre from a fad to a global culture. When listening to their music I realize that they were aggressive without being complex. They developed a sound that not only captured Hip Hop audiences but Hard Rock audiences as well. Without the success of Run D.M.C., I probably would not be at Full Sail. Their daring image and cultural influence are just two reasons why they are one of the greatest groups of all time.
Jeffery, Good job on this post about Run D.M.C, I really enjoyed reading it. I particularly liked that you pointed out that they were aiming to differentiate themselves from what was the main crowd at the time and then explained how they succeeded in doing so because that’s really what made then such effective artists. I’m not as big of a fan of Hip Hop as you are or as educated in that genre either, but even to me its clear that without Run D.M.C the whole Hip Hop genre wouldn’t be what it is today and I think that its really cool that you chose to write about them.
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