Run-D.M.C.

by Run-D.M.C.

Overview

Years after the release of Run-D.M.C.'s eponymous 1984 debut, the group generally was acknowledged to be hip-hop's Beatles -- a sentiment that makes a lot of sense, even if Run-D.M.C. isn't quite the equivalent of a rap Please Please Me. Run-D.M.C. were the Beatles of rap because they signaled a cultural and musical change for the music, ushering it into its accepted form; neither group originated the music, but they gave it the shape known today. But, no matter how true and useful the comparison is, it is also a little misleading, because it implies that Run-D.M.C. also were a melodic, accessible group, bringing in elements from all different strands of popular music. No, Run-D.M.C.'s expanded their music by making it tough and spare, primarily by adapting the sound and attitude of hard rock to hip-hop. Prior to this, rap felt like a block party -- the beats were funky and elastic, all about the groove. Run-D.M.C. hit hard. The production is tough and minimal, built on relentless drum machines and Jam Master Jay's furious scratching, mixing in a guitar riff or a keyboard hit on occasion. It is brutal urban music, and Run and D.M.C.'s forceful, muscular rhymes match the music. Where other MCs sounded cheerful, Run and D.M.C. prowl and taunt the listener, sounding as if they were a street gang. And while much of the record is devoted to braggadocio, boasting, and block parties, Run-D.M.C. also addressed grittier realities of urban life, giving this record both context and thematic weight. All of this -- the music, the attitude, the words, the themes -- marked a turning point for rap, and it's impossible to calculate Run-D.M.C.'s influence on all that came afterward. Years later, some of the production may sound a bit of its time, but the music itself does not because music this powerful and original always retains its impact and force as music. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	02/16/2024
Label:	Sony Music
UPC:	0196588464614

Tracks

1. Hard Times
2. Rock Box
3. Jam-Master Jay
4. Hollis Crew (Krush-Groove 2)
5. Sucker M.C.'s (Krush-Groove 1)
6. It's Like That
7. Wake Up
8. 30 Days
9. Jay's Game

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Run-D.M.C.   Primary Artist
Larry Smith   Guitar (Bass),Keyboards,Bass,Keyboards
Jason Mizell   Scratching
Davy DMX   Guitar
Darryl McDaniels   Vocals
Joseph Simmons   Vocals
Eddie Martinez   Guitar,Guest Artist
Steve Loeb   Keyboards

Technical Credits

Larry Smith   Producer,Drum Programming,Producer,Drum Programming,Composer,Composer,Composer
Elai Tubo   Mixing
Russell Simmons   Composer,Producer
Jason Mizell   Composer,Group Member
Davy DMX   Drum Programming
Rod Hui   Assistant Producer,Creative Consultant
Darryl McDaniels   Composer,Group Member
Joseph M. Palmaccio   Mastering
Joseph Simmons   Composer,Group Member
Orange Krush   Composer,Performer
Daryl Simmons   Composer
Glen E. Friedman   Photography
Darren Salmieri   Reissue Producer
Bill Adler   Liner Notes
J.B. Moore   Composer
Cey Adams   Hand Lettering
Howard Fritzson   Art Direction
Randy Murray   Engineer,Recording
Gene Bagnato   Photography
DJ Starchild   Mixing
Noah Uman   Reissue Producer
J. Ward   Composer
R. Simmons   Composer
Mister T   Design
William Waring   Composer
Josh Cheuse   Art Direction
Mandana Eidgah   Project Director
Talib Haqq   Photography
Mark Unterberger   Packaging Manager
D. Simmons   Composer
Liz Reilly   Photo Research
Kurtis Blow   Mixing
Roddey Hui   Producer,Assistant Producer
Steven Berkowitz   A&R