Run-D.M.C.

Run-D.M.C. is an American hip hop group from Hollis, Queens, New York, active from 1982 to 2002. The group centres on Joseph “Run” Simmons, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell, with Jam Master Jay credited as founder. Their sound sits in east coast hip hop, hardcore hip hop, old school hip hop, hip hop, new jack swing and rap rock.

Formation and early success

The group signs to Profile Records in 1983 and is also signed that year to Rush Productions, the management company set up by Russell “Rush” Simmons. Run-D.M.C. grows up in Hollis and becomes one of the key acts in bringing hip hop into the mainstream during the 1980s. On early tours, the group develops a distinctive image built around baggy black clothing, Adidas trainers without laces, and fedora hats.

Key records and songs

Run-D.M.C. reaches a major commercial peak with Raising Hell in 1986, which becomes the highest-selling rap album of its time, reaches number 3 on the Billboard album chart and sells over 3 million copies. The album includes a version of Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way”, recorded with Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, which becomes the first hip hop track to reach the Billboard singles Top 10. The group’s earlier singles “It’s Like That” and “Sucker MC’s” are described as the first hip hop tracks to use electronic beats alone, while “Peter Piper” is noted as the first rap record to feature a DJ cutting up a sample from another record.

Breakthroughs and recognition

Run-D.M.C. is credited with a series of firsts in rap music: the first rap act with a platinum album and a multi-platinum album, the first rappers on the cover of Rolling Stone, the first to receive a Grammy nomination, and the first to appear on Saturday Night Live and American Bandstand. The group also performs at Live Aid in 1985.

Later work

After a period of weaker commercial performance following Raising Hell, the group returns with Down With the King in 1993. That album reaches the Billboard Top 10, and its title track, featuring Pete Rock, also charts strongly. Following the death of Jam Master Jay in October 2002, the group announces its retirement.