Run-DMC
East Coast hip-hop · 1983–1986
Picture a gritty street corner in Hollis, Queens, where the pulse of hip-hop began to echo through the concrete jungle. Run-DMC, comprised of Joseph Simmons, Darryl McDaniels, and the legendary Jam Master Jay, burst onto the scene in 1981, redefining music with their unique blend of East Coast hip-hop and rap rock. With classics like "Walk This Way" and "It's Tricky," they didn't just create catchy tunes; they forged a powerful bond between MCs and DJs that propelled the genre forward. Their impact was monumental, paving the way for a new wave of hip-hop that would influence countless artists and shape the sound of a generation. When you think of the golden age of hip-hop, you can’t help but hear the unmistakable beats of Run-DMC reverberating through time.
The facts
- Formed 1981
- United States
- East Coast hip-hop, rap rock, hardcore hip-hop
- On Arista Records, Profile Records, Bertelsmann Music Group
- Members: Joseph Simmons, Jam Master Jay 🕯️, Darryl McDaniels
The story behind “Walk This Way”
- The Aerosmith crossover that broke rap onto MTV.
