Run-D.M.C. was one of the most influential and controversial groups in the history of rap music . The trio consisted of Joseph “Run” Simmons, Darryl McDaniels, and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell. The group took its name from Simmons’s nickname (Run) and the initials of McDaniels’s name (D.M.C.). Simmons, born on Nov. 14, 1964, was the lead rapper. McDaniels, born on May 31, 1964, also rapped. Disc jockey Mizell, born on Jan. 21, 1965, operated a phonograph turntable, providing sound backup for the group’s performances. Mizell was murdered at a recording studio on Oct. 30, 2002, by drug traffickers.
Run-D.M.C. created the sound and style that shaped rap music through the 1990’s. The group became both popular and notorious for their performances. Some people criticized the group for violence associated with some of their concerts. However, the violence largely came from warring gangs in the audience. Run-D.M.C.’s music condemned violence and preached peace and unity. The group claimed they were good role models for young people, and they encouraged them to stay in school and avoid drugs and gangs. Run-D.M.C. typically dressed in hats, black leather suits, heavy gold jewelry, and untied white sneakers. Their street attitude and distinctive clothing were widely copied by their fans.
All three members of Run-D.M.C. were born and grew up in New York City. They originally formed a group called Orange Crush before becoming Run-D.M.C. in 1982. Their singles “It’s Like That” and “Sucker MC’s” (both 1983) rank among the most influential in rap. “Sucker MC’s” is a landmark, with its basic sound of a drum machine and scratching produced on a turntable. Their first album, Run-D.M.C. (1984), was the first rap album of originally conceived numbers. Earlier rap performers had released albums, but they consisted primarily of previously released singles.
Run-D.M.C. solidified their position as leaders in rap music during the mid-1980’s with live concerts and an appearance in the rap motion picture Krush Groove (1985). Their second album, King of Rock (1985), won widespread popularity. The next album, Raising Hell (1986), included guest appearances by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry from the rock band Aerosmith . They re-recorded the 1976 Aerosmith hit “Walk This Way,” which became a hit single from the album.
Raising Hell was the first rap album to reach number one on the rhythm and blues charts. The popularity of the group declined during the 1990’s, though they did release the albums Tougher Than Leather (1988), Back from Hell (1990), Down with the King (1993), and Crown Royal (2001), as well as a compilation of their greatest hits called Together Forever (1991). After Mizell’s death, Run-D.M.C retired from performing as a group. Run-D.M.C. was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.
See also Hip-hop ; Rock music (Rap)
