The History of Run DMC

Run DMC is an early hip-hop group, considered one of the founding influences on the genre. The 3 young men from Queens, New York, popularized the hip-hop ethos of ego and excess with their boastful first single, "It's Like That."

Early Life

Joseph Simmons (known as "DJ Run"), Daryl "D.M.C" McDaniels and Jason Mizell, or, "Jam-Master Jay" grew up together in Hollis, Queens, in New York City. Joseph Simmons' older brother Russell was already proving himself as a hip-hop mogul and inducted Joseph into the scene. Simmons and McDaniels started rapping together and everything fell into place when they recruited an old basketball teammate, a budding star on the turntables, Jason Mizell.

Rise to Fame

Run DMC's first single was "It's Like That," released in 1983. This track was revolutionized the hip-hop genre. The group released its self-titled debut album in 1984. Other popular hits from this album included the single "Rock Box" which featured rock and roll-style guitar riffs and the straightforward lyrics of "Hard Times."

Mainstream Popularity

In 1985, the group released "King of Rock," an album that guaranteed them mainstream success. The 1986 "Raising Hell" is one of the best-selling rap albums of all time, featuring the iconic collaboration with rock and roll's Aerosmith, "Walk This Way." This single reached #4 on the Billboard pop chart. Other popular songs on the album were "My Adidas," and "You Be Illin." The release of "My Adidas" resulted in the first corporate sponsorship with a hip-hop artist, now a tradition of the genre.

Later Years

In 1991, Run DMC released "Back from Hell." Sales of this album were modest and critics accused the group of trying to keep up with the more aggressive, darker style of groups like NWA and Public Enemy. In the 1990s, the members of Run DMC faced many personal difficulties amidst flagging popularity. In 2002, Jam-Master Jay was shot and killed in a Queens recording studio.
Run DMC remains a major influence on hip-hop culture and its most-popular artists.

Contributions to Fashion

The members of Run DMC were well-known for their style of dress. They often wore tracksuits, bowler hats, laceless Adidas, sunglasses and large, gaudy chains.

Resources

• Official Run DMC Website