Run-D.M.C. is a hip hop group originally composed of Joseph “Run” Simmons, Darry “D.M.C” McDaniels, and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell, from Queens, New York. Run-D.M.C. started in 1981 and is still relevant today. I chose to write about Run-D.M.C. because their attitude and realism always caught and held my attention. Not only that, but Run-D.M.C. created a revolutionary sound and influence which ultimately made them a worthy topic. They are important because they changed the sound of rap music, became many of rap’s “first”, and influenced popular culture. As known by many, Run-D.M.C altered the traditional sound of rap music. One of their most famous ways of doing this was by rapping over rock and roll beats. Jam Master Jay, Run-D.M.C.’s DJ was known to spin rock albums for the group to rap over. This integration of sounds grabbed the hearts of many and expanded their fan base. Simply incorporating the rock sound broke down many barriers for this group and many other hip hop artists. One of America’s favorites was “Walk This Way” which was their first hit rap/rock collaboration. “Walk This Way” was the first video that Run-D.M.C made and Rock Box was …show more content…
They did this with their unique and ground breaking style, and personalities. They also changed the sound of rap music. They were able to successfully integrate soft rock, heavy metal and rap music together to create a head-bopping blend of raw music. Run-D.M.C. will always be credited as paving the way for modern day rap music because they were many of rap’s “firsts”. Together the iconic style of Joseph “Run” Simmons, Darry “D.M.C” McDaniels, and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell, influenced popular culture. They went from inspiring other rap artists to inspiring the style of audiences everywhere. Run-D.M.C. will always be honored for being pioneers of the hip hop industry as well as phenomenal and innovative musical