Run-D.M.C. is the debut studio album by American hip hop group Run-D.M.C., released on March 27, 1984, by Profile Records. The album was produced by Russell Simmons and Larry Smith. It was considered groundbreaking for its time, presenting a tougher, more hardcore form of hip-hop. The album's sparse beats and aggressive rhymes were in sharp contrast with the light sound that was popular in hip hop at the time. Run-D.M.C. peaked at number 53 on the Billboard 200, and number 14 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart. The album became the first rap album which was certified as Gold by the RIAA (December 17, 1984). The album features five the Billboard singles: "It's Like That", "Hard Times", "Rock Box", "30 Days" and "Hollis Crew". The first single from this album, "It's Like That", released on August 10, 1983, opened a new page in the history of hip-hop with a tone of social protest (unemployment, inflation). "It's Like That" is judged by many to be the first hardcore rap song, and the first new school hip-hop recording. "Sucker M.C.'s" is one of the first diss tracks, and "Rock Box" is the first song in the rap rock genre.With Run-D.M.C., Run-D.M.C. came to be regarded by music critics as pioneering the movement of new school hip hop of the mid-1980s. In 1989, the album was ranked number 51 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Greatest Albums of the 1980s. In 2003, the album was ranked number 240 on Rolling Stone's list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, with the ranking changing to numbers 242 and 378 in the 2012 and 2020 updates of the list, respectively. The album was reissued by Arista Records in 1999 and 2003. An expanded and remastered edition was released in 2005 and contained 4 previously unreleased songs.
My name is Greg and I'm here to say / Run DMC's rhymes sound old and dated However important and influential it may be, this era in rap just sounds incredibly simplistic to my modern ears. "They walked so others could run", but they still walked. I'm glad I heard it once, but I'm not coming back to it.
Legendary. This is the album that started it all. When DMC broke big with this album, they threw the doors wide open for hip hop to step onto the main stage of American (and world) music. If, to the modern listener, it seems a bit hokey in delivery, it's worth remembering that this was a genre in its extreme nascency and it was still trying to figure out what it was supposed to sound like. So it borrowed from rock, techno, and R&B and then added that unique NYC hiphop flavor. The end result is a groundbreaking work stuffed full of powerful messaging, clever lyrics, and unapologetically fun beats.
Hip hop was a mistake. I can’t believe it got MORE popular after this boring album came out
Dang. This one kind of washed over me and I quickly grew tired of the you-say-one-word-then-I'll-say-the-next-word style that I 100% loved when I was a kid and sooo many rappers imitated. But it may also be that Raising Hell is simply a way better album than this; don't know, haven't listened to that in forever either. Regardless, respect to the legacy. Respect to the track suits.
Loving the rawness and simplicity of this album. Definitely had me dancing around the kitchen.
When I first started this generator over a year ago, one of the very albums I rolled was Raising Hell by Run-D.M.C. I had never gotten into hip hop before, so as a prep to that one, I listened to their debut, this one. Since that, I've dug very deep into the hip hop world, from Biggie to Wu-Tang to Jay-Z and Kanye. But the weird thing is: I hadn't revisited Run-D.M.C since that first foray despite giving Raising Hell 5 stars as the perfect introduction to hip hop. (Hilariously sad I said in that review, "This a must-listen for sure and I'll keep going back to this one." Oh well.) Not just a perfect intro to me, but for the whole world. But this one is arguably more influential, being the first hip hop album with a more serious tone, a consistent vibe that people can say "wow, this is a hip hop album" on the same level as rock albums at the time. It's a fun and energetic album, with two excited MC's who can't help but divert your attention, joking with each other and finishing each other's sentences. It's an incredibly accessible album, with fun beats and a diverse style. "Hard Times" starts off with an intriguing hook to show their personality and what you're in store for. The production is immediately highlighted here. "Rock Box" pulls in pop and rock audiences with a hard, melodic sound easy to love. Isn't even their best rap rock song. Next two songs "Jam-Master Jay" and "Hollis Crew" are minimalistic, with punchy beats, highlighting their personalities and witty lyrics, with other cool production effects not necessarily relying on common old-school techniques. Personally my least favorite tracks though. The next track is where the album really picks up for me. "Sucker M.C.'s" is known as the first diss track, and has my favorite lyrics. Production-wise very similar to previous tracks and can be considered boring, but I love their performances here. But by far, "It's Like That" is the best track on the album, really loud and in-your-face with a progressive, serious message. Love the sense of urgency and call to action, and those snare drum solos gives us necessary space. I'm a huge fan of the production effects of "Wake Up", although it gets a bit tiring going on for so long. "30 Days" is a personal favorite, with an awesome sci-fi hook, funny verses, and the inviting line "YOU CAN SEND ME BACK IN 30 DAYS." Again drags on a little too long, but you notice this one less. Finally our closer "Jay's Game" is classic old school record scratching, a fun way to end things off but definitely overstays its welcome. Shouldn't have gone much over 2 minutes. Overall, I find this has many of the strengths of Raising Hell, and perhaps even more influential in establishing hip hop, but it's significantly weaker, especially on the production sound being too repetitive. Has lots of filler that could be dramatically cut short. I'd probably cut sick of playing this album more than a few times again, but I definitely need to play more of the highlights individually, and of course remind myself to put Raising Hell back in rotation.
"I'm light-skinned, I live in Queens, and I love eatin' chicken and collard greens." Damn...
Kinda same-y but iconic and genre defining
Love how sparse this is, and their interplay. Although rapping and rhymes have obviously progressed since this time, their delivery is so on point and their message is clear that it doesnt matter that the rhymes are basic. Loved it.
I loved all of the sounds of this album. Drum machines and heavy guitar sounded great and really could see the beastie boy influences.
Anything that was featured in Vice City largely contributed to my unstoppable love with 80’s music, especially origins of the hip hop. “It’s like that” and “rock box” wow!!!
EPIC! I never realised the message in these tracks although I always really enjoyed them for the entertainment value with the retro beats and rap style. I have a new-found appreciation for It's Like That and Wake Up - what a TUNE.
Ok i
Probably the only rap/hip-hop album that I ever enjoyed. Some songs are fun and lighthearted (but still have well-written texts that you can follow), while some are more serious, providing comments on problems in the modern world. But even then, the lyrics aren't too sad or heavy. The beats are also good, and the occasional bits of rock melodies are a nice touch. And overall, the artists come across as fun, likable guys, a connection that isn't easy to establish through music.
A classic album, and you can still hear its influence in a lot of current music. Don’t know what else to say about this really - love it.
KILLER album. Insanely influential on hip-hop as a genre and it's just full of jams. I love the minimalist beats.
Absolutely fantastic.
Bangers!
A really fun album. It changed the entire hip hop game. The rhymes seem simplistic by today's standards but that doesn't take from the album. The album does not have some of Run DMC's mega hits but it is still a good album. I would listen to it again.
Good
This album is great. I remember it well from when it came out and got popular. I had not heard much rap/hip hop at that age (early/mid teen years) and I liked how different it was from most music with which I was familiar. Love how 'Rock Box' showed the world that rock and rap have a lot more in common than most had thought. Pretty clear the door it opened for so much that followed.
An album of a generation.
Owned this almost 40 years ago. Can't wait to listen on the way to work!
Absolutely class - both interesting as the start of the golden age, and immensely enjoyable on its own merits. It's like that and rock box and hard times and wake up are all pretty perfect, and so are all the other tracks!
very cool
Put that fancy new drum machine to work! Rock Box keeps it funky fresh with the Duncan Hines reference and guitars. Sucker M.Cs pretty great Wake Up is kinda sad because not one of the problems from 84 is solved. Jam Master Jay can jam! Every M.C. that follows owes it to Run DMC so gets a 5 by being the template for pretty much all the rap/hip hop that follows
Landmark album in every aspect that contains many classic tracks: Rock Box is almost just as good as Walk This Way; Hard Times might even be better than the Kurtis Blow original; and It's Like That is a big single (19997 remix is even better) while Sucker MCs is another legendary rap track and the other two singles (30 Days, Hollis Crew) are 5* too. The remaining three tracks, including Jam Master Jay, are also very good and well known.
Never really listened to old school hip hop but this was really good
Chef's kiss.
This album may be discarded as a historical artefact which belongs to its particular time and place, but I think it’s still one of the most vibrant hip-hop albums around. Which is ironic, because the beats are generally monotonous and the rhymes are not quite as biting as those who trod the trail Run DMC blazed. It’s almost primitive in its simplicity and that is emphasised when situated within a genre which has become elaborate and conventional to the point of parody. And this is the point, this album broke almost every convention in the book when it was released. “Rock Box” transcended the realm of hip-hop and encroached on the sacred ground of rock. Tracks like “It’s Like That” and “Wake Up” demonstrated that the genre could do more than just brag about cars and flashy watches (although the lads do spend a lot of the album reminding the listener who they are). In addition to its objective merits as a pivotal album in the history of hip-hop, I think it’s still a blast to listen to, and it has me doing the running man before too long. What a record.
These two guys, they’re street prophets for real. This album rips, it’s excellent all around. Hard Times is shockingly more relevant now than it possibly was back then, and it floored me with its prescience. And obviously It’s Like That is the anthemic hit that just won’t quit, I’ll never tire of it. This is a flawless debut, it is bursting at the seams with charisma, innovation, and originality and it’s FUN! Such a good album, love it.
Incredibly interesting to listen to. Run DMC was a buzzword when I was a kid. I knew they were “rappers” but heard the grownups around me talk about how rap was a fad. I didn’t have external permission to listen to them, and that became my disposition toward hip hop for years. I’ve “caught up” to some extent and grown to love the genre, but I have a long way to go. After this 1001 project, I may take a year and listen to only hip hop. This album was a lynchpin in taking hip hop from what it was, to what it became. The trunk of the tree. Springing up from the roots and supporting the countless branches growing up from it. A treat to listen through it.
In the documentary Shangri-La, about the life and times of Rick Rubin, there is a great quote: "We weren't great at using drum machines quite yet, but Rev Run and DMC had the one instrument more powerful than the drum machine: their VOICES!" - Russell Simmons. Now that quote isn't verbatim, but the meaning has stuck with me. This album absolutely rules. It's short, to the point, and maybe the first example of hardcore rap music. Sucker MCs, Rock Box and not one but TWO tracks dedicated to Jam Master Jay. "It's Like That", by far the best song and "a protest to social and political problems" and "the song takes a hopeful turn and encourages listeners to take action and believe in themselves." Love this one. 5 stars, easily.
YOooo
Very fun, simple, and great for bopping. I think this is a classic everyone needs to hear!
Awesome, of course it's a classic.
Hard times are coming to your town So stay alert, don't let them get you down They tell you times are tough, you hear that times are hard But when you work for that ace you know you pulled the right card Hard times got our pockets all in chains I'll tell you what, homeboy, it don't have my brain All day I have to work at my peak Because I need that dollar every day of the week Outstanding. 5/5
What a banger of a record. Every track. Every beat. Every rhyme. Retro and avante garde, it oozes cool at every turn, and while the 808s bang it squarely in the 80s, the many revivals now make it almost timeless. A perfect record.
Ебучая классика. Очень мощный, грязный, злой хип-хоп с которого началась новая музыка. Этот альбом хочет что ты под него качался и танцевал и ему плевать на твое мнение. Алкоальбом: выпить серию шотов с хреном и пойти разрывать танцпол
Я в каком-то невероятном восторге от альбома. В нем столько энергии и жизни. Понятно, что музыкально он староват, это начало хип-хопа, но он невероятно живой. Музыка тут на 4, но энергетика и вайб на 5
Amazing. Legendary. Super fun!
Run-D.M.C. were single handedly responsible for smashing down the walls that separated rock from hip-hop in the early 80's. I believe this harder sound (which is the earliest signs of future genres such as gangsta rap and hardcore rap) is why they were so prominently featured on MTV, allowing them to sell the most records of any hip-hop group up to that point. They were actually the first hip-hop group featured on MTV, and were also the first hip-hop group featured on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine. These guys took sounds that MC's like Grandmaster Flash were making, stripped them down, simplified them, and cut them with rock instead of the usual funk sensibilities. Also, one thing that I love about these early days of hip hop is the clean songwriting. As I stated in an earlier review if an album by Jungle Brothers, these guys didn't rap about hoes, getting their birds sucked, and killing people. They sang about real issues, like racism, poverty, and world peace. The song Sucker M.C.'s is considered to be the first "diss track" ever. Run-D.M.C.'s lyrical delivery of finishing each other's sentences would become a trend in hip hop as well, being utilized by future bands such as Beastie Boys. Overall, a historic record today, and an excellent one at that!! I will absolutely listen to this again!! Favorite songs: Rock Box, It's Like That, Jam-Master Jay, Sucker M.C.'s (Krush-Groove 1), Hollis Crew (Krush-Groove 2), 30 Days Least favorite songs: if forced to pick, Hard Times 5/5
One of the most influential rap albums ever, with great songs like the commentary of ‘It’s Like That’ and the awesome guitar of ‘Rock Box’. While the rapping isn’t the best (this came 3 years before Paid in Full came and revolutionized the game) this is overall a great album.
Run DMC é o responsável pelo hip hop fodase
We all know that Run-D.M.C. didn't originate hip-hop music. But they did completely reinvent it. In the early 80s, hip-hop was all about the party, and that definitely wasn't the theme on the duo's quintessential debut. Adapting the hard rock attitude and edge with hip-hop, changed the way hip-hop was perceived for all time. Their style was raw, rough and tough, and hit much harder than anything that came before it. In comparison, they are a lot like The Beatles of hip-hop. If rap and rock were on a level playing field, Run-D.M.C. was arguably just as influential as The Beatles. The thing that could possibly date this record, is the production. It's very minimal, built on drum machines and Jam Master Jay's relentless scratching. Every once and awhile they throw in a guitar riff, or a keyboard hit, but overall, it's pretty skeletal. But that almost seems to be part of the strategy. The record was supposed to sound raw and stripped down, and the production reflects that nicely, retaining it's full-fledged impact. This was the first of many Run-D.M.C. records that Russell Simmons produced. He also went on to produce records for other artists, such as LL Cool J and Slick Rick. The music, lyrics, themes, delivery, and attitude on their debut marked a turning point for rap music. It's shocking at how good the track listing is for this debut. My favorites are "Hard Times," "Rock Box," "Sucker M.C.'s (Krush-Groove 1)," "It's Like That," and "30 Days". Run-D.M.C. have influenced countless acts to follow. Such as The Beastie Boys, Boogie Down Productions, Ice-T, LL Cool J, Eric B. & Rakim and many, many more. Rappers built on Run-D.M.C.'s style, just like rock bands built on The Beatles' style. This stunning debut may not be their most cohesive or popular album. But it's undoubtedly the most copied formula in rap and hip-hop. 4, as close as it gets to being a 5.
Stone cold classic
Love the rock hip hop fusion from that time, solid album.
A classic
Cool to get to know their first album. Fine early hip hop. Won't relisten though, it's still a bit raw
better than I expected, a trendsetter in its time.
doesnt understand
Holds up
There's no real way for a rap album from the mid-80s not to sound dated, very similar to the rock of the 50s. There were so many technological and methodological innovations in the years after this album that changed the sound of hip-hop forever. Despite being a time capsule, this album still has a lot going for it. The sparse 808-based samples work really well with the more aggressive lyrical style that Run-DMC brought to hip-hop. It's a nice compromise between the lighter rap style that was popular before this point and the ultra-violent content that existed during gangsta rap. I think of this album being a 4/5 mostly because of its importance as a turning point for hip-hop, but it still sounds good too, if not a bit limited by the sample set included in the 808 4/5
Solid stuff - easy to see how they took the genre mainstream and became so influential. Fave track - love the guitar samples from "Rock Box". Also, gotta love the juxtaposition of the unsympathetic pragmatism of "It's Like That" followed by the dreamy idealism of "Wake Up"!
4 stars. Great to listen to an album that has inspired to much modern music. This is not something I would be itching to listen to again, but worth it at least once
Great!
Good start, great middle and a meh ending. 4/5
An welchen Straßenecken hat der Hip Hop zwischen 1984 und jetzt die falschen Abbiegungen genommen, dass wir nun diese Nigga-SuckMyDick-Mumble-Rapper haben?
Funky
El disc que ho va començar tot gairebé. Sense ser un fanàtic del génere, els pocs discos que van a arribar a editar com a banda em semblen una meravella, especialment el to i flow dels MCs, aquí tan brillants a 'It's Like That'... Encara millorarien, però aquí ja van estrenar-se a una altura molt alta
3.8 - Somewhat sparse beats, but great delivery above them. Loved Rock Box. Can really hear the influence they had on later artists - especially in late ‘80s and early ‘90s.
Solid listen
Definitive mid-80s hip hop beats. Appreciate what it laid the foundation for more than I actually really dig the music.
At a time when hip hop was mostly about parties and fashion brands, here were Run-D.M.C, shaking up the template by dropping lyrics with social commentary and slamming the drum machine over rock sound samples. This was ground breaking for early hip hop and kicked the genre along, broadening the horizons. Hard Times, It’s Like That and Rock Box are stand out tracks.
This album is a little bit repetitive, but is impossible to think about any modern hip-hop and don't think about Run DMC, so, it deserves his place on this list.
game changer
it's like that and that's the way it is
A lot of the tracks are not just old school but prehistoric rap. That said it still wins you over and about half the tracks are bangers.
Such an influential album and group. The skeletal production works well with Run and DMC's expressive style and signalled a change in hip hop at the time. Loved the dialogue between the two MCs too on tracks like It's Like That.
Surprisingly I actually kinda dig it. I haven't listened to this early of hip-hop much, but I like this minimalist/staccato/sparse presentation, definitely a fun little jaunt. Plus decently thoughtful lyric material. Dare I say this album is cute now?
Love the drum machines on this. Despite being a big step towards "hardcore" rap their tone is largely positive. In this way it sounds very balanced and refreshing.
Obviously legends and trend setters, influential giants. What struck me was how simple and spare everything is, some of the tracks were just a straightforward beat and rapping over the top. I found it refreshing.
IGHT
One of the most recognizable voices in all of music.
This was a banger, such a good sound. I love the addition of guitar sounds to the classic hip hop beats
I haven't listened to this album in about thirty years and forgot how raw and original it is. Jam Master Jay's sampling and cutting work with the by today's standards 'simple lines'. But this right here is one of the building blocks of rap. Long before the autotune. 4.5/5.
Very beasties boye
Normally I don't listen to old school hip-hop that much, but this was very enjoyable. Also very enjoyable that it included the hit ''It's Like That''.
The album that ripped hip-hop from its disco roots and set the template for its next 38 years. The album that proved full length LP album hip-hop could be a thing. The B-Boy style that reinvented urban fashion. And in Rock Box the song that quietly went about creating the rock/rap crossover format, got Run DMC played on MTV and had a large hand in hip-hop going mainstream. Got a lot to answer for haven't you Rock Box eh? As influential as it is, there's a bit too much filler in amongst the bangers to make it a 5. That said, an album containing Hard Times, Rock Box, Jam-Master Jay and It's Like That can't possibly get less than a 4, filler or no filler.
Oh, I don't know. SHACK'S reviews didn't last very long, did they? What would CRUTE score this? 3? I'll go somewhere around that then. RIP Meatloaf
A seminal record which helped launch the new school style, Run-D.M.C. features drum machines, more aggressive delivery (relatively), and emphasizes the DJ alongside the MC. With rock and funk tinges, this album is more coherent and intentional than a lot of old school records. The only drawback for me is just how dated it sounds
Grymt album
Lekker
Hip Hop it dont stop! This may have been ground breaking back in the day but I was more into Grand Master Flash or Afrika Bombaataa(Party People) then Public Enemy. I prefered the funkier sound of hip hop. I do think listening today this album comes across a bit dated obviously due to the technology available at the time. There is no doubt though that Jam Master Jay was a talented DJ and there is a few stand out tracks namely the singles Rock Box, Hard Time and of course Its Like That. Ground breaking but now in 2022 I dont think its timeless.
This really is an album that you should listen to. It's the earlier example of beat box that I can recall, and had a huge influence. Just really classic.
Hard beats and a boastful vocal delivery. You can see why RUN DMC were so irresistible to Aerosmith. It was fun recognising parts of this album that other artists have sampled. Half the tracks on Electro 1-6 seem to have been lifted from the album. Dave put the record, etc.
pretty groundbreaking for 83 and hard beats for the time. I think you just take run dmc for granted now and they are almost seen as a novelty but this proves they had steel. 4.
I found myself missing the guitar riffs a bit after the second track. Nevertheless, the MCs effortlessly demonstrate the reasons for their influence. The progression from drum machine beats, to bragging, tunes, props to the DJ: It's all innovative, all entertaining.
Very cool album. Simple but fun beats and really good lyricism/delivery. I think some of the songs drag on a little too long without much change in the tone of the song, but that's a minor complaint. 7/10
a little corny but overall pretty good, 8/10
Okei, oli aikanaan kovaa menoa (kiitos Elias tutkimukseksesta), mutta nyt on vaan hauska hiphop-levy. Saundit toisinaan vähän dänkkejä, mut hyvällä tavalla. Kuuntelin eilen kävelyllä ja sai kyllä asennetta askeleeseen. Kaiken kaikkiaan 4/5
Classic! Jos tää jossain hävii modernille räpille niin se on käyttettyjen samplereiden maksimimuisti. Ei mikään muu. 4/5
It's tricky not to rate this a 5, it's so close.
The beginnings
I DM’d the C if you know what I mean. You can def tell how they basically created beastie boys
Old school and cool. There are some dips here or there in how strong some of the songs have held up. For an album that launched hardcore rap, it feels less hard and more a reflection of working class struggles for black communities. It is defiant and doesn't hide the pain but it isn't brutal. Perhaps that is how it holds up so well... it's truth speak. (Unlike other later albums which are closer to ego-centric anger displays) And the mix still feel fresh.
Run-DMC brought rap to the mainstream rock and pop market, thus to white people. They made hip-hop just white enough without losing its integrity. You can't go wrong with their debut album. (7/10) FT: It's Like That, Rock Box
True pioneers. A bit cheesy by today's standards, but this album is one of the first of it's kind for hip hop.
Simple and solid. Still kills.
Well, that certainly was a rap album from the 80s