Reviews (page 2 of 13)
Didn't think I was particularly into this kind of music, but this is a no-skip album and it really shows why it marked a generation. The silly sound effects and the naivety of a lot of the lyrics defined the 80s. I found the beatboxing in 'Hit it Run' particularly entertaining.
Iconic to say the least, one of those you look back to as a pivotal point in music history. I remember listening the Walk this Way growing up and not knowing the Aerosmith version existed. The meat and potatoes of each song feels similar but the chorus is the full banana split, chocolate cherries the works. Unforgettable.
A classic, hip-hop at its best ;-)
This album is so good it brought a washed-up 70's rock band back from the dead.
This is really the first breakthrough rap album. First platinum, first to top Billboard, first rock-rap collaboration, first multiplatinum rap album, first, first, first. Of course, it's not the best, the first of anything rarely is, but dayumn it is really, really good. Plus, "It's Tricky," "My Adidas," and "Walk This Way" is easily an all-time top 5 three-track run.
If you were to introduce someone to Run DMC, this would be the album you’d need to use. I don’t want to say it was ‘peak’ but it was when they got the genre dialed-in before the addictions and breakdowns. Most of the Best Of comes off this album: My Adidias, Walk This Way (which was my first exposure, resurrected Aerosmith and I love that Run DMC didn’t even want to do it); It’s Tricky; and the title track. I mean, cow bell and rap! Rick Rubin was a genius. What I appreciated more this time was the deep cuts like Hit & Run, and Peter Piper, though I had heard them both before. However, I don’t remember Proud to be Black, which I wonder if that was a response to so many urban whiteboys attempting to appropriate rap (aka, Vanilla Ice; Beastie Boys; etc). For me, this is a musical and historical classic. I would love to get a younger generation’s perspective to see if it still holds up or I got too many concussions attempting to windmill to this album.
Random thoughts: * This was one of the first "albums" I owned. I was given a dubbed tape of this album by a cool babysitter. I was only 9 or 10 years old. * I remember my dad was going to freak out listening to this because they were 2 songs that had the F-word. Which is funny in retrospect since it is very vanilla to the rap music lyrics that were about to be entering my ears. * This album was revolutionary for its breakthrough to mainstream America. It was one of the first rap albums to truly break through. I remember seeing It's Tricky and Walk This Way all over MTV. * I randomly listened to this album a few weeks before it hit this list and I ended up on a special edition. The special edition has an ad for the concert tour which is an amazing time capsule. * There are so many great tracks on this album but I really like "Son of Byford" which is 28 seconds of perfection. It is also the same last verse on Hit It Run. * Peter Piper gets me hyped every time I hear it. All time classic with that bell background sample. * This is definitely in my all time albums discussion. Probably in my top 10.
There have been thousands of words written about the greatness of this album, and I'm choosing only to add this tiny bit.
Raw, boisterous, cocky. Infectious sound and rhythm
Classic
all you non-5'ers be illin'
Kult!!!
So emblematic of early rap and hip hop. Also has some true classics that are still played in public settings today.
Hadn’t ever listened to Run-D.M.C. before. Loved it.
No. 180 80s hip hop is just so cool and so much more fun that where the genre went. I loved this.
Raising Hell es un pilar histórico y una obra de arte atemporal que ha envejecido bien, conservando la frescura y el impacto con el que transformó la cultura pop global. El álbum es una mezcla maestra de texturas donde la creatividad no tiene límites; los ritmos secos y las guitarras de rock demuestran una capacidad única para mezclar todo lo que se les pone enfrente. Al escuchar tracks emblemáticos como "Walk This Way" o "It's Tricky", es inevitable evocar la estética de la época: los bailes, el breakdance y las ropas que rompieron esquemas en el asfalto urbano. El alma del disco descansa en la dinámica de sus MCs; nos encontramos ante voces que se complementan y entretejen con una fuerza y autoridad superior, intercambiando rimas con una velocidad y precisión adictivas. Lejos de ser una producción artificial, las canciones reflejan la crudeza de las calles de la gran ciudad, entregando un manifiesto conmovedor, crudo y real. Un trabajo súper enérgico e imprescindible, ideal para inyectar potencia al ejercicio diario o para encender la energía en la carretera.
This one is dope. I remember it was the first hardcore hip hop album ever that influenced Wu Tang and Biggie, and it was also produced by Rick Rubin yo. So aside of a great sound and flow, it is also very influential.
Yes
THIS album changed my life! I mean, it was so influential on me in my younger days. I know most of the lyrics to most of the songs. Love this album.
"He's the Big Bad Wolf in your neighborhood/Not bad meaning bad but bad meaning good" Still wildly influential. Still infinitely listenable. Always down to raise some hell with these three!
Very groovy, laidback and repetitive, as of april 21st its my new favorite rap album!
There are a lot of good songs on this album. It made my Sunday listening to this while I played Zelda on the 64
Muy bueno
didn’t even know i needed to know this, but i did, 10/10
kings from queens; from queens come kings. we're raising hell like a class when the lunch bell rings.
This album is amazing, the tracks in this album are an absolute legend 10/10
Down with the kingz
Love that old school vibe, Hell yeaaah
I wish i was alive back then man
Nice
You know its good when both Adidas and Joe Perry make cameos.
Mega nice old school hip hop
very good
not bad
Ist natürlich ein Klassiker, aber ich hätte nicht gedacht, dass mir das doch noch so gut gefällt, zumal das Alter der Platte wirklich offensichtlich ist. Im Gegensatz zu Public Enemy sind die Beats hier wirklich ziemlich catchy produziert, sodass die Songs auch mit heutigen Hörgewohnheiten noch Spaß machen. Textlich ist hier natürlich nicht viel zu holen, aber das möchte ich einer Platte, die einfach nur Spaß machen will, nicht ankreiden. Selbst abseits der bekannten Hits habe ich hier einige Schmankerl gefunden.
This album was blew my mind back in the day. Still lovin it
Incroyable album de rap de bout en bout. On a nos musiques préférées mais aucune mauvaise musique. Petit crush sur le featuring avec Aerosmith. Not : 5 À réécouter : Oui
Cool as! Always admired Run DMCs championing of all things adidas - growing up in 70s/80s Liverpool it was reassuring to see that this band shared our obsession with the adidas brand.
A classic and pivotal album from some of the originators. What a four track run Peter Piper, It's Tricky, My Adidas and Walk This Way is! Styles change over time, and this album is simpler than some, even from the same period, but there wouldn’t be the commercial success of rap without this album. 5⭐️
This album would be a classic for the first four tracks alone! Not much I can say really. A stone cold classic that should be in everyone's collection.
Definitely an Iconic record for the rise of hip-hop and laying its foundation as a genre to withstand. Of its time, but it is a necessary classic to show what the genre had to offer. TRACK FAVS: Peter Piper It's Tricky My Adidas Walk This Way Is it Live Raising Hell You Be Illin Son of Byford Proud to be Black
This is what I needed. I love this album. After a run of 70s folk singers, this album is a welcome relief. Great energy, infectious grooves, so full of memories.
BANGER after BANGER after BANGER Is It Live had me unconsciously dancing on the U2
Yes !!!!!
One of the greatest. First four tracks are back to back bangers. RIP Jam Master Jay.
IT’S FACKING GREAT
Finally some hip hop and I lucked out with an all time classic! There’s a reason Run DMC are in the Pantheon of rap and hip hop. This is groundbreaking music combined with the expert production and blend of rock that comes with Rick Rubin collab credits! This thing is non-stop action and energy, deserving of all of its flowers! A true classic. Take a moment and appreciate the greatest Adidas advertisement in history! Also, this is the record with Walk This Way.
I'm surprising myself by liking this. This was a super fun album and I would definitely add several of these songs to my playlist if they wouldn't have to exist on the same playlist as death metal. That would be jarring I think. 4.7/5 :D
I much prefer the stuff without guitars here. Those tracks do feel aimed at developing a new audience, rather than keeping with the big beats and the smooth flow. It gets a bit bitty towards the end, but this is a mostly an amazing album, and worth 5 stars for the first three tracks alone. Excellent and trailblazing.
An assault on your senses from start to finish. The beats are so fresh; the delivery matches the dictation of the drums. The first four tracks are perhaps the best opening four tracks on any album. No shit. Like all great artists, Run D.M.C managed to develop cartoon characters of themselves, whilst still sounding relevant. A nod and a wink, but all the while knowing that they have the balls to back it up. Outstanding.
WELL NOW Old school rap is kind of CORNY AS HECK But that don't mean it don't DESERVE RESPECT The 808 is POPPIN' and the rhymes are KICKIN' And in your head these songs will be STICKIN' This album rules and that's NO JIVE So clap your hands and slap a FIVE
Classic
The percussion on this album is amazing. Walk This Way was a pathway for metal-heads like myself and it’s not the only great guitar lick here, see the title track, Raising Hell. Hit It Run has some great early beat-boxing. It’s just an all around great album.
Previously rated: #404 - Run-D.M.C. (3/5) *************************** Album #1,026 And here I thought this one wasn't going to make the list since they already had one here. This one is a 4 for content and +1 for nostalgia. I think I had most of this album copied onto tape. 2 or 3 songs weren't familiar, but all the rest was very, very familiar. Even after all these years, I could rap along to a lot of this. I love the mix of rock and rap, and the legendary hi-hats. Beats are catchy, lyrics are braggadocios and sometimes corny (ex: "Not bad meaning bad, but bad meaning good.") I could be mistaken, but I think they lifted some things they did from The Fat Boys. Lots of great stuff here starting with Peter Piper, It's Tricky, Walk This Way (with Aerosmith), and only a couple of duds like Perfection.
First # 1 rap, first big hip rock collab It's tricky My adidas Walk this way
Stellar album from start to finish! Love love love. No notes. Run-D.M.C. is so good.
Extremely important album, but grew tiresome. The flows are all the same and it just sounds corny compared to modern rap, but the first 4 tracks back to back is a very impressive a side. I’d also never heard the title track before and thought it was awesome. Low 5 for importance.
Rock rap birthday party
Street corner thunder that kicked hip hop through the front door. Rating: 4.7/5 Short Review: This album is loud, lean, and fearless. Rock guitars, boom bap beats, and pure attitude colliding into something that changed pop culture forever. Favorite Track: It’s Tricky. Instant energy, zero patience, still hits.
Look, I'm biased because of SSX Tricky, but this album slaps
own
This album will never not make me smile. It was given to me yesterday. It was a really rough day, and this album made it better. Remember when it was released? I was 13 years old. We loved it then, and I still love it now.
I really like this album. Super fun, and caught me off guard with how good Proud to be Black was. I’ll be listening to this again.
Just good
I'm not a hip hop fan, bu t this album is good I liked the songs
Amazing, classic album. Some of those riffs give me shivers
An absolute classic. I’ve never actually listened to the album, but I have heard almost every song from movies, ads, etc over the years. A huge impact on culture.
Just pure fun, flair, and talent.
God damn this album is so good. It starts off so hard and just doesn't let up. Just catchy rap after rap and the music is phenominal. I love their style. Rock/rap just works so well. I learned today that I'm all in with Run-D.M.C. I've of course heard some of their well known tracks, but this was my first time listening to an album of theirs. The sound is so 80s but it's still amazing whereas a lot of other 80s music sounds so crappy and didn't age well at all. The beats are fantastic and catchy. It's old school and pure and special shoutout to the almost endearing beat boxing on "Hit It Run." Standouts are "Peter Piper" "It's Tricky" "Walk This Way" and "Raising Hell." The whole front half of the album is sublime. I knew I'd have fun with this one going in, but I wasn't expecting it to be this good. 5 stars for am iconic album.
the good ole 80’s, what a time in the hip hop industry to take over the world, especially Run-DMC. 8/10
WHO'S HOUSE? RUN'S HOUSE! Run-DMC rules, and this album has two of their best songs ever (Walk this Way, and Tricky). It's great hip hop and the beats especially are awesome. A big recommend.
pure Love!
This takes me back to my younger days. I love the drums and the guitar. Back then, I didn't really pay attention to the lyrics. There are a few raw.
Of course it's a five, this stuff was mindblowing for us in the mid 80s. It sounded like nothing else had ever sounded. I'm trying to sensibly rate it without my opinion drowning in nostalgia but it's pretty much impossible. It's a great album, it still sounds great, it's tons of fun and I've very much enjoyed my afternoon with it.
Several songs are so iconic. I feel like Walk This Way is the quintessential example of rap sampling rock. My Adidas is a banger, and It's Tricky is unforgettable. Run D.M.C. came about in that transition period of Rap. Where it's old school, and kind of right on the cusp of an explosion of sub-genres within Rap. I think this album is a critical landmark in the journey of rap music.
BANGERS! some may remember its tricky from singstar 80s for playstation :)
Amazing!
An absolute classic. You can’t not bob your head to every single on this album. Nothing to change on this, it’s hip hop perfection.
Although they weren’t the first to ever drop a rap album, Run DMC’s Raising Hell was the first to breakthrough to mainstream America and introduce rap music to suburbia. Partnering with Aerosmith to rework Walk This Way for sure brought classic rock fans into the fold and made it okay for crackers like me to enjoy rap music. This album was instrumental to the growth of rap music in America and it set a foundation for all those that followed to build upon. The catchy beats, witty lyrics, and vocal stylings of Rev Run and Darryl McDaniels all hit like a Tyson punch. The album is still enjoyable after 4 decades and when you couple that with what it did to change the music industry, this is an album to be celebrated. My personal opinion is this is closer to a 5 than it is to a 4 so I’m rounding up to give it the credit it’s due.
This is the baddest in your neighborhood. Not bad meaning bad but bad meaning good. A goddamn classic in every sense of the word.
I didn't need to listen to this album as I already own it and must have listened to it dozens, if not hundreds, of times. It was one of the first albums that opened me up to hiphop and rap. It's a classic, and it shaped how hiphop/rap evolved.
Hard not to give this one a 5, several legendary tracks
Peter Piper inspired that one Missy Elliott song! The instrumentation/ production seems really simple. Mainly real instruments and drums and beatboxing Rock influence (Raising Hell, Walk This Way)
Happy to finally fill in a huge gap in my hip hop awareness. This album rocks hard, the first four songs are particularly astonishing - and were omnipresent, even for an 80’s kid in Texas who couldn’t name a single hip hop act. Jaw-dropping to realize the members were all 21 when this was recorded, with Rick Rubin only a year or two older. Just raw, raging talent with the right amount of polish and performances that were clearly honed by hours and hours of live performance. Despite the intensity, the album goes down surprisingly smooth. Great, energizing morning music! And if I squint, I can start to imagine what NYC was like when this bomb of an album dropped. Favorite song: Raising Hell
Classic. 5 stars
Amazing all time album. 5 *
So fire
I didn't expect at all that I would like it. But it was groovy! Nice flows. Hope the lyrics are not too horrible (as usual, don't get what are the songs about :D ) But one line was against drugs - that's nice.
Superb
Fun
Absolute legend. Enjoyed a lot .
This is basically the genesis point for rap music as a commercial genre. It has a very rhythmic, driving sound mostly lacking in melodies, with simplistic yet enjoyable flows. The lyricism isn't the best, especially compared to what was to come for the genre, but it's not horrible. This album may not have aged the best, but it essentially codified hip hop as we know it and broke the genre into the mainstream. Four stars for the quality; an extra for its place in rap history.
Classic album
I don’t trust you if you don’t like this album. Just banger after banger. The four song run to start the album is just absurdly good. Yes the flows can be a little rudimentary and repetitive, but the lyrics are good so does it really matter?
Classic hip hop .Absolutely awesome
The quintessential rap album for me. I know there was some stuff going on before this, but most casuals had no idea until this one landed. I love the precision of this one. Absolutely a classic, and still fun to listen to 40 years later
This was bloody brilliant. Even though I’m not overly fussed on Aerosmith even I can’t deny that Walk This Way is a great song on an album packed with great tracks. Listened to it twice already and I’ll definitely be keeping this one saved. Top Track - Raising Hell
Of all the bands/groups/artists whose biggest song is a cover I've already heard, I never knew Run-D.M.C. was one of them. Apparently their cover of Walk This Way got so big it out-charted the original. Anyways, I love this duo. They're beyond fun at all times and have some wildly entertaining beats to carry their energy even more. Also, their chemistry together. I'd pay someone $15 to find me a group of two people who work better together onstage. All of the passing back and forth inside and between lines is great and adds to the fun even more. If you can't tell, I think this album is incredibly fun, and proof that all rap is improved by real guitars. Bonus points for the saxophone in You Be Illin'.
This album is just hit after hit. What else can you say. Starts strong and remains strong.
Such a cool album. I don’t think anyone at the time had any idea what a rock/hip hop fusion collab would be like. Wish modern hip hop had more of a jam master jay beat to it.
I was having a terrible day. I was enraged, bothered, and everything seemed to be going worse by the minute. Then I decided to try today's album, and it was just what I needed! Not every song is a winner, but they are all creative, energetic, and fun!
LOVED this album. A blast from the distant past. The first three songs….the best.
Dazzling.
5balls
N.W.A. put West Coast Hip-Hop on the map, but Run D.M.C. beat them to the chase on the East Coast by a few years, and brought a floundering 70s rock band back from the dead in the process, with their classic 1986 record, 'Raising Hell'. Already gaining popularity [and notoriety] for their first two records, 'Run D.M.C.' and 'King of Rock', Run D.M.C. perfected their craft on 'Raising Hell', becoming the first hip-hop record to go Platinum on the American charts, effectively signaling a new player in popular music. The rhymes on 'Raising Hell' are electric. Rappers Joseph "Run" Simmons and Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels give their raps plenty of groove and atmosphere, and their confidence as performers, aided by the clever DJ work of Jason "Jam-Master Jay" Mizell, add plenty of emphatic weight to this record. With such classics as 'It's Tricky', 'My Adidas' and 'You Be Illin'', Run D.M.C. changed the game not only in getting mainstream audiences to take hip-hop seriously, but ensuring the genre could easily suit the album format that had previously only been reserved for conventional pop and rock acts. Then there's reviving Aerosmith's career. Aerosmith were a spent force by the mid-80s, a band torn apart by drugs, infighting and declining interest in classic rock. Enter Run D.M.C. producer Rick Rubin introducing the duo to Aerosmith's 'Toys in the Attic' record during the 'Raising Hell' sessions, which eventually led to Rubin inviting a recently reconciled Steven Tyler and Joe Perry to re-record their parts for Run D.M.C's new version of the Toys in the Attic hit 'Walk this Way', with Run and D.M.C. rapping the verses. After the reimagined 'Walk this Way' blew up, Aerosmith were the talk of the town again, and their next three records, 'Permanent Vacation', 'Pump' and 'Get A Grip' formed one of the most successful comebacks of all time. So, not only did Run D.M.C. change the game for popular music with 'Raising Hell', they resurrected the career of one of America's most influential rock bands. Not bad for three friends from Hollis, Queens. Best tracks: Peter Piper, It's Tricky, Walk this Way, Raising Hell, You Be Illin'
''Hit it run'' reminded me of ''the Show'' by Slick Rick and Doug e. Fresh
Trendsetting, and still holds up incredibly well.
My brother bought this for my birthday in 1986, I was thirteen, and loved playing it under the stairs of my parent’s house. A great album. My parents hated it and would forbid me from playing it on my fisher price record player. They did not understand the power of hip hop. So what do I think of it now? It sounds dated but it’d great.
Epic album. 2 great songs and the rest was very listenable.
Excellent album! Proper good start to the day with this one
Capolavoro
I don't need to listen to this (but I will) as it's already 5 stars in my mind. How many albums have four huge hits in a row right off the bat? It's simply one of the greatest albums of all time.
All around awesome plus. Old school, and great great great. And I’m not really even a huge rap/hip hop fan.
5/10
it's tricky
Certified F.R.E.S.H
Un disco esencial en el desarrollo del rap.
Essential hip-hop album. Run-D.M.C. were the bridge where rock fans crossed over into hip-hop. Not every song on here is great, but this essentially starts out as a greatest hits album.
From the golden age of Hip Hop (1984 -1994) Raising Hell is THE essential Hip Hop album. The genre's Sgt Peppers, Exile on Main Street, Dark Side of the Moon, London Calling all rolled into one groundbreaking album that was the unofficial start of Hip Hop's album era as before Raising Hell the genre was seen as a singles game (12" or otherwise) much like Rock N Roll was three decades earlier. No filler on this lean slab of wax. Every second of Raising Hell is perfectly executed and in all ways needed. No serious Hip Hop library can be considered anywhere near complete without it. Think you know Hip Hop without knowing Raising Hell? You Be Illin'!
A must have rap album!!!!
RUN DMC & JAM MASTER J! Classic Banger album.
A true classic - both for hip hop and me personally. You Be Illin' is super underrated, but the first 4 tracks deserve the love they get.
An iconic album of early hip-hop. So many great tracks. I played this album on repeat during a time in high school, and it's always great to come back to. So many people would be missing their karaoke go-tos without this album.
Legends
Banger
5/10
Really good
Great album
One of the first albums I bought on cassette tape.
❤️😎
Album super divertente dall'inizio alla fine, non sembra aver invecchiato un giorno! Bellissimo l'introduzione del rock in molte canzone e loro due funzionano benissimo. Walk this way con aerosmith la mia preferita!
When It's Tricky may be the 3rd or 4th best track on the album, you know it's great.
En klassiker
Not my thing
FINALLY! I've been waiting for a classic rap album. I feel Paul's Boutique and Low End Theory were so long ago. This is a five star album. Always has been. Always will be.
Iconic.
Supermarkt, Heidenheim, Deutschland. Geiles Album.
really aggressive and punchy rap... rock... pop music from the golden age of hip hop. sample flips, LOUD drum machines and funky guitar riffs creates a sound that gets a lot of people movin' and groovin'. this album is the perfect party hip hop album. people will be tapping their toes to the beats and hollerin' bars at the top of their lungs to these songs. with a distinct sound unlike any others at the time, and collaborating with big rock names, this album is a must listen and i would say is critically and culturally significant. grab your boombox and kicks.
Maybe it’s the vacation boost but this slapped. Charles was dancing along. I enjoyed this front to back and listened though a second time. 4.5 but on the 5 side.
What an album. All the singles are undeniable, but the main reason I'm doing this challenge is to hear the album tracks, and oh boy they don't disappoint. The title track is the stand out, but from my 2 listens there doesn't seem to be any filler tracks. Fantastic!
clássico que eu 100% deveria ouvir mais. base do rap.
Um clássico, it's tricky e a música com o aerosmith é simplesmente sensacional.
Exceptional flow and catchy hooks make this a certified hood classic
Heck yeah! This was great.
Rating this album gets Tricky, tricky tricky. This has some absolute bangers and lots of great unique interesting songs with some hilarious lyrics and even some rock thrown in for variety. But it really heavily uses the drum machine that dates it but maybe this is just the pinnacle of drum machine use, as I don't mind it as much as I do in other albums I have listened to. It also is longer than most but as it starts to bust out some comedy songs and refreshes the formula it doesn't feel too long still.
This is so bad. Not bad meaning "bad", but bad meaning "good".
This blew my Midwestern middle school mind in 1986 and you know what? It's still great. The beats they use and the way they bounce off each other, so good.
I don’t know if I’ve ever listened to this entire album.l, but I know a lot of the songs on here. The first two tracks are just good. “It’s tricky” has been a favorite for a while. I always forget how good Peter piper is. “My Adidas” is so good and I was planning on skipping “walk this way” but I just can’t. These are all so good. So after attack four, I don’t know any of these songs. I’m looking forward to these. Is it live and perfection both rock and roll the groove on all these is next level. It’s the swing that draws you in on all these. This album is insane good. “Hit and run” was great and now “Raisin’ Hell” is on. Great tunes. How I never listened to the entire album before is beyond me. This is a great album!!!
Excellent wordplay, drum machines, perfect
The kings of Rap Rock. Absolute legends. Walk This Way, Tricky, and My Adidas paved the way for Rap and Hip Hop into the greater musical landscape.
Fuck yes.
One of my top 10 albums of all time. Brought rap to mainstream. Launched Addidas into popularity. Launched Rick Rubin which led to the Beastie Boys. Created a whole sub genre of rock/rap. If there was 10 stars, I would give it 10
Could almost be a Greatest Hits the way the classics keep coming here.
iconique et tellement d'influence
Legendary tracks, iconic samples, immaculate vibes.
I liked it!
la puto rompieron, toca mamar...........
A masterpiece! Every song takes you on its own Hip-Hop adventure, and doesn't leave you disappointed. The collaboration with Aerosmith set the tone for future collaborations. Part of me wishes I was at a 1980s house party with this album blaring. Favorite Track: "It's Tricky".
Five great tracks - the rest are really good.
HOLY SHIT
In the conversation for one of the greatest rap albums of all time. And for sure, one of the best rap albums from the early years of the genre. Influential and iconic. It’s fun to hear Run-DMC play with beats and lyrics and sampling tracks. Ground breaking at the time. Some of the godfathers.
I liked it
Love this 80s rap
Really good!
If a lot of the conservative critics of hip hop listened to the lyrics, they would have been surprised at just how much the values of the reverend run aligned with their own. Run believes in church and community and a job. Yes he’s critical of society - he understands that things are bad. But he also believes that the individual should try and fix themselves. Get a job. Get involved. Help each other. And walk this way slaps. Hard. Better than the original. A great album.
Stone cold classic. The first four songs are one of the best openers out there. Arguably the most important hip hop album ever.
Raising Hell by Run-D.M.C. is a landmark hip-hop album that delivers brilliance from start to finish. It cemented the group's status as pioneers of the genre, blending raw energy with sharp lyricism and hard-hitting beats. Every track offers something special, from the iconic cover of Walk This Way, which charted even higher than Aerosmith’s original, to the legendary It’s Tricky. The album also boasts some underrated gems like You Be Illin', Is It Live, and Perfection, each showcasing the group's dynamic flow and genre-defining sound. Simply put, Raising Hell is hip-hop perfection. I’ll be playing this album again without hesitation. Favourite track: You Be Illin' Least favourite: There isn’t a single bad song here. Album artwork: An effortlessly cool cover that matches the album’s attitude.
An absolute classic. Can’t dispute it. Too many bangers on this one.
Iconic. Forever and always. Best Song: Walk This Way Rating: 9.5/10 Stars: 5/5
Run DMC. Volgens het internet een grondlegger van de hardcore rap. Dat moet je plaatsen in de tijdgeest. Want nummers als It's like that zijn tegenwoordig licht verteerbaar. Het labeltje zal vooral duiden op het rauwe uitstoten van de woorden en gelukkig minder op de teksten. Raising Hell is het derde album van de heren. En inmiddels zou ik de heren de grondlegger van de commerciële rap noemen. Het rauwe keelgeluid zijn ze niet kwijt. Maar om maar wat te noemen. Ze durfden als één van de eersten een cd'tje te maken van het tweede album. En dan hebben we het nog niet eens over de schoenen. Een zeer ludieke samenwerking voor twee partijen die overal in doorwerkte. Het zonder veters tegelijk op de maat op de grond stampen zit als beeld nog steeds in mij hoofd. Het gaat zo ver dat er een ode aan de schoenen op deze cd stond… Grondlegger van hardcore rap en van de commerciële rap? Is deze groep dan zo wispelturig? Welnee. De mannen waren gewoon enorm vernieuwend. En wij duwen vervolgens de verschillende uitingen in onze afgebakende hokjes. Er zijn ook kernkrachten van Run DMC. Zo is de afwisseling van Run en DMC, soms woord voor woord, ongeëvenaard. Dit wordt vaak aangevuld met het turntablism van Jam Master Jay. De meester voelt de rappers perfect aan en krijgt het voor elkaar met een op zichzelf minder toegankelijk genre een heel aaibaar geheel te creëren. Het vernieuwende horen we op het derde album ook nog steeds aan de muziek. Eerder brachten nummers als It's Like that en King of Rock al een nieuw en sterk geluid. Op het tweede album werd al geëxperimenteerd met gitaren en samengewerkt met een reggae-zanger. Op dit album werpt dat zijn vruchten af. It’s Tricky luistert bijvoorbeeld heel fijn weg. En daarbovenop wordt samengewerkt met Aerosmith. Zoals de clip laat zien, niet een samenwerking die toen voor de hand lag. Hét voorbeeld dat muzikale hokjes doorbroken moeten worden. Minpuntjes zijn enkele kinderachtige nummers op de tweede helft. Ik kan mij bijvoorbeeld best ergeren aan Dumb girl. Daar staat tegenover dat ook deze nummers vaak wel een sterk onderdeel hebben. Dumb girl heeft bijvoorbeeld een voor die tijd heel bijzondere stevige dubstep-achtige beat. Walk This Way verdient een eigen ster. Run DMC krijgt van mij sowieso een oeuvre prijs. Wellicht bepaalt dat ook de laatste afronding bij de sterren. Bam! 5 sterren!
So many tunes on here, now I know they’re Run DMC!! Epic! 1986.
Great
Classic. First few songs are iconic.
Great album. Classic rap
Ground breaking
So good, and this isn't Run-DMC at their best. Their first 2 albums are even better. Just an incredible 3 album run. Superlatives aside, I'm really into the production. The vocals sometimes sound like they're recorded on cheap microphones, but that just adds to the power of the voices, letting them overdrive the volume and distort on occasion. Real hot and immediate, like being yelled at in your ear. The samples have a similar richness to them. They're not magically isolated or interpolated, you can hear the murk of the rest of the sample buried in the mix. I'm not saying any rappers today need to emulate that sound, but it's been decades now of everything having the Lex Luger sound, I wish mainstream rap could just like, do something different production-wise.
Do you want to listen to some music that has faster lyrics? Well in it's tricky you can! I rate this song a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. I highly recommend this song. Do you want to listen to some music that has really good electric guitar? Well in Walk This Day you can! I rate this song a ⭐⭐⭐⭐. I recommend this song. Do you want to listen to some music that has a lot of drums? Well in raising hell you can! I rate this song ⭐⭐⭐⭐. I recommend this song.
i like this song i like the beat and i like hearing this song to. i like the second song i like how the beat is mixed i like the third song t o becuse of the same resons
You can hear hour 2010-2025+ rap music that has been influenced by DMC. The second part that I love about this, was being able to here the 80 articulation and accent.
Total nostalgia. Upped the stars due to I knew every song and nearly every lyric.
My kind of Hip-Hop
This is a surprise. Whenever I get a rap album from the eighties or early nineties I cringe. It’s always bad rappers with corny beats and I hate it. This album slappppspsss sooo haarrrrddd. Run DMC are amazing rappers with impeccable flow and clever rhymes with powerful delivery. The production is thin by today’s standards but extremely effective. I don’t think I ever listened to this album but I’m sure I will again.
Aerosmith was a real surprise. A really enjoyable album.
Pivotal album for me personally and probably in the story of music. I recall listening to this on the bus in elementary school, splitting a pair of broken headphones with a buddy and being introduced to hip hop that released before I was alive. Some absolute bangers that stand the test of time. I always loved Peter Piper because of how the emcees use it as an opportunity to brag about their friend. RUN and DMC open up the album by boosting the guy without a microphone and it's always been influential to me. It's approachable hip hop that serves a lot of purpose through a lot of talent.
love it. Gives strong beastie boys vibes which is right up my alley and based on the wiki page they might be the ones to have inspired BB’s sound.
Great album
'Not bad meaning bad, but bad meaning good.' Run-D.M.C. was the first cross-over hip-hop act, not only b/c they collaborated w/ Aerosmith but b/c they were three things at once: hard, as in street, heavy, as in rockin', and cerebral, as in geeky and allusive. Raising Hell is remarkably self-aware, a deliberate admixture of nerdy programs and a tough sensibility. Taking these qualities not as opposing forces but natural allies, D.M.C. essentially defines the genre w/ these two lines: 'I got prescription glasses and my eyes are correct'; 'It's called gangsta hard rock, non-stop hip-hop.' Not many albums begin w/ four certified and infectious classics, but this one does. The rest is just as brilliant, especially 'Perfection' and 'You Be Illin'.'
I've never been into Hip-Hop, though I can appreciate a well done example when I hear it. Raising Hell is a pretty great example of old-school 80's Hip-Hop. The songs are a lot of fun. I particularly enjoyed the titular song with its heavy guitar riffs between verses.
Pet fav songs: Peter Piper; It's Tricky; Raising Hell Standout album from the golden age of hip-hop
🔥
This was awesome. Had forgotten how good they were.
This is #day230 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... once again, old-school hip-hop just hits the spot. I can only imagine what it was like hearing this in the '80s. This is my second DMC record on the list, and according to the Album Explorer feature, it's their last one. Could I have predicted this band would end up among my favorites? Not sure, but they are now. It's tough to judge the importance of this album fully, but you simply can't help it, right? It's breaking down all kinds of barriers: cultural, racial, musical... Tracks like "Tricky," "My Adidas," "Walk This Way," and "You Be Illin'" are just a few of the bangers that prove how this album has stood the test of time. Celebrating its 40th anniversary next year... that's crazy. I'm giving it a 5 out of 5 because it absolutely deserves it. Looking forward to #day231.
A 4 on quality, a 5 on influence. Gotta round up, I think.
Peter Piper, classic Run-DMC. Rap before gangsta rap was like a whole different genre. It's hard to pick a favorite Run-DMC song, but It's Tricky is definitely a contender. Peter Piper, It's Tricky, My Adidas and Walk This Way is the best four song start to any album. That's crazy. Walk This Way could be two bands' best song. Is It Live is so clearly produced by Rick Rubin they could have called it "Rick Rubin Was Here". It actually sounds super derivative of another Rubin song, "She's Crafty" by the Beastie Boys, or maybe the Beastie Boys song is the derivative one, they both came out in 1986. The singles are great, most of the album tracks are great, this is a great album.
Another one that takes me back, having the cassette when I was in high school. Also introduced me to Aerosmith.
This is the best album they’ve recommended me. I am admittedly a huge rap fan, but even I was unprepared for the mastery that this album displayed. Don’t skip a track!
This was a killer album. I only had heard the singles and I like all of them - especially “It’s Tricky”, “You Be Illin’” and of course “Salk This Way” but man I loved “Peter Piper”, “Perfection” and “Raising Hell”. The drums and the guitar work was fantastic on the album which is to me is atypical on Hip-hop albums and why I’m not usually a fan of the genre but I’m guessing Rick Rubin is why the music is equal to the lyrics on this.
I had never heard the full album before, only two or three songs, but I would have been a big fan. I really appreciated the message and sentiment they conveyed through their music. 10 out of 10, will listen again!
It was fun
creative for that era
Day 1!!! I love it! I have heard forever how influential run DMC was to music but never really listened to much by them aside from the obvious one like its tricky and you be illin. Super good album I really enjoyed it! Feel good type of album
Catchy, rocking, comedic, passionate. An absolute joy of an album to listen to, with great song after great song. A ton of hidden gems on this album as well, and the radio hits are still great if overplayed. Overall fantastic album
Hells to the yes! Kings of hip hop. Creation of the mainstream hip hop rock collab. Love how they can have really fun tracks and also ones with a poignant message and both seem genuine representations of them as people. Favourite song: You Be Illin
Classic. Probably the first hip hop album I ever listened to as a kid
Iconic
This was one of the best rap albums I have ever listened to. These guys knew how to make the crowd get into it. Very good album. Is it live?
Yes, loved and we have a rap book for toddlers we use that has fun history of DMC and other artists
Wow. So many bangers. Just great stuff all the way through.
4.85
Classic
Not for every day every mood, obviously. But perfect for what it is.
SO MUCH FUN HOLY SHIT how much fun were these guys having when they made this album THE ANSWER IS SO MUCH FUN.
The beginning of rap rock.
Raising Hell is the third album from Run-D.M.C., and it was the record that made them stars. This is the first commercially successful rap album, and helped define the first decade of the genre. The album sits high on the "greatest rap album" lists as well as the "greatest albums of modern music" lists. Raising Hell includes a cover of Aerosmith's "Walk this Way," which helped drive the success of the album. The album also includes a few of the trio's early hits, like "My Adidas" and "It's Tricky." These tracks all had successful videos in the very early days of MTV, which helped Run-D.M.C. bring rap to a much wider audience.
4.5/5 Just because the rhymes and flows are simple and up-front doesn't mean they don't go hard as hell. The beats have such a classic, head-banging way about them, and the little bursts of samples are amazing. This is a special album in the history of rap. The rock infusion lifts the whole thing. Peter Piper 4.5/5 It's Tricky 5/5 My Adidas 5/5 Walk This Way 5/5 Is It Live 5/5 Perfection 3/5 (LEAST FAV) Hit It Run 3.5/5 Raising Hell 4.5/5 You Be Illin' 5/5 (FAV) Dumb Girl 4/5 Proud to Be Black 5/5
not bad
Walk this way is really all this album needs for a 5 star rating, but the album is even more than that. Everything on this album is basically just perfect. 5/5
This is a tricky review. Going to try to keep it ill. Best idea ever to bring Aerosmith out of the gutter. What a great moment in time. This album broke barriers and was huge, as well it should have been. When I dance and raise my hands in my cubicle, you get 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
RUN D.M.C. convinced a lot of white parents in the burbs that Rap might be ok. Tricky even showed up at the skating rink wedged between Hall & Oates and Disco Duck. Raising Hell is one of the most important rap albums- without it we wouldn’t have a lot of the artists, art, and fashion that we have today. It’s a shame they weren’t rewarded the way they should have been. Rest well Jam Master Jay. We still love your jams.
This album is fire.
Great
Some aspects are dated, but can’t deny the broad influence this album had. It’s worthy of classic status.
Amazing album. Groovy, rocking, funny, timeless.
The flow and rhymes are not where hip hop would eventually go but for the mid 80s these songs were banging and also had mass market appeal.
It's Tricky!!!!!! Walk This Way. Holy shit this album rules. Somehow they manage to make the worst sounding drum samples stay fresh and exciting, while the raps and flow manage to maintain their edge and freshness. Dumb Girl is kind of a shit song. Proud To Be Black is an uplifting, if somewhat on the nose song but its earnestness is what makes it great.
I wore out this cassette back in the day. I was a huge Run-DMC fan through this album. The year after this album came out, I began my love affair with hard rock and metal, but I have no doubt that Run-DMC was at least partially responsible for my ears to be ready for the harder sounds. I never lost my love for Run-DMC. Revisiting this album after all these years was pure joy. The back and forth rapping, with their trademark punctuations they each provide to the other's lines. The beats/DJ-ing by Jammaster Jay. 5 stars.
5/5. Masterpiece, front to back basically perfection, save some aged lyrics. Sometimes you forget how good guitar riffs and solos sound with rap beats and vocals. This goes hard even today and its Run DMC. Sure the lyrics are mild sometimes but there is a raw energy that come through on each song. Didn't realize so many classics were on the same album. Gonna be on repeat for a bit. Best Song: Walk This Way, It's Tricky, Raising Hell
Fun as hell. Smile on my face for the duration of the album.
I think it finally happened. I found my first five star rap album. Maybe it’s because I’ve been exposed throughout this process and grown my appreciation. It might be the rock’n’roll influenced felt throughout this album. It might have been the catchy lyrics that land in the perfect zone of “tough” but not harmful. Whatever it is, I dig it.
This is gonna be great!
I was surprised how much I liked this album. I expected it to be more "cheesy" than it is. However, there are several songs that hit really hard, and having both Walk this Way and Tricky on the same album almost makes it feel like a compilation, at this point, due to how much I've heard those in my life. Overall, it's hard to not give this 5 stars, because it is fun, and even if I won't personally listen to it much, it obviously had such a huge impact on music, in general, helping define hip-hop and rap.
The album that brought rap/hiphop to the burbs….
A classic
Riesenplatte und immer noch gut! So macht Rap Spass und das Crossover ist super, heute ja fast normal.
First hip-hop (rap) album that I ever had! I mean, the really cool kids had some before this, but it was usually Run-D.M.C. self-titled or King Of Rock. Can’t be beat for historic and nostalgia purposes, certainly, but I think it still sounds pretty funky fresh. Rick Rubin certainly knew what he was doing to specify the sound in a very particular way, and the legions followed.
Hip hop perfection.
finally, some good fucking food. classic old school hip hop with killer beats and super fun lyrics, featuring the lost arts of beatboxing and turntablism. i even liked the excursions into rock instrumentation (except the aerosmith feature, which i didn't care for. overexposure, maybe). all the hits are on side A but i found myself liking side B more. this was a delight overall. more like this, please?
Don't know how to review this masterpiece. It's tricky.
Yoooooooo dik
If you'd told me at the time of this album's release, that one day I would add a rap album to my music collection, I'd have called you sick in the head... But the day has come. This one's going in, and getting five stars. I loved listening to it.
10/10. I'm sorry, but who gave this album the authority to slap THIS hard? This is a banger!!! I was in a terrible mood, and for some reason, listening to this album made me feel a lot better. The delivery of the raps was really exciting. I love the incorporation of hard rock in several tracks (namely Walk This Way and Raising Hell). This is a really memorable album. I honestly expected to dislike it, but I was wrong. This album is absolutely brilliant!!! :) I wish that modern-day rap music sounded more like this instead of the mumble-filled jargon with the most uninspired lyrics and instrumentation possible.
LP
Bangers
This is the kind of hip hop I'm here for. Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 5/5
Very cool!
From start to finish, it’s a perfect mix of beats and rhymes overflowing with positive energy. ‘Walk This Way’ (with Aerosmith) and ‘It’s Tricky’ still hold up today. No one makes hip hop like this anymore and you can hear the influence in so much music that has followed, but nothing else really captures the same vibe.
5 out 5 like the beat like the lyirics not bad it its not sad song its difirent from music from today but its still really good. I like how they have like alot drums I would recomend it for the people that like old songs that are pop from old days
I hope you'll be able to listen to this album! This is one of my top favorite albums because one of my favorite songs is in! (It's Tricky) I love the hip-hop, the drums in the background, and the upbeatness. Again, I hope you can listen to this album in your life!
ive heard the first song to to be honest i could never get old of this song its perfect for memes and just goofy videos and its just funny lyrics crazy sound nice for the second one i really that guitar its very nice to my ear holes
Unmissable monument of its genre that took hip-hop to a whole other level. Run DMC's guys are legends and I pay respect.
Hell yeah. I bought a bootleg of this album a swap meet in Myrtle Beach in '86. Didn't know anything about it really, just looked cool. Loved it - almost every track kicks. Perfection and Dumb Girl I could do without but the rest of it? Yes please. Walk This Way of course made a huge impact. The fact that it has survived over time, that even though the style is pretty stilted compared to today's stuff, it all works. Probably the best example of what this can be.
My goodness what a great album. Not only is it full of amazing songs, but also changed the landscape of music. Just about every hip hop artist and rapper since owes Run DMC some credit for their existence, as do a lot of the rap rock bands. Walk This Way (even though they hated the song) introduced hip hop to the suburbs and gave the white kids like me a chance to appreciate a genre of music we didn’t really get to hear before. Rick Rubin was pure genius for hearing the e potential in that decade plus old song. Personally, I prefer Peter Piper, but then, anything that gave Jam Master Jay some spotlight was awesome.
Third day in row -an album I already own, great re listening after a while.
Great stuff. Very few reasons to fault this.
This album was hit after hit. Lots of fun. So innovative.
Bangers from start to finish
It's perfect. No notes.
Awesome
The Beastie Boys were my gateway drug to hip hop - and maybe punk - when I was in my early teens. Knowing that, how the fuck did I miss this album? THe turntable, the beats, the lyrics - this is a rare album that 38 year old me AND 14 year old me would have loved. The first 4 tracks are so solid that the rest of the album suffers by being merely great.
This is dope. Great DJing, great rapping, creative choices executed flawlessly.
This is a great record. Groundbreaking, fun, well written, enthusiastic performances.
I think this was my second rap CD ever. There werent many options to choose from and most were softer rap. The delivery of RDMC was unique and joyful with paly on words that made them diferent. I love this album. Has a ton of singles and only one bad song which is called perfection. Beats were almost all the same but this was groundbreaking at the time so it will get a free pass.
5, tak się robi hip hop
This should be a 4.5 or something but idc I had so much fun with it they’re so unserious
The album brought back memories and it still rocks.The entire album was great and every track a winner.I would remind my friends that it is still an amazing album.
Molto figa l'intro e poi "It's tricky" poi c'è pure "Walk this way". Tutto quanto ha un bellissimo mood
Very beatful and with a heavy significance on the history of music. Although there is not much difference between the song of the album, it deserves a 5/5
Iconic!
A big crossover album due to Run-DMC's collaboration with Aerosmith on a version of the latter's Walk This Way. Elsewhere, Run, DMC and Jam Master Jay are firing on all cylinders, creating an album that set the template for East coast hip hop.
If this was the 101 albums to listen to before you die, this would be a first-round pick for me. Ok, maybe it would've been KING OF ROCK. Can't lose either way. "It's Tricky" is a hell of a jam. It shows how much power both Rev and Darryl have in their deliveries. "My Adidas" - of the time, for sure. Classic. Wouldn't cheer Adidas these days, though, dropping Bella Hadid for supporting a free Palestine. Shame. "Walk This Way" is why this was included, undoubtedly. Run-DMC brought Aerosmith back to the front... for better or worse. But the overall rock sampling by Jay was also something huge for rap. These three were a well-oiled machine. There's no denying what they did for music.
Classic hip hop for a reason. This is non-stop hits. One of the earliest to fuse rock with rap and I'm here for it. The only negative here (and I won't penalize this release for it) is that this is the ONLY reason Aerosmith had a popular resurgence and was able to put out a string of over the top shitty albums.
Classic. So good.
Excellent album.
It’s crazy to think that this was a new genre. The innovation alone makes this album stand out to me plus to incorporate rock into was seamless. Legendary group. Legendary album. Nothing less than 5 stars is appropriate! RIP Jam Master J 🕊️
**Raising Hell by Run-D.M.C: An In-Depth Review** *Raising Hell*, the third studio album by the seminal hip-hop group Run-D.M.C., was released on May 15, 1986. This album stands as a pivotal moment in the history of hip-hop, marking its crossover into mainstream popularity. Let's delve into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, as well as its pros and cons. ### Lyrics Run-D.M.C., composed of Joseph "Run" Simmons, Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels, and Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell, are known for their straightforward, impactful lyrical style. The lyrics on *Raising Hell* reflect the group's streetwise sensibility, blending braggadocio with social commentary. 1. **Braggadocio**: Tracks like "Peter Piper" and "My Adidas" showcase the group's confidence and prowess. "Peter Piper" uses nursery rhyme references to highlight their skills, while "My Adidas" is a celebration of their street credibility and connection to their audience through fashion. 2. **Social Commentary**: "It's Tricky" and "Proud to Be Black" offer more than just bravado. "It's Tricky" touches on the challenges of the music industry and the pressures of fame, while "Proud to Be Black" is a powerful statement on African American pride and heritage, addressing issues of racial identity and history. 3. **Storytelling**: "Son of Byford" and "Perfection" are examples of Run-D.M.C.'s storytelling ability. These tracks provide listeners with insights into the group's personal lives and their journey in the music industry. ### Music Musically, *Raising Hell* blends hip-hop with elements of rock, creating a sound that was groundbreaking for its time. The beats are hard-hitting, with prominent use of drum machines, scratching, and samples. 1. **Instrumentation**: The use of rock guitars, particularly on "Rock Box" and "King of Rock" from their previous albums, is refined and perfected in *Raising Hell*. "Rock Box" and the iconic "Walk This Way" (featuring Aerosmith) bridge the gap between hip-hop and rock, making the album accessible to a broader audience. 2. **Production**: Produced by Rick Rubin, the album features a minimalist yet powerful production style. Rubin's background in rock music brings a raw edge to the album, while Run-D.M.C.'s hip-hop foundation remains strong. The production on "Walk This Way" is particularly noteworthy for its seamless integration of Aerosmith's rock elements with Run-D.M.C.'s rap. 3. **Sampling and Scratching**: Jam Master Jay's scratching and the creative use of samples are integral to the album's sound. "Peter Piper" famously samples Bob James' "Take Me to the Mardi Gras," demonstrating the group's innovative approach to beat-making. ### Themes *Raising Hell* covers a range of themes, from self-assertion and cultural pride to industry criticism and fun. 1. **Self-Assertion and Braggadocio**: Central to the album is the theme of self-assertion. Run-D.M.C. consistently assert their dominance in the rap game, as seen in "It's Tricky" and "My Adidas." Their confidence is infectious and serves as a source of empowerment for listeners. 2. **Cultural Pride**: "Proud to Be Black" stands out for its explicit celebration of African American heritage. The track educates and inspires, highlighting the contributions of Black individuals to history and culture. 3. **Industry Criticism**: Tracks like "It's Tricky" delve into the complexities of the music industry, exploring the challenges of maintaining authenticity and integrity in a commercialized environment. 4. **Fun and Party Vibes**: Despite the serious themes, the album never loses its sense of fun. "Walk This Way" and "Peter Piper" are prime examples of Run-D.M.C.'s ability to create tracks that are both thought-provoking and entertaining. ### Influence *Raising Hell* had a profound impact on the music industry and popular culture. It helped to elevate hip-hop from a niche genre to a dominant force in mainstream music. 1. **Crossover Appeal**: The collaboration with Aerosmith on "Walk This Way" was a watershed moment. It not only revitalized Aerosmith's career but also introduced hip-hop to a rock audience, breaking down genre barriers and broadening hip-hop's appeal. 2. **Fashion and Culture**: Run-D.M.C.'s endorsement of Adidas with "My Adidas" is a landmark in the intersection of music and fashion. The song led to one of the first major endorsement deals between a hip-hop group and a major corporation, highlighting the growing influence of hip-hop culture. 3. **Production Techniques**: Rick Rubin's production on *Raising Hell* influenced countless producers and artists. His minimalist, hard-hitting style became a blueprint for future hip-hop production, emphasizing the power of simplicity and raw energy. 4. **Legacy and Inspiration**: The album inspired a generation of hip-hop artists and remains a touchstone in the genre. Artists like Public Enemy, N.W.A, and the Beastie Boys drew inspiration from *Raising Hell*'s sound and thematic content. ### Pros and Cons #### Pros 1. **Innovative Sound**: The fusion of hip-hop and rock on tracks like "Walk This Way" was groundbreaking and expanded the possibilities of what hip-hop could achieve. 2. **Strong Lyrical Content**: The lyrics are a perfect blend of braggadocio, social commentary, and storytelling, showcasing Run-D.M.C.'s versatility and depth. 3. **Cultural Impact**: The album's influence on fashion, culture, and the music industry is undeniable. It helped to mainstream hip-hop and set the stage for future collaborations across genres. 4. **Production Quality**: Rick Rubin's production is both minimalist and powerful, allowing the group's talent and message to shine through. The use of samples and scratching adds to the album's unique sound. 5. **Timeless Tracks**: Songs like "Walk This Way," "It's Tricky," and "My Adidas" have stood the test of time and remain iconic in both hip-hop and popular music. #### Cons 1. **Lack of Diversity in Themes**: While the album excels in its themes of self-assertion and cultural pride, it does not venture deeply into other social issues or personal struggles, which could have added more depth. 2. **Potential Over-Reliance on Rock Elements**: Some purists might argue that the heavy use of rock elements on tracks like "Walk This Way" takes away from the traditional hip-hop sound, potentially alienating hardcore hip-hop fans. 3. **Production Choices**: Rick Rubin's minimalist style, while innovative, might be seen as too raw or unpolished by some listeners who prefer more layered or complex productions. 4. **Short Length**: With only 12 tracks, the album leaves listeners wanting more. Some tracks, like "Son of Byford" and "Is It Live," are very short, which might feel like missed opportunities for further exploration. ### Conclusion *Raising Hell* by Run-D.M.C. is a landmark album that played a crucial role in the evolution of hip-hop. Its innovative fusion of hip-hop and rock, combined with strong lyrical content and impactful production, set new standards for the genre. The album's influence on music, culture, and fashion is profound, and its legacy endures to this day. Despite some criticisms regarding theme diversity and production choices, the album's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. *Raising Hell* remains a testament to Run-D.M.C.'s pioneering spirit and their ability to push the boundaries of hip-hop, making it an essential listen for anyone interested in the genre's history and development.
There’s no more important hip hop album than this one. I love the sound from this era.
O hellz ya. The good stuff.
80s hip hop is just so cool and so much more fun that where the genre went. I loved this.
Hip hop is my jam rn so I can't give it anything less than 5/5
It's no secret that I'm a big fan of artists blending rock with other musical styles. On this record, the "Kings of Rock" do this to an excellent degree, along with some other vintage 80s rap. Run-D.M.C are masters in the rap group stylings that you don't see often anymore in that they often alternate lyrics in quick succession as opposed to separate verses. Rather than this method seeming clunky or disjointed, they compliment one another seamlessly. Additionally, their use of rock guitars and rhythms mixed with a turntable could easily sound forced or out of place. On the contrary, you can hear them embody the "rockstar" persona and it shines through in their perfromance. I love this group. They were far ahead of their time in their experimentation with other genres without sounding too outlandish. Definitely added some tracks to my rap repertoire with this record. Notable Tracks: - Peter Piper - It's Tricky - My Adidas - Walk This Way - Is It Live - Raising Hell 9/10
Classic
Top notch hip hop album. A true classic.
This is so good. It’s a real shame that there’ll never be hiphop like this ever again. Rugged and raw but such urgency while keeping a great sense of fun. Love it.
The production on this is SO damn clear and foreword-looking. Lots of genre bending and beats are all distinctive with impressive scratching and complimentary vocals. The sampling, especially of Aerosmith is almost unbelievably prescient of how hip hop would evolve in the coming decades. The rapping itself also feels much more natural alongside each beat than how MCs would often perform in this era. Listened to: in Golden Gate Park. Favorite tracks: Peter Piper, Hit It Run, Raising Hell
How funny I just had the Aerosmith album with Walk This Way and the very next album is the Run-D.M.C. album with Walk This Way. I love this record. Such a classic old school hip-hop sound that really broke down the rap/rock barrier with Walk This Way. And the skill on the mic is in full show here. It truly is tricky to rock a rhyme to rock a rhyme that's right on time it's trickay
God I miss classic hip hop. One of the greatest.
Oh yeah
Been wearing Superstars for the last decade you know I had to do it to 'em. Have always liked this album a lot despite joking on most of the other big pre-1985 hip hop acts.
Genre defining. There are few albums that can illicit feelings of nostalgia and "simpler times" without feeling dated - this is one of them.
ICONIC
A very early milestone for the art of the rap album. The grandad hip hop of *Raising Hell* obviously sounds terribly dated in 2024, but what it loses because of this is counterbalanced by its contagious energy, its dynamic tracklisting exploring all the options you can choose in that similar groove (with or without the rock flourishes), along with its cultural relevance and impact. "It's Tricky", " Peter Piper" and that version of "Rock This Way" featuring Aerosmith are classics. And most of the other cuts are worth a detour. Number of albums left to review: less than 200, approximately - I've temporarily lost count here. Number of albums I'll include in my own list: half so far, approximately (including this one) Number of albums I *might* include: a quarter, approximately Number of albums I'll never include: another quarter, or just a little more (many other albums are more important to me)
HUGE sound and unmatched swagger. Classic.
Pretty much straight up classic
Wow, it's good.
Epic
Great classic Hip Hop. Certainly a very influential album.
❤️❤️❤️
Album goes big start to finish
Brilliant. Probably my favorite hip hop album of all time.
Peter piper picked peppers and Run rocked rhymes I’m instantly 16 again