Reviews (page 9 of 14)
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.
Classic. Very of its time in a good way. Super fun to listen to. It does all start to sound the same though.
I don't know this was fun and annoying at the same time.
I understand how this album helped to start a whole cultural revolution. It was would have been so powerful and cool and fun in its time.
Cool old skool beats, yo in for a treat, yeah awesome man, this music sweet. (ahem) sorry, couldn't resist .... Yeah, maybe leave the rhymes to the pros LOL
Quality rhyming
Hip hop perfection.
Back 2 tha 80s. Yeah bwoooooyyy!
The first half of the album is awesome, the second half is unfortunately lacklustre.
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.
Respect it's place in history but not what I'm looking for in rap
Second run DMC in three days. this is the album that really blew them up and rightly so. Compared to modern hip hop it's pretty simplistic, but in context of it's time it's creative, boundary pushing and great fun to listen to.
This was pretty decent. Not usually my kind of music, but I enjoyed bits of it. 3/5
The begining of an era but its not really my favorite
80s hip-hop just sounds so very dated now. Not bad, but no real desire to listen to it again.
Iconic and funky
ttaaltk wthtsi wahyaw
Classic. 80s NY hip hop sound. Damn.
No. 279/1001 Peter Piper 3/5 It's Tricky 3/5 My Adidas 3/5 Walk This Way 3/5 It Is Live 3/5 Perfection 3/5 Hit It Run 2/5 Raising Hell 2/5 You Be Illin' 3/5 Dumb Girl 2/5 Son of Byford 3/5 Proud to Be Black 3/5 Average: 2,75 Similar to their first album I just don't think this has aged that well.
Best old school hip-hop album Too dated on the production side
Peter Piper It's Tricky My Adidas Walk This Way
Occasionally fun, but this is incredibly primitive hip-hop, with moderate energy. Nothing more, nothing less
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.
Okay album
okay this is actually fire robert donley morris reference also tyler the creator reference in one of the songs this is a banger
Pre-listening thoughts: literally all I can think of is White Chicks dance battle I’m so sorry😭😭 Post/during listening thoughts: ITS TRICKAYYYYYYY ‼️‼️‼️ I love this so much actually. It’s beyond fun and such a product of its time in the best way possible. Love that Aerosmith came out to play their sample live. It’s kind of Beastie Boy-esque although I’m assuming Run-DMC was the blueprint here. First four song run is historic. Strong 4 stars! 8.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: just like other rap of this time, I think you need to hear a selection from diff artists but not necessarily this whole album Fav tracks: Peter Piper, It’s Tricky, My Adidas, Walk This Way, Hit It Run, You Be Illin’
Not a hip hop person but this was a fun listen. The top half is much better than the second.
Great album. First 4 songs are as solid as it comes.
Some very recognisable songs
Liked the mixing with the samples
Круто. Есть пара любимых хитов
LP
A great album that showed the many sides of Run-DMC - some classic tracks on there
not too bad not really my kind of hip hop couple of nostalgic songs
It’s hard to continue the momentum when your album starts off with 4 of the greatest songs in your genre’s history. It’s insane how timeless “Peter Piper,,” “It’s Tricky,” “My Adidas,” and “Walk This Walk” sound, especially considering how entrenched they are with ‘80s hip-hop tropes, but damn do they still hold all their power while distilling Run-DMC to their simplest, strongest elements. Those 4 tracks alone elevate Raising Hell to classic status. The rest of Raising Hell, however, lacks that Midas Touch. There certainly are highlights (“Is It Live,” “You Be Illin’,” and “Proud to Be Black,”), but there’s also lowlights, too (“Perfection” “Dumb Girl,” and the throwaway “Son of Byford”). If I took away the 4-song opener, I wouldn’t call this a particularly bad record, but I would have to note that it’s a particularly ‘80s hip-hop record. Either you’ll like that, or you’ll find it dated. I personally enjoy a lot of ‘80s rap, and I like Run-DMC’s approach to it, so despite its bad cuts, I am mostly a fan, even if I know it’s far from the greatest hip-hop record ever made. It isn’t like Raising Hell has aged like milk, but it hasn’t aged like fine wine, either. The majority of this album is like a flat Coke you left in the fridge for a day or two – you can still enjoy the taste, but the magic is mostly gone. But goddamn, those first 4 songs!!!
It’s hard to view this album in its original context. Their sound seems to be what every old white man established as their understanding of hip hop to this day. “It’s Tricky” is a certified banger that absolutely holds up! The other songs follow in its footsteps, but don’t switch it up enough, save for the Aerosmith cameo in “Walk this way” which is a moment in music history. In the end there is not much here for to revisit, because it would be ridiculous to put on “it’s tricky” or “walk this way” in earnest.
Very cool beats and sound
Really old skoool, Walk this way is a banger 3.8
Awesome. This was a good listen. I already loved Peter Piper, It's Tricky, and Walk This Way and definitely think those are the best tracks. But the whole album brings that same high energy and the songs flow together so well.
How little people needed back in the day
they sound like they were having fun recording this but I wasn't as I was listening to it SSX Tricky carried that song
I really do not enjoy Walk This Way
Come on- walk this way is great.
-this is decent, has some really catchy songs on it. Most notably of course It’s Tricky, which is one of my favorite pre-00s rap songs of all time. None of the other tracks quite lived up to the hype in my opinion but it never got too terrible -Favorites are It’s Tricky, Walk This Way, and You Be Illin’
I enjoyed the funk(?)/jazz(?) inspirations that are on this album, mixed in with pop as well. It wasn’t just a standard rap album, and there’s some real bangers. Overall, I really enjoyed it!
Bangers
Frigging old school Rap - a turntable a mic and rhymes suitable for any street contest. Memories.
3/5 Some nice tracks, though I felt the type of songs became a little repetitive halfway through.
so funnnnn (i always thought “it’s tricky” was a disney original song 💀)
This is some good ribbity rib rip rap rappin Favorite Tracks: Peter Piper, It’s Tricky
Fun but not my style
No va
6/10
Good music. I can feel the beat and can get down with it. Favorite song is You be Illin
really not my style of hiphop
Not bad.
It’s tricky
Some phenomenal tracks. 4.
This is the kind of hip hop I'm here for. Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 5/5
Sounds clunky at times. I couldn’t make it through it’s tricky. Low 3.
I totally didn't realize its tricky is a real song, it's kinda fun, thought a few of the songs were fine but not a huge fan of the album as a listening experience tho. the beatboxing was not enjoyable.
4/10 - It was fine. I do not really like record scratches that much and they were used quite a bit. I did not expect to know a song from the album but I guess so.
This sounded hella dated and I didn’t really enjoy it
still don't really like old hip-hop too much, but this i don't mind. Its fun, i see the appeal. enjoyable listen
Very cool!
3- Stars (7/15)
me personally, i like the beastie boys
80s hip hop which varies in style between beat breaks and rock samples. A lot of catchy tracks, but also a lot of crap.
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.
It's tricky to rock a rhyme to rock a rhyme that's right on time it's tricky. Tricky tricky tricky tricky. Also Pop Will Eat Itself sampled the title track.
Dated but foundational hip-hop. It's Tricky holds up great. Walk This Way was my least favourite track but that's just because of my distaste for 80s rock.
I prefer the lighthearted early hip hop vs. angry Gangsta rap full of heavy language. These songs are peppy and fun. RDMC has a unique approach with the alternating banter. The collaboration with Aerosmith in the MTV era cannot be understated. This was one of the most radical cross genre collaborations up to that period of time. Coupled with the video breaking down the wall and performing together, it was a huge splash single/video at the time. Rounded up for influence… 3.5/5
I really liked the sonic simplicity of this. Totally forgot that three big hits were all on this. No doubt that bands like Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, NWA, etc. would not have reached their level of popularity and relevance without these guys. And the collaboration with Aerosmith stands as one of the most pivotal genre-mash up partnerships. This album and band broke down walls figuratively and literally (see video for Walk This Way) that continues today.
While the front half of this album contains the hits (several), I think the vibes carry on consistently throughout. Really enjoyed it, while not typically my thing
Start of the album still holds up and is a great listen. Amazing influence in rap and even revitalizing Aerosmith’s career. Also read they got a $1mm endorsement deal from Adidas. Brilliant! 3.75
Not a huge fan of 80's hip hop but hard to deny this record. First four songs are bangers. Easy 4* for me. 3.75/5
Old school hip hop has never really been my thing but I can appreciate this album from a history standpoint and how it really kicked off an entire huge genre of music.
I was never into these guys. But I have heard a couple of these songs. It's Tricky, and Walk This Way. It was aight. 3 stars
Old school hip hop. I feel that it was amazing for its time and laid the groundwork for a lot of what came and that it deserves respect for that. Still, though, it sounded dated to me and I think there's just better stuff that's been released since. Kind of crazy to have two songs as big as it's "It's Tricky" and "Walk This Way" on one album.
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
Do you like fast going songs? The album Raising Hell By Run-D.M.C has many songs that you might like. I like the drums they have, very simple but it fits the songs. I also like their rapping and the fact that they changed a song's lyrics from singing into rapping. I think I would play this album if I needed energy in the morning so I would recommend this album to anyone.
have you ever heard a great song like this well thats what I heard from the first album I think its got great instruments and lyrics and was pretty good I think the album was great and I would recommend listening to this album
ithis song is about how rapping is tricky. i like the beat and the rhymes, and how i never heard of this artist, and i still know this song
Do you like old style rap? If you do this is the album for you! I've heard a lot of their songs in movies, and I really like it because it has a good beat, and it has a simple drum part. That is why I think this album is okay.
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
Much more serious and badass that I remembered. These guys helped to elevate the genre into a legitimate art form.
Great album that deserves its place here, unlike most of the shit I've had the last 2 weeks here.
Unmissable monument of its genre that took hip-hop to a whole other level. Run DMC's guys are legends and I pay respect.
I don’t like rap but this is not terrible.
2 goeie nummers... waarvan 1 met een keerzijde : Aerosmith dacht voor een tijdje dat ze terug relevant waren...
Funky and full of ground zero for the term “gangster rap”
I was pretty excited when I saw this was my album of the day. After having listened to the album, I’d say I was pretty disappointed. I hate to say it, but by today’s standards, Run DMC is pretty boring. The flow of the lyrics, and the lyricism itself, is rudimentary at best. The drum machine of that era is annoying as well. I get that they helped pave the way for hip hop and rap to come, but man was I bored outta my skull.
Had a couple songs I enjoyed (sort of). Walk this Way & It's Tricky.
Pretty fun!
Some nice songs (Walk This Way, It’s Tricky, Raising Hell) but the production really stops me from enjoying this too much. Revolutionary though, etc
So many familiar songs from the 80’s
Not really able to listen to the whole thing.
Hell yes!!!
Raising Hell in my brain. More like raising hellish nightmares. Hell has raised bad music to a new level, and it's name is Run-D.M.C. Ok, maybe a bit harsh. But mama didn't raise no fool; this stuff is hell on my ears. Run away!
yeah i got a dog but before i was born
Had to bring aerosmith for a song
The "rapping" in this album sounds like some square white dudes, with some of the most typical and boring trap beats I've had the pleasure of hearing.
AWWWWW IM BLACK YALL AND IM BLACK YALL AND IM BLACKER THAN BLACK COS IM BLACK YALL IM BLACK YALL IM BLACK YALL COS IM BLACKER THAN BLACK COS IM BLACK YALL IM BLIGGIDY BLACK BLACKER THAN BLACK BLACK IM BLACKER THAN BLACK YO BECAUSE IM BLACK AND IM BACK
It’s like if a 15 year old got his hands on a sample pad and this was his first major assessment in music class for year 10. But like in a good way, Beauty in simplicity right here AND IM BLACK YALL
Vieux rap mais 2/3 son sympa
Culturally significant. Fun listen.
I'm good with this. Solid usually synth beat. Sometimes cheesy rhymes. I'm not going to listen to it over and over, but I won't turn it off if it comes on.
BEST SONGS: - Is It Live - Hit It Run
Very good and fun
Chillan
2.5/5, will listen again.
Incredibly strong album - I can see how it was so influential and important to hip hop. "Walk this Way" was the clear highlight of the album for me, though the first four songs are just banger after banger. Took off an entire star for "Dumb Girl" because I hated how misogynistic it was.
It was not for me. It kept changing styles
Groundbreaking for the hip-hop scene. By now I'm sure much of the tracklist is played out, but that doesn't take away from the importance of the album. I want fast food and a new pair of Adidas now.
The classic album that was genre defining. And it was enjoyable with my morning coffee.
Just drum machines. The sound of 90s hip hop and clearly inspirational, but pretty dull to listen to these days. It's tricky / walk this way the highlights purely because they're know.
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.
I'm in agreement with those saying that the most satisfying tracks aren't the hits - 'Raising Hell' and 'You Be Illin'' are my personal faves. That being said, the biggies do hold up - 'It's Tricky' is fun, and perhaps because it's been a minute since I've heard it I can afford a degree of benevolence, but 'Walk This Way' is still a gas. There's a crispness and solidity to the beats and samples that I like - it's a spare, roomy, punchy sounding album. Without being a huge rap fan, I was pretty happy with spending forty minutes or so with Run DMC.
I'm not exactly sure why I don't really like this album. It does have some songs that I love, and make me feel nostalgic. I really don't like Aerosmith, so that cameo was super meh. Maybe it's just too shouty?
Love!
Classic, old-school hip-hop
This is basically a Greatest Hits record. So many good tracks on one record. The mood is uplifting and inspiring. RUN DMC bring the party to your ears with this release. Old school hip hop usually isn’t my favorite, but this album is such quality.
On the one hand, it did do John-the-Baptist service. On the other, Run DMC did (perhaps unfairly? I dunno) find themselves headless rather quickly. Groundbreaking as Walk This Way is, I don't think they fully earned the sobriquet of ground breakers. There is too much sameness in this album for that.
SMACZNE bardzo chlopaki se hip hopujom ale gitarka tez zarzucona wziu wziu pipi stare dobre
Two years removed from NWA
Love taking it back in time with some OG genre defining rap.
As appreciative as I am of the positive messages of most of these songs, half the album was spent introducing themselves and one of them telling us several different times that his last name was not McDonald's. That's a little weird. But "Tricky," "You Be Illin'," "My Adidas," and "Dumb Girl" were all pretty good.
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.
I would rare it a zero if I could
I’ve had one Run D.M.C albums generated before today, and I remember really wanting to love it and feeling somewhat underwhelmed and only really remembering It’s Like That. Fortunately, today’s album is much more what I was holding the initial one would be. The beats have that big, classic 80’s sound, and there was much more to enjoy with what was happening. It incorporated a fair bit more rock music than I expected (aside from the obviously expected Aerosmith input). It made me wonder if Run D.M.C may have been the innovators of rap rock. If so, do we blame them for Limp Bizkit?
Third day in row -an album I already own, great re listening after a while.
Didn't listen to the whole thing. I kinda find RUN-DMC corny. Not a fan of that Aerosmith collab either
This has some staying power, but Dumb Girl doesn't age well. Walk This Way is great until Steven Tyler butts in. Tricky is a classic. The rest is a stark reminder of how far hip-hop has come in the last 40+ years.
Started off sooooo good and then drops off.
Great stuff. Very few reasons to fault this.
This album was hit after hit. Lots of fun. So innovative.
Bangers from start to finish
NO
Run DMC the only Rap I can stand
Some classic beats and hits - clearly an influencial album for the genre. Not really my style, and I don't think there is anything that made me want to revisit this record in particular. "Dumb Girl" is an unfortunate relic of the time, but overall its good for historical context.
It's perfect. No notes.
I know everyone loves these guys, and they are supposedly rap pioneers. I’m not that impressed. The music is not timeless.
Awesome
pretty solid album. Was a nice break from the rock albums that are suggested here.
It’s seems I’ve listened to this album before as I’ve liked the first four tracks already on Spotify. I have to agree with my former self that these are the best tracks. After that it gets a bit samey but I like this early hip hop sound and thoroughly enjoyed the album.
Enjoyed. Expected more punch
Legends
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.
The first four tracks of this are so good that it kinda makes the rest of it seem kinda average. After hearing the openers tracks like "Perfection" and "Hit It Run" sound really dated; they are missing that spark in the samples and turntable work that make the other tracks work. Those openers, though, those are all timeless. Sure the rapping is dated but for whatever reason I can't explain in those songs it doesn't sound that way at all. "Raising Hell" and "You Be Illin'" come close to that with the saxophone/guitar and scratch hits, but it's not quite there. This gets an extra star for how good the beginning is, otherwise it'd be a 3.
Good classic stuff.
I actually quite liked this album. I had heard a lot of it before, and I suppose familiarity breeds acceptance.
Another great golden age hip-hop album. This one looms larger than most, with some monster hits that have stood the test of time.
tschikkaschikkatschikk
Everyone likes this album right? I’m not keen on it but even I like this album. A deserved placing.
It’s simplicity and repetitive nature left a bitter yet melancholic taste in my ears, and as much as I try to debate to myself the importance of acts like these in Hip-Hops formative years, and how far performers and the genre itself has come, and can’t help be bored by this album. This avoids a one due to the artists ability to disc jockey and sample proficiently, as well as the obvious stand out track in “Walk this Way”, which paints a very clean and well executed collaboration of crossroads which sweetens this otherwise medicinal flavoured collection. I continually feel that a two is too harsh, but at the end of the day I always seem to be coming back to a key point that I will be the first to heavily admit, personal taste encroaches heavily upon: - Without Aerosmith Walk this Way would be significantly more repetitive and agonising than it is… Again, an opinion from some who wasn’t even alive when this album was going platinum, so whilst I reserve the right to have an opinion of works such as this, I don’t have all of the pieces to definitely talk about it’s finished puzzle.
Cool
I enjoyed this more than I expected.
Not really my cup of tea but I found it lighter and more listenable than most hip hop I've listened to. I realize its early and formative importance in the development of Rap. As such its style is dated. But the reimagining of Walk This Way is a classic that holds up . 2.4
1st half is all classics, falls off in the 2nd half. higher score because of all hits
Historically important. But not enjoyable to listen to. I can’t get into the rap-yell style so the whole album blends almost entirely together. Respect though for contributions to the genre.
Although I´m not into Hip-Hop I can´t resist the Run D.M.C. sound on this. The album contains the bangers "It's Tricky" and "Walk This Way" and some other good tracks like "Raising Hell", "You Be Illin'" and "Proud to Be Black". A pretty solid pick! 3,5
I used to like this band when I was a kid, but I don't think their sound has aged well purely because other rap acts have done their schtick better, Beastie Boys in particular. Still very influential and deserves to be on the list though.
An old school hip hop classic that integrates more rock influence. Definitely an influential, landmark album, though I’m lukewarm on it. The first 4 song run of Peter Piper - it’s Tricky - My Adidas - Walk This Way is a powerhouse, though the album doesn’t hold my attention nearly as much after that. Beats are slim but some catchy - mostly a computerized (or just very 80s-produced) sounding bouncy drums with some turntables or occasional guitar. Some decent raps but nothing to write home about, though they do the 1-2 MC punch well. Innovative for its time, but just feels ok now.
It's a classic, and it probably planted the seed for all rap-rock acts to grow from. It sounds a bit dated but it's still a bop.
a bit samey
This is a great record. Groundbreaking, fun, well written, enthusiastic performances.
Fav: Walk This Way Least Fav: Perfection (ironic) A couple of good songs on here but I was not a fan of their beatboxing
I enjoyed It's Tricky and Walk This Way.
Iconic hip hop album, but it does have some filler songs.
Very good album, only hits
iconic but not my thing
This record doesn't sound as awkward as their other record on the list, but it's not quite 3 star material. Favorite song: walk this way
I’ve only gotten into rap fairly recently, and I think it’s so fascinating to see its origins and evolution. Going from a world dominated by rock into a surgence of rap in the 80’s and the widespread experimenting with the genre in the 90’s is something I find very interesting. That being said, Run-D.M.C. is one of these bands that really popularized and made the genre, bringing it to so many around the world and showing what could be done with some sampling, mixing, and vocals. This record in particular really shows the talent in the band to maintain a steady feel throughout the record while also keeping things fresh. The first few songs are obviously amazing, but this remains pretty consistent through the record, without meandering on too long. I’m not sure some of the songs aged too well (I’m looking at you “Dumb Girl”) but culturally and influentially speaking, this record has yet to age at all. Great listen, 4/5.
A five star album that gets two stars knocked off for revitalizing Aerosmith’s career and one added back for being indirectly responsible for SSX Tricky.
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.
Now we're talking. This album went multi-platinum?!! It was so boring, I had no idea. Just basic 80's rapping over drum beats, no music in there, apart from "walk this way" which we have all heard way too many times.
Definitely not my favorite era of Hip-Hop but this album has some absolute classics. It's Tricky, My Adidas, Walk This Way, Hit It Run, Raising Hell, and You Be Illin' are all great. The instrumentation of the whole album is pretty special and feels revolutionary for the time especially when they implement heavier sounds and guitars. The lyrics are interesting but when listening through as a complete album, I got a little board with the cadence and lyrics that didn't (to me) say anything profound. Fully aware that this isn't an album written for me but there is a lot of modern Hip-Hop that hits me on a deeper level because the lyrics aren't just clever, they are smart and challenging.
5, tak się robi hip hop
Old school? Some of these tracks never get old.
cool
didn't like it all that much, but was really surprised, i knew a lot of these songs! iconic
What?! There's such a thing as rap without excessive profanity, misogyny, violent themes and anger?! This album is a lot of fun but it starts to sound same-y and repetitive pretty quickly.
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.
Important and ferocious fun at its best, which is “Tricky”, "Walk this Way" and the opener "Peter Piper", the rest part-validates the contemporary philistine's labelling of this as novelty music: behind the then-bold eruptions of mechanised horns and vinyl scratching there's not much to hang onto.
Didn't get the love for this at the time, and still think it's a poor effort. Not really "fun" rap like Sugarhill Gang etc. earlier, and pretty weak compared to Public Enemy or even LL Cool J. Boring beats and one-note shouty rhymes, like the similarly overhyped Beastie Boys. Walk This Way is definitive, but only because the original is terrible. Barely scrapes a 3 for historical purposes [EDIT - downgraded as it's boring as shit]
1. The opening of this song is weird dont want it. Production is good but that bell thing is a bit much 6/10 2. I like the chorus but if it keeps repeating I might start fussing Production is great No fussing 8/10 3. production is great how did rick rubin produce this and also system of a down best so far 8.5/10 4. This might be a cover Don't like the chorus but everything else is fine I wish RUN-DMC did the chorus 7/10 5. I dont like the snare but I like that weird noise Cool 8/10 6. Don't like the hi hat too loud :( kinda boring 5/10 7. this mixing is ASS vocals are quite and then the chorus is wayyy too loud but the verses are good 5/10 8. i like the verses and how there is not a vocal chorus its like perma heat and the production is good best so far 8.6/10 9. I like that brass best so far 8.7/10 10. I don't like the repeating "dumb" mixing is bad the instrumental is too loud too long 3/10 11. interlude that doesnt add anything 3/10 12. mixing is bad again :( why does is suddenly get quieter I like the verses though 6.5/10 overall: for its time, production, verses, writing, etc. is pretty good. But more often then not it just doesn't hold up. 6/10
My brother came back from a summer working in America with this on cassette. It was like he had come back from the future.
4.25
Big points for innovation but I got bored after the first few tracks.
Molto figa l'intro e poi "It's tricky" poi c'è pure "Walk this way". Tutto quanto ha un bellissimo mood
Yo Jay - Break. Zuka, zuka. Just listen while I’m dissin - dis rap smells like crap and you pissin me off. I’ve listened to worse so not that horrible. Simple, juvenile lyrics over heavy bass drums and a lot of finger lickin. Ya makin me illin’ homes (1.7*s)
I get why this is on the 1001 list ("Walk This Way" alone) but there's a reason I've never listened to a full Run DMC album before. Cheesy sound effects, weak beat machine, corny-ass rhymes, super repetitive and annoying. There's some ok moments ("It's Tricky & My Adidas") but everything after the first 4 tracks just blends together into an annoying cacophony of 80's sounds. Honestly, I expected more masterful wordplay and better raps from this duo. "Stupid as can be... breakdown!"
Although the 80s breakin', scratchin', rappin' scene was cool, I never could get into the music. It's always comes off as hokie with pretty weak rhymes. I get that this is the early stages of the genre and MCs wanted it to be positive and approachable for all. Walk This Way was the 1st to bridge the rock/rap gap and that's why we see the album on the list. Tricky is another pretty good one but the cheeseyness takes over. They even make fsrt sounds while best boxing. Knew that Run-DMC would make the list and not the worst group in my opinion from 80s hip hop...1.9.
There's something about old school hip hop that hits in a fun positive way. Raising Hell exemplifies this all the way through. While it may be considered cheesy compared with modern rap/hip hop it's hard not to have a blast with this album. My suburban white-boy ass tends to side with old school hip hop compared to modern stylings so this is much more up my alley than other rap and hip hop albums on the list. 3.56 stars
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
A few absolute bangers, but good lord this gets repetitive fast. 3/5
Very nice hip-hop album
Samples go hard Love Aerosmith. Wild they were on a debut album Dumb dumb dumb
Iconic!
Great percussion. Someone said this is the original rap rock album though which keeps it from a 5.
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.
Recognized a few of these
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.
Arguably a very influential Hip Hop album, just not really my thing unfortunately, if I was to rate it based of it's influence I'd give it maybe a 3-4. But basing it just of the music I wasn't a huge fan. But that's just my taste.
Excellent
Classic. So good.
I don’t love a lot of old rap, but I like Run-DMC. They’re kinda silly.
Excellent album.
Great 80s hip hop album, with some absolute classics, desveres to be on the list, but just sounds too dated to be more than 1 listen.
Rap is not generally my thing. I really do like how the lyrics move between the two people, it makes the songs feel very dynamic. The second song is a classic is it not? I the part with Aerosmith blends in surprisingly well (but perhaps I am just biased to Aerosmith). However, I do find the heavily beat focused backing just repetitive and headache inducing. I found the beatboxing stuff in hit it run and son of a buried to be very odd and off putting (too panty). The album chilled out a bit more in the middle.
Sonically a lot of it was the exact same, but some classics on here.
I enjoyed the bops like "You Be Illin" and "It's Tricky" but the rest of this album was just not to my liking. To each their own!
I love rap and this was a disappointment. It's hard for me to go back to the 80's era of rap when after knowing that Dr. Dre is about to revolutionize the genre with his approach to beats- I want to grade this on a curve because it's so foreign to what we know the genre to be today but it sounds really dated, the beats are worse, the flow is worse - nothing really special about this to me.
This album is probably the beginning of mainstream hip-hop. The style is very basic lyrically but it's got a great jam.
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.
Comes out of the gate with a string of great tracks but tails off into sameness
There’s no more important hip hop album than this one. I love the sound from this era.
Legendary, but couldn't listen on a daily basis.
Was a little slow but decent opening lines.
Yeah this was frickin' old school cool. I miss 80s Hip-Hop!
There are a couple hits and some deeper tracks that are pretty good, but overall a lot of this sounds pretty similar. Wildly influential, changed the game, but ultimately fairly middle of the road for me today.
Aunque es innegable la influencia que este disco tuvo sobre la escena del hip-hop, tanto en hitos de ventas (específicamente con el cover de Walk This Way) como en sonido y empleo de samples, este trabajo envejeció como la leche. Es una cápsula del tiempo de los inicios de un nuevo género y debe ser respetado como tal, por lo que su lugar en esta lista es incuestionable, ya que es un clásico. Lamentablemente, no logré disfrutarlo; lo encontré demasiado cursi y vacío. Estoy feliz de que este álbum exista porque es el piso del género; de acá todo es cuesta arriba.
Well this is a surprisingly huge amount of fun
This is probably the best type of rap that I care to listen to, sparse, creative, fresh, and fun. Almost feels like a brand new sound that aliens from a different world introduced here. I'll give 3 stars
A quintessential three-star pick. Some notable songs, but not a classic.
Kind of cool to think how different this album is from the previous rap albums.
Entertaining except “Dumb Girl” was pretty ridiculous
So much better than the other album on here, the production has come to life - resulting in Walk This Way being a masterclass in remixing for the time. The vocals are pretty tame but it's still early days, and I find their comparative innocence quite endearing.
O hellz ya. The good stuff.
This sounds soooo dated. Doesn't really hold up today, but you have to respect classics like It's Tricky and Walk This Way. However, my favorite track is Raising Hell also really surprised me with the metal-heavy beat.
There's some good songs here. The famous singles "Tricky" and "Walk This Way" are alright. The title track is my favourite. I also liked "You Be Illin", a song that's referenced in the top comment. A few songs are a let down though. I'll give "Raising Hell" 3 stars.
80s hip hop is just so cool and so much more fun that where the genre went. I loved this.
Okay, this thing of tossing the line back-and-forth between multiple rappers is fun. Excellent timing and discipline. And hey, a music video with Penn and Teller?
It was ground breaking. Sounds dated in 2024. Still some very good songs 3 stars.
really fun. i didn't expected to much, but i really liked it! the song with aerosmith is amazing
Pretty cool. Not really my thing, but it’s classic.
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
Nearly wanted to take a mark off for the bear boxing, which is so cringy and dated and more than anything, just sounds bad. But the rest of it is great. Very high 3 to 4. Will decide later
It took me a long time to appreciate the mix between rock and rap that this album highlights. But my musical understanding of genre and the various fusions of it have shown me by now that there is no "mistake" or compromise or selling out, etc. Run-DMC is funny, relevant, no doubt classic and iconic as a band and thier music does well against the test of time. This album is one of those that makes me hesitate when nastalgic and generation specific comments are made about music not being what it used to and all that. Generally I find it cringe, but you know ? ... Who is the contemporary Run DMC? This also goes in reverse, Yes, great music drops every day! But don't get overly smug about just HOW great something is until you take a little trip back in time.
A fun, bumping hip hop album. Had a good time listening to this one. Clear to see where the Beastie Boys get their sound from. The last couple songs weren’t my favorites, but the album had a strong first half. Standouts: It’s Tricky, Walk This Way (feat. Aerosmith), Is It Live, Hit It Run, and Raising Hell.
Not my thing, but an iconic hit parade nevertheless!
Super funky, childhood flashback sounds! This album was so groundbreaking! Making me miss my adidas superstars 💙
Good upbeat songs! Very nostalgic 4 ⭐️
Definitely know Run DMC. Pretty sure we listened to some RUN DMC earlier. Nope that was Public Enemy. I have always wanted to check out one of their records.
Classic
Liked it
Hip hop masterpiece
This is an excellent album, but I like The first one more. Walk this Way has not aged well.
So I already don't like 80s hip hop for the most part and bringing in Aerosmith, who sucks, in doesn't help. It really feels like this was made for suburban teens to feel cool. I don't like it. People lose their mind when some of these songs come on but I don't get it. It really all sounds the same. I guess you can call it influential but most of what this spawned kinda sucks too.
Horrible | Bad | Mid | ★ Great ★ | Perfect --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Good songs: Peter Piper, It's Tricky, My Adidas, Walk This Way (feat. Aerosmith), Is It Live, Perfection, Hit It Run, You Be Illin', Proud to Be Black Mid songs: Raising Hell, Dumb Girl, Son Of Byford Bad songs: None! :3 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Overall rating: 8/10
Top notch hip hop album. A true classic.
4⭐️
some bangers on this, aerosmith was such a good feature on this
Energetic and fun, but some of these rhymes are pretty dumb. The singles are all solid. Fave Songs: It's Tricky, Walk This Way, My Adidas, You Be Illin'
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.
Thought it would get old fast, but actually was enjoyable all the way through
its tricky to place a rate on this great album. Something adidas
5/10 *yawn* Thanks guys, I do be illin'. Now can you see yourselves out. 6-18-2024
Classic hip hop. But not my thing.
Kuunneltu, parit klassikot messissä
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
I don’t like hip hop at all, no matter how good it may be. This is not as awful as most, although I can’t get through any song to the end and can't get beyond a 1.
Raising Hell was better than expected. Tons of bangers and very culturally relevant. Walk this Way is iconic and one of the most songs ever written. Combining 2 cultures and changing music (credit to the Beastie Boys as well for 1986s License to Ill) my adidas and Tricky are also elite 8.7/10
So refreshing to get some hip hop. I love the beats on these 80s tracks, so good to cruise along to. Great album, with some cool bits of rock thrown in.
Hell yeah. This is the kinda shit I live for. I played SSX Tricky as a kid so I absolutely love It's Tricky.
Very old-school rap, high energy with equal brashness and humor. Minimal instrumentals, mostly just beats and voices. And how do you forget “Walk This Way?”
Slightly similar feel to Pauls Boutique by Beastie Boys although much more refined and better flow in my opinion. Not my favorite, the sound of the DJ-discs scratching/rewinding can get a little much sometimes. Great album to skate along with!
Not a fan of rap but this is a good album.
Raising Hell was a pretty good album all things considered. It reminded me of the Beastie Boys album i looked at a long while back (which makes sense since they both released at around the same time) with both of their mixes of rap and rock. I honestly do think this album is better though. The highs of the album felt higher than anything Licensed To Ill could do and its lows were not nearly as low. This album still did have its fair share of lows here and there but it's highs more than made up for it. This is definitely one quintessential rap rock album. Best Song: Raising Hell Worst Song: Perfection (Ironically enough)
I totally love the old school hip hop vibes, without the outright profanity, with this album. Too short though! Listen again:yes Purchase for my collection: probably Favourite Song: it’s tricky
It’s Tricky and Walk This Way are peak songs. Rest of album is fun, but there is definitely a different cadence to their rapping style.
Great album holding up really well. Need to circle back to it at least one more time.
God I miss classic hip hop. One of the greatest.
7/10 beastie boys. old school
It’s great. Remembered it as losing a lot of steam after the first 3-4 tracks. Raising Hell is a great song I’d completely forgotten about. I’d give it a 5 except it resurrected Aerosmith. At the time that was cool and remained ok for awhile. However it resulted in “I don’t want to miss a thing” so minus one star. (Not really, I was giving this a 4 anyway).
Oh yeah
Hit and miss.
pretty enjoyable but will never listen again
i honestly didnt think i liked hip hop that much, but this is awesome.. maybe i will have to listen to more like it
Not my genre. A bit like lonely island
Starts out strong then 2nd half is filler
Cheeks
I know run-d.m.c. are a legend, but it didn't really enjoy it. Not my thing I guess :(
By turns goofy and passionate about social issues, combining rock and rap in a way that had never been done before, Raising Hell is perhaps Run-DMC’s ultimate artistic statement. Special mention to the late Jam Master Jay, crafting incredible beats on the turntables.
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.
Always fun to hear time capsules like this.
80s Hip Hop is fun!
Consider hell properly raised.
Love the beats and the way they finish each other’s lines. Kickin’ it old school.
Tolles Album mit vielen Hits wie It‘s tricky oder Walk this way mit Aerosmith.