This is another one of those albums that's here more for impact than anything. Run-D.M.C. really marked a sea change in hip-hop, from the more disco/party style of early hip-hop, to the more street style of east coast hip-hop. I don't think this is the greatest example of that sound, but they did it first and you can definitely hear the influence this album had on artists like the Beastie Boys and L.L. Cool J. The beats and flow are pretty simple by modern standards, but I do think tracks like "Rock Box" and "It's Like That" are deserved classics and hold up well. 3.5 stars.