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Album

Run-DMC

Run-D.M.C.

Run-D.M.C. is the 1984 debut album by Hollis, Queens trio Run-DMC, Joseph Simmons, Darryl McDaniels and Jam Master Jay, released by Profile Records.

The story

The 1983 single “It’s Like That” with “Sucker M.C.’s” on the flip side made everything before it sound dated. The album became the first rap album certified gold, and “Rock Box” was one of the first rap videos to get MTV airplay.

Sound and production

Larry Smith and Russell Simmons produced sparse, booming drum-machine tracks with almost nothing else in the way. “Rock Box” added rock guitar from Eddie Martinez, a move that set up “Walk This Way.”

Legacy

Street clothes, leather and Adidas replaced disco-era costumes, and rap’s modern image was born.

Tracklist & credits

Produced by Roddey Hui, Larry Smith, Russell Simmons

  1. A1
    Hard Times
    3:53
  2. A2
    Rock Box
    5:28
  3. A3
    Jam-Master Jay
    3:21
  4. A4
    Hollis Crew (Krush-Groove 2)
    3:12
  5. A5
    Sucker M.C.'s (Krush-Groove 1)
    3:15
  6. B1
    It's Like That
    4:45
  7. B2
    Wake Up
    5:30
  8. B3
    30 Days
    5:45
  9. B4
    Jay's Game
    4:17

Tracklist and producer credits: Discogs. Gear credits: Breakbeat Archive, sourced on each credit.

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