Run DMC: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2009

Run DMC was a hip hop trio from Queens, New York. They are the greatest, most influential rap/hip hop acts in history. Joseph "Run" Simmons, Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell, and Darryl (DMC) McDaniels grew up in Hollis, Queens. The act signed with Profile Records and released their first single in 1983.

It's Like That (1983): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hN1SKVx31s


They quickly ascended the Hip Hop echelon and whisked away the Old School Hip Hip artists.

King of Rock (1985): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXzWlPL_TKw

My Adidas (1986): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dA8DsUN6g_k


Then, they broke into the mainstream. Their cover of "Walk this Way" was a pivotal moment in music history.

Walk This Way w/Aerosmith (1986): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B_UYYPb-Gk

You Be Illin' (1986): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5yaK7xHWmU

It's Tricky (1987): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-O5IHVhWj0

Christmas in Hollis (1987): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR07r0ZMFb8

Mary, Mary (1988): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgmyVLheqkQ

Down with the King (1993): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUXpNMMqW1A


The band did little after their last hit. Substance abuse, creative differences, and personal issues held Run DMC back. In 2002, Jam Master Jay was murdered and Run DMC retired.