Check out these new and used Run-DMC vinyl records LPs for sale. Run-DMC famously came into formation in Hollis, Queens in 1983 and included Jason Mizell, Darryl McDaniels, and Joseph Simmons (brother of Russell Simmons of Def Jam Records.) They are considered one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time alongside other notables like LL Cool J, A Tribe Called Quest, Beastie Boys, and De La Soul. They became the first rap group to have a gold record with their self-titled release from 1984. Their follow-up album, King of Rock, sold twice as many units and went platinum marking another milestone for a hip-hop group. The third album, Raising Hell, went multiplatinum with the help of the huge Aerosmith cover of Walk this Way which was all over MTV 24 hours a day. Run-DMC went on to enjoy continued success in the 90s and had a long standing relationship with adidas clothing. Tragically, Jason Mizell a.k.a. Jam Master Jay was murdered in 2002 at his recording studio. We recommend starting your Run-DMC vinyl collection with the essential albums Raising Hell, King of Rock and Walk This Way. Our inventory is always changing, so check back often, or browse our list of vinyl records for sale from hip-hop and rap musicians.

Run-DMC: Pioneering the Hip-Hop Revolution

The Genesis of Run-DMC Vinyl

Run-DMC, a trailblazing hip-hop group hailing from Hollis, Queens, New York, burst onto the music scene in the early 1980s, forever altering the landscape of the genre. Comprising Joseph Simmons (Run), Darryl McDaniels (DMC), and Jason Mizell (Jam Master Jay), Run-DMC Vinyl not only revolutionized hip-hop but also left an indelible mark on the entire music industry.

Rise to Stardom

Run-DMC’s journey began in 1983 with the release of their eponymous debut album, “Run-DMC.” Unlike their predecessors, the trio embraced a raw and stripped-down sound, intertwining rap with rock elements. The album’s standout tracks, including “It’s Like That” and “Sucker M.C.’s,” quickly ascended the charts, setting the stage for the group’s unprecedented success.

Discography: Exploring the Run-DMC Vinyl Legacy

1. “Run-DMC” (1984)

The debut album, “Run-DMC,” laid the foundation for the group’s iconic sound. Fusing rap with rock, the album is a sonic journey that showcases the trio’s lyrical prowess and innovative approach. The tracks not only resonated with hip-hop enthusiasts but also appealed to a broader audience, crossing genre boundaries.

2. “King of Rock” (1985)

“King of Rock” solidified Run-DMC’s status as pioneers, becoming the first rap album to achieve Gold status. The title track, “King of Rock,” infused heavy guitar riffs, marking a departure from traditional hip-hop beats. This groundbreaking fusion showcased the group’s versatility and willingness to push boundaries.

3. “Raising Hell” (1986)

Undoubtedly their most iconic album, “Raising Hell,” catapulted Run-DMC to superstardom. Featuring the groundbreaking collaboration with Aerosmith on “Walk This Way,” the album broke new ground by blending rap and rock in an unprecedented manner. The track not only became a massive hit but also opened doors for future collaborations between hip-hop and rock artists.

4. “Tougher Than Leather” (1988)

“Tougher Than Leather” continued the group’s exploration of the rap-rock fusion, maintaining their signature sound while experimenting with diverse musical elements. The album featured tracks like “Run’s House” and “Mary, Mary,” showcasing the trio’s evolving style and lyrical dexterity.

5. “Back from Hell” (1990)

While “Back from Hell” faced mixed critical reviews, it marked a transitional phase for Run-DMC. The album incorporated elements of funk and dance, reflecting the evolving trends in the music industry during the early ’90s. Despite the experimentation, the group remained true to their roots, delivering tracks that resonated with their fan base.

6. “Down with the King” (1993)

“Down with the King” marked a triumphant return for Run-DMC after a brief hiatus. The title track, featuring Pete Rock & CL Smooth, became a hip-hop anthem. The album seamlessly blended old-school elements with contemporary beats, solidifying Run-DMC’s enduring influence on the genre.

7. “Crown Royal” (2001)

“Crown Royal” served as both a reunion and a farewell for Run-DMC. While the album featured collaborations with prominent artists like Kid Rock and Fred Durst, it also paid homage to Jam Master Jay, who tragically lost his life in 2002. The album stands as a testament to the group’s enduring legacy and their impact on subsequent generations of artists.

The Run-DMC Vinyl Sound: A Genre-Defying Fusion

Run-DMC Vinyl’s music was a groundbreaking fusion of hip-hop and rock, a marriage that defied the conventions of the time. The trio’s decision to collaborate with rock legends like Aerosmith was a bold move that not only expanded their fan base but also paved the way for future genre-blurring collaborations.

The Run-DMC Style

Run-DMC’s style was characterized by stripped-down beats, powerful vocals, and socially conscious lyrics. Their tracks often delved into issues like inequality, racism, and the challenges faced by urban youth. This commitment to addressing societal issues set them apart from their contemporaries and solidified their status as pioneers of socially conscious rap.

Rock and Rap Fusion

The fusion of rock and rap in Run-DMC’s music was a revolutionary step that changed the face of hip-hop. Tracks like “Rock Box” and “King of Rock” featured heavy guitar riffs, bringing a new dimension to the genre. This fusion not only appealed to a broader audience but also laid the groundwork for the rap-rock movement that gained momentum in the 1990s.

Iconic Collaborations

One of the defining features of Run-DMC Vinyl’s career was their willingness to collaborate with artists from different genres. The groundbreaking collaboration with Aerosmith on “Walk This Way” not only revitalized Aerosmith’s career but also demonstrated the potential of merging hip-hop and rock. This cross-genre collaboration became a blueprint for future artists seeking to break down musical barriers.

Legacy: Influencing Generations

Run-DMC Vinyl’s impact on the music industry extended far beyond their own discography. The group’s innovative approach to blending genres, socially conscious lyrics, and charismatic stage presence influenced countless artists across various genres. Their legacy can be observed in both the hip-hop and rock scenes, with several bands and artists acknowledging their debt to Run-DMC.

Bands Influenced by Run-DMC Vinyl

1. Beastie Boys: The Beastie Boys, known for their eclectic mix of hip-hop and punk, cited Run-DMC as a major influence. The raw energy and genre-blurring elements evident in Run-DMC’s music inspired the Beastie Boys to experiment with their own sound, contributing to their success in the late ’80s and early ’90s.
2. Public Enemy: Run-DMC’s socially conscious lyrics left a lasting impact on Public Enemy, another iconic hip-hop group. Public Enemy’s commitment to addressing political and social issues in their music can be traced back to the trailblazing work of Run-DMC, who paved the way for a more politically charged form of hip-hop.
3. Run the Jewels: Comprised of Killer Mike and El-P, Run the Jewels carries the torch of Run-DMC’s socially conscious hip-hop. The duo’s fierce lyricism and unapologetic approach echo the spirit of Run-DMC, proving that the legacy of the pioneers continues to inspire new generations of artists.

Run-DMC’s Influence on Rock Bands

1. Limp Bizkit: The rap-rock fusion popularized by Run-DMC found a new expression in the late ’90s and early 2000s with bands like Limp Bizkit. Known for their energetic performances and genre-blurring approach, Limp Bizkit acknowledged the impact of Run-DMC in shaping their sound.
2. Rage Against the Machine: Renowned for their politically charged lyrics and unique blend of rap and rock, Rage Against the Machine drew inspiration from Run-DMC’s