DMC, member of the legendary group RUN-DMC, shares stories of the early days of hip-hop, his solo career, collaborations, the impact of 'Walk This Way', the importance of DJs in hip-hop culture, surviving and inspiring through war, adoption, the power of therapy, their decision between Adidas and Puma, the future of Run DMC, creating a network of superhero characters, and admiration for Run DMC and tribute to Jam Master Jay.
Run-DMC's unique approach to making beat jams and dedication to representing the true culture of hip-hop set them apart and made them influential in the genre.
Run-DMC was instrumental in bringing the focus back to the DJ, with Jam Master Jay becoming an integral part of the group's identity and success.
The sound and style of Run-DMC were groundbreaking, bringing a harder edge and rawness to their music compared to their predecessors.
The success of 'Walk This Way' made Run-DMC realize their achieved level of fame and recognition.
Run-DMC's music continues to resonate with new generations, proving their lasting impact and influence.
DMC's personal struggles with depression and finding out he was adopted led to a dark period, but hip hop provided him solace and a way to express himself.
Deep dives
The Origins of Run-DMC and their Journey in Hip-Hop
Run-DMC's journey in hip-hop began with Run's solo record deal. However, Run decided to include DMC in his group, and they formed the legendary Run-DMC. They made a record with Profile Records, and their singles 'It's Like That' and 'Sucker M.C.'s' became hits. They became known for their live performances and showmanship, opening for renowned acts such as Marvin Gaye and Parliament Funkadelic. Their unique approach to making beat jams and their dedication to representing the true culture of hip-hop set them apart and made them influential in the genre.
The Influence of the DJ in Early Hip-Hop
In the early days of hip-hop, the DJ played a crucial role in the genre. They were seen as the forefront of the movement, and their skills and performances were highly regarded. DJs like Grandmaster Flash and DJ Kool Herc pioneered the art of DJing and turntablism. However, over time, the importance of the DJ became somewhat overshadowed, but Run-DMC was instrumental in bringing the focus back to the DJ, with Jam Master Jay becoming an integral part of the group's identity and success.
Creating the Run-DMC Sound and Style
The sound and style of Run-DMC were unique and groundbreaking in hip-hop. They brought a harder edge and rawness to their music compared to the more musical and sample-heavy approach of their predecessors. They made a conscious effort to represent the culture and roots of hip-hop in their lyrics and performances. Their fashion choices, like wearing Adidas tracksuits and shell-toe sneakers, also became iconic and influenced the hip-hop fashion scene. They were true pioneers who elevated the genre and left a lasting impact on the culture of hip-hop.
The Moment I Felt Like I Made It
The moment I felt like I made it was in 1986 after the release of "Walk This Way." The success and impact of the song, as well as the reaction from fans and the industry, made me realize that we had achieved a level of fame and recognition that was truly significant.
Connecting with the Next Generation
One of the beautiful things about our career is that even as time has passed, our music continues to resonate with new generations. Kids today still dress up as Run DMC for Halloween and aspire to have that iconic status that we achieved. It's rewarding to see that our impact and influence has lasted beyond the era in which we first rose to prominence.
The timeless legacy of Run DMC
Run DMC's music and contribution to hip hop is timeless. Whether it's hearing our songs at parties, being recognized and celebrated by fans, or having people dress up as us for Halloween, it's clear that our impact has stood the test of time and continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans.
The Impact of Walk This Way
Walk this way was a groundbreaking collaboration that changed the music industry. Rick Rubin's idea to sample the Aerosmith song and have Run DMC rap over it was a revolutionary concept at the time. The song's success paved the way for more crossover collaborations in the future, breaking down genre barriers and expanding the reach of hip hop.
Personal Struggles and Identity
DMC opens up about his personal struggles with depression and finding out he was adopted later in life. These revelations led to a dark period for DMC, where he contemplated suicide. However, through hip hop and his music, he found solace and a way to express himself.
Interactions with Tupac and Biggie
DMC shares his experiences with Tupac and Biggie, discussing their personalities and interactions. He recalls opening for them on tour and witnessing their impact on the music industry. Despite the East Coast-West Coast rivalry, DMC emphasizes that there was mutual respect and admiration between him and both artists.
The Impact of Run DMC and Hip Hop Culture
Run DMC's music and fashion style revolutionized the hip hop culture. They chose to wear Adidas sneakers, which became iconic and popularized the brand in the hip hop community. They broke barriers and changed the perception of what a successful rapper should look like.
The Importance of Mental Health Advocacy
DMC reveals his personal struggles with depression and adoption, highlighting the importance of mental health advocacy. Through therapy and speaking out about his experiences, he encourages others to seek help and not be ashamed of their feelings. He believes that sharing vulnerabilities and providing support can inspire others to seek help and find healing.
Continuing to Elevate Hip Hop in Hollywood
DMC aims to change Hollywood and dominate the entertainment industry with hip hop stories and creativity. He believes that hip hop has the power to transform Hollywood by telling diverse and overlooked stories. He wants to see a new wave of authentic and relatable hip hop narratives on screen, challenging stereotypes and elevating the culture to new heights.
Rhin DMC's Future as a Band
Rhin DMC discusses the challenges they face in continuing as a band and recording new music. They explain that due to the absence of an original band member, they would need to form a new band and adopt a new name. While they are still able to perform together as Rhin DMC, recording new music would require a different approach. They emphasize the importance of musicianship and creating a new identity for future recordings.
The Evolution and Impact of Hip-Hop
During the podcast episode, Rhin DMC reflects on the unexpected success and longevity of hip-hop. They admit to underestimating the genre's potential, thinking it would remain regional rather than achieving commercial and international success. They credit artists like themselves, Run-DMC, as well as other pioneers such as KRS-One and Rakim, for laying the foundation of hip-hop's worldwide impact. They discuss the need for more representation and ownership within the hip-hop industry, stressing the importance of supporting and empowering artists and creatives in order to continue the genre's growth and cultural significance.
N.O.R.E. & DJ EFN are the Drink Champs. In this episode the Champs chop it up with the legendary, DMC from RUN-DMC!DMC joins us to share his journey. From the early RUN-DMC days to his solo career, DMC shares stories of Jam Master Jay, The Notorious B.I.G. and much much more! Lots of great stories that you don’t want to miss! Listen as we continue to celebrate 50 Years of Hip-Hop!!Make some noise for DMC!!! 💐💐💐🏆🏆🏆
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