Run D.M.C.’s self-titled debut was a watershed moment for hip-hop in many ways and within a historical context has remained one of the most influential hip hop albums to ever be released. It was the first hip hop album to be certified Gold by the RIAA, introduced the first song ever in the rap-rock genre (“Rock Box”), had the first hardcore rap song (“It’s Like That”), and also contains one of the first diss tracks ever put on record (“Sucker M.C.’s). If that’s enough, Run D.M.C. effectively set in motion a new sound of hip hop that focused cut out the cookie cutter shit and focused on real social issues and contrasted its sparse musical arrangements with a more aggressive form of lyrical delivery. Put another way, the trio of Joseph Simmons, Darryl McDaniels, and Jason Mizell singlehandedly ushered in the Golden Age of Hip Hop with this release, changing the face of hip hop for decades to come.
Standout Songs: “Hollis Crew”, “It’s Like That”, “Rock Box”
