Run DMC

About

Run-DMC was a hip-hop group from Queens that became the first group in its genre to be nominated for a Grammy Award. Formed by Joseph "Run" Simmons, Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels and Jason "Jam-Master Jay" in 1982, Run-DMC revealed the important dynamic between DJs and MCs, and is widely-accepted as one of the most influential hip-hop acts in history. The group's first single "It's Like That/Sucker MCs," was released by Profile Records in 1983 and was revolutionary to the sound of hip-hop. With aggressive rhymes and minimal but hard-hitting beats, Run-DMC released its self-titled debut album in 1984, creating what is commonly referred to as rap's first classic album. With its seven studio albums, the group was the first to push hip-hop into the mainstream music, mixing it with rock music, touring with Aerosmith and exposing it as a global phenomenon. Although Run and DMC announced the group's official disbanding following the murder of Jam-Master Jay in 2002, Run-DMC continues to serve as a reference point for hip-hop and rap/rock music styles, live shows and fashion.