Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.

First of all, this is the first review I have ever written. I welcome suggestions on how to improve and (obviously) discussions about the album without insults. That being said

March 27, 1984

The debut of Run-DMC officially releases, the famous hip-hop group known for tracks like "It's Tricky" or "Walk this Way."

It's quite difficult to start a review of this album, since we can easily call it the most important Rap album of all time (or at least if we want to be more critical, "one of the most important"). The album not only influenced hip-hop musically, but also in terms of style and culture. Let's start with the musical side

Run-DMC launch this album with "It's Like That," a single with old-school, party-oriented sound, but also with harder and tighter beats. This style, present throughout the album, would influence upcoming hip-hop, thus beginning the New School of hip-hop (Although for us now the new school is that between the '90s and 2000s), a style that abandoned the more funky-disco and cheerful style of the Old School. The lyrics are totally revolutionary as well. The rhymes, flow, and especially the content evolved. The album features completely innovative metrics for the genre, beginning to address issues of protest and political discussion (Just read the lyrics of all the tracks, like the aforementioned "It's Like That" or "Wake Up") contrary to the old school where the themes were mostly parties, fun, and relaxation.

With all these changes, hip-hop was evolving. The birth of Political Hip-Hop in the style of Public Enemy and the typical Gangsta style of NWA was beginning, also thanks to the look that Queens rappers had. Thus, that of Run-DMC can be defined as "proto-gangsta" and "proto-political," but also one of the earliest forms of Hardcore Hip-Hop.

But beyond this?

They are also known for having greatly influenced certain Beastie Boys, widely known for being one of the first crossover groups ever.

Indeed, Run-DMC did not go unnoticed in this regard. As already mentioned, their cover of "Walk this Way" is one of the most famous crossover songs, as well as one of the most recognized as "one of the first rap-rock songs ever." Songs like "King of Rock" or "It's Tricky" are also very famous and important regarding the crossover theme. However, you should know that one of the first crossover songs ever (the first by Run-DMC to be precise) is indeed on this album. "Rock Box," in fact, paves the way for Rap Rock and Rapcore with its musical base that recalls the more classic Hard Rock and Heavy Metal of those years. The lyrics tell us about the prowess of Run-DMC and this new era of hip-hop, along with metrics and techniques totally different from other tracks in the album. The New School had officially begun. From that point on, it wouldn't be the same anymore. All the rap we know today is so only thanks to Run-DMC, and in particular, to this album.

Otherwise, why would they be considered the Beatles of hip-hop?