3 Eternal Run-DMC Songs That Changed Hip-Hop

Born in the 1970s, hip-hop music was built largely on the beat breaks in disco songs. Some of the earliest hits in the genre sampled those dancey tracks, including “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang. But in the 1980s, there was a shift. Rap songs started to sound a bit more like rock records, in the best of ways. And a lot of that was because of the New York City-born rap trio, Run-DMC.

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We wanted to explore three songs from the group that highlight their innovations, lyricism, and most memorable qualities. Indeed, these are three eternal Run-DMC songs that changed hip-hop.

“It’s Like That” (Single, 1983)

Run-DMC began in 1983, and it all kicked off with this single. On it, Run and DMC rap about their daily lives. But they do so in a percussive, forceful way. It’s minimal compared to many of the songs before it. Run-DMC, however, also looked at things through a positive lens, hoping for a better future and not espousing any destructive tendencies. Amazingly, this song was mixed by Kurtis Blow, who was one of the first stars of rap in the late 1970s. The bare bones style of the song would inspire many in their wake and lead the group to the rock-infused style they’d come to be known for.

“My Adidas” from ‘Raising Hell’ (1986)

Today, there are rappers who have made hundreds of millions of dollars on shoe deals. But the first ever to partner with a shoe company and endorse the product was Run-DMC. They were known for their style and their loyalty to Adidas. So why not make it official? The track, which was produced by Rick Rubin, led to more sales than the apparel company could imagine. It also remains one of the most iconic rap tracks of the 1980s.

“Walk This Way” from ‘Raising Hell’ (1986)

A crossover hit that no one saw coming, this rap cover of the Aerosmith song was inspired by Rick Rubin. At first, Run and DMC did not want to record it, but Rubin and DJ Jam Master Jay pushed for it. The result became a smash sensation that was both the culmination of Run-DMC’s rock-infused style and a pop culture phenomenon that was played all over MTV. Run-DMC’s rendition even hit higher than the original on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 4. That made it the first rap single to reach the top five on the Billboard chart.

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