Exclusive: RUN-DMC Discuss Being Nominated For A Grammy And Their Status As Legends

RUN-DMC stands as a monumental force in music history. Hailing from Hollis Queens, Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and the legendary Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell formed this groundbreaking rap group. Their unique sound and style not only defined an era but also propelled rap music firmly into the mainstream.

With the launch of their self-titled debut album in 1984, they became the first hip-hop group to achieve a Gold record. Run-D.M.C. also made history by being the first to earn a platinum record King of Rock (1985), establishing Run-DMC as the first hip-hop group to go platinum. Raising Hell (1986) marked the arrival of the first multi-platinum rap album.

Their anthems “It’s Like That”, “Sucker M.C.’s”, “Rock Box”, “King of Rock”, “My Adidas”, and “Walk This Way” have solidified their status as timeless classics.

In recognition of their remarkable achievements, Run-DMC was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.

In 2024, RUN-DMC further asserted their legacy by being nominated for a Grammy for Best Music Film for the documentary Kings From Queens: The RUN-DMC Story. This acclaimed docuseries vividly captures their ascent from eager teenage rappers to undeniable hip-hop icons and details how they transformed the music landscape forever. This nomination marks their second, following their initial nomination in 1987.

In a candid interview, RUN-DMC expressed their reflections on revisiting those pivotal moments in the remarkable documentary.

“It was like revisiting our entire journey, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We may not have known exactly what we were doing, but we were creating magic,” Rev. Run shared with HOT97.com. “I would send D out before me to grab the mic because he had the charisma. He told me he drew inspiration from comic book characters from Queens. I’d wait for D to shine, and then we’d refine our craft in Jay’s living room.”

“We embraced the honor of being the faces of hip-hop. I recall someone saying, ‘If you search for the definition of hip-hop in a dictionary, it wouldn’t be words but rather us in a B-boy stance.’ We took the beats from the streets and put them on TV. It was already there,” DMC elaborated. “Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, The Cold Crush Brothers, and Treacherous Three paved the way before us. We showcased it on television.”

DMC articulated the crucial role MTV played in elevating hip-hop as a genre, noting that in 1984, “Rock Box” was the first rap video aired on the network.

“MTV was instrumental in the rise of hip-hop. They brought it into homes all across America. That was the turning point for hip-hop,” DMC emphasized. “People say hip-hop is a global phenomenon, but it always has been. During our trips to Europe in ’84 and ’85, we found it thriving in Germany and France. Run DMC sparked a massive wave that inspired countless artists that followed us.”

Rev. Run discussed the natural chemistry that RUN-DMC shared.

“I reflect on this daily, and D may not be aware, but I often ponder where I might have been without Daryl. It was sheer, divine magic that unfolded between me, Darryl, and Jay,” Rev. Run asserted. “It was destined. We never questioned it, but we are eternally grateful. Once the three of us united, as D aptly noted in the documentary, it was pure bliss.”

“Interestingly, Rick Rubin didn’t initially embrace “Rock Box” or “King of Rock” because we weren’t a traditional band,” DMC remarked. “However, our attempt to create rock-infused tracks inspired by Billy Squire and Queen successfully captivated the punk rockers. In ’84, had they produced us alongside Van Halen, it wouldn’t have evoked the same impact. Instead, it was a group of kids from the streets reinventing music.”

When asked about the significance of a Grammy win for RUN-DMC’s legacy, Rev. Run expressed deep fulfillment with their collective achievements. He conveyed a sense of humility regarding the nomination at this stage in their journey.

“Michael Jackson even commented when we met that we deserved to have taken home numerous awards,” DMC chuckled. “When we met him, he had Bubbles in tow. He suggested that we should have clinched the Best New Group award in 1986. We genuinely were the best new group in ’86, so how could we not have won? They questioned our lack of a traditional band setup. We could only point to Jay with his record case and two turntables.”

While Rev. Run enjoys his well-deserved retirement, DMC remains tirelessly active. He has plans to drop new music and introduce his own comic book series in 2025.

“I’m prepared to release a new single featuring Sebastian Bach on vocals, Travis Barker on drums, Mick Mars from Mötley Crüe on guitar, and Jeff “Duff McKagan from Guns and Roses on bass. The title is, “She Gets Me High.” With such a powerhouse lineup, you can expect it to be phenomenal.”