#209 Run-DMC, 'Raising Hell' (1986)

Previously #123

While their debut album (#378) was the first Hip Hop record to be certified Gold, this, Run-DMC’s third record, was the first Hip Hop record to be certified Platinum and multi-Platinum. The album was produced by Hip Hop mogul, Russell Simmons, as well as Rick Rubin, which explains why it reminds me so much of early Beastie Boys.

The album features signature song, ‘It’s Tricky,’ as well as ‘My Adidas’ and ‘You Be Illin,’ but it also features the groundbreaking single, ‘Walk This Way,’ DMC’s collaboration with Aerosmith. This song is cited as being the first collaboration between Rap and Rock, firmly taking Hip Hop into the mainstream. This version of the song would go on to chart higher than the original, peaking at #4. The album would herald the Golden Age of Hip Hop laying the groundwork for everything to come for at least the next 10 years. Recently, the album was inducted into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or artistically significant." This album was a great listen. Its influence on Hip Hop is palpable and ‘Walk This Way’ was massive favourite of mine as a kid (always preferred their version over the original). It’s hard, it’s compelling and it’s original. A true classic.

#rs500albums