RUN-DMC is back
By BRIAN KORNMANN
Scene Music Critic
There are not many bands in the music industry, particularly within the hip-hop circle, that can remain successful for nearly 20 years. Then again, RUN-DMC has never been just another hip-hop band. From its major label debut in 1983, RUN-DMC has always been a source of innovation, not just within hip-hop, but within the music industry as a whole.
The group's career achievements are amazing in and of themselves: the first rap band to air a video on MTV, to appear on MTV, "Saturday Night Live," "American Bandstand" and on the cover of "Rolling Stone."
RUN-DMC started the adidas fad of the middle 80s and exposed hip-hop to suburban white America long before the likes of NWA, Eminem or the Wu-Tang Clan. In 1986 it became the first rap/hip-hop band to be nominated for a Grammy award, appearing in the category for best R&B vocal performance by a group. The group's 1983 release RUN-DMC was the first rap album to earn gold status, and its 1985 release King of Rock was the first in the genre to go platinum.
RUN-DMC was also the first rap group to appear in the billboard top 10, with 1986's release of Raising Hell, and the members can be credited with revitalizing the career of one legendary rock band — Aerosmith — while creating a entire new genre of music — Hardcore/Rap-Metal — with their famous remake/duet of "Walk this Way."
Amidst these achievements, it is impossible to quantify the influence that RUN-DMC had on many of the artists in music, particularly in today's rap and hip-hop world. The release of the group's newest album, Crown Royal, reflects some of this influence that RUN-DMC has had on the industry as a whole.
The album takes the model established by Santana's Supernatural and applies it to rap, creating a diverse collection of 12 songs which features a wide variety of guest appearances from those artists who have been influenced by RUN-DMC, including Jermaine Dupri, Nas & Prodigy of Mobb Deep, Fred Durst, Kid Rock, Everlast, Third Eye Blind, Sugar Ray and Method Man.
The album itself is very eclectic, ranging musically from traditional rap on such tracks as "It's Over" with Jermaine Dupri and "Queens Day" with Nas and Mobb Deep, to rock 'n' roll based tracks such as "Rock Show" with Third Eye Blind and "Here We Go 2001" featuring Sugar Ray and even a pseudo-blues track, "Take the Money and Run." with Everlast.
Crown Royal is strong from beginning to end and focuses equally on both RUN-DMC and the assorted guests. Most of the songs discuss in some way the influence that RUN-DMC has had on the various artists that appear on the album or the actual history of the group's rise from Hollis, Queens to national music legends. Crown Royal is interesting, in that even after multiple listenings, none of the songs get particularly old or annoying.
RUN-DMC even manages to do what many would consider impossible — make a song featuring the always wonderful and never annoying Fred Durst tolerable, if not even likeable.
Perhaps the best aspect of this album is its subtlety. None of the songs stand out as designed to be huge singles. And when RUN-DMC is paired with seemingly contrasting artists, such as Durst, Everlast, Kid Rock and Sugar Ray, the result mixes the two acts perfectly.
While the album as a whole is excellent, a few tracks are particularly noteworthy, including "It's Over," "Queens Day," "Simmons Incorporated" and "The School of Old."
While some longtime fans of RUN-DMC may not enjoy all the various styles and guest appearances on the album, overall it is still an excellent record and a worthwhile addition to any fan's collection.
All Scene Stories for Tuesday, April 3, 2001
