#209 of 500
· Rolling Stone
“This is the part of the list where the real crate-digging starts. Run-DMC's Raising Hell (1986) is hip-hop/rap that transcends its genre tag. The Profile pressing is the one to find — the kind of record that stops you mid-flip at the store.”
Run-DMC was a pioneering hip-hop group formed in Hollis, Queens in 1981, consisting of Joseph Simmons (Run), Darryl McDaniels (DMC), and Jason Mizell (Jam Master Jay). They revolutionized hip-hop in the mid-1980s with their self-titled debut album (1984) and the landmark album 'Raising Hell' (1986), which became the first hip-hop album to achieve multi-platinum status and mainstream commercial success. Their collaboration with Aerosmith on 'Walk This Way' (1986) became a cultural phenomenon, breaking hip-hop into MTV rotation and radio mainstream. The group's later albums, including 'Tougher Than Leather' (1988) and 'Back from Hell' (1990), maintained their prominence, though the genre had evolved considerably by the 1990s. Run-DMC's influence extended beyond music into fashion, with their signature Adidas sneakers and tracksuits becoming iconic.
Style
Run-DMC pioneered the fusion of hard rock elements with hip-hop beats, creating a bold, minimalist sonic style featuring prominent drums, scratches, and rock guitar samples. Their aggressive delivery and production choices made hip-hop accessible to rock audiences while maintaining credibility within hip-hop culture.
Significance
Run-DMC is essential to vinyl collectors as the group that brought hip-hop from underground culture to mainstream commercial success and MTV prominence. Their early albums, particularly 'Raising Hell,' are cornerstone releases in hip-hop vinyl collecting and represent a pivotal moment when hip-hop became a major commercial force in popular music.
Raising Hell, released in 1986, marked Run-DMC's creative and commercial peak. The album was recorded primarily at Chung King Studios in New York, where the group worked with producer Rick Rubin, who had helmed their previous album King of Rock. The standout moment came with the Aerosmith collaboration on "Walk This Way," a groundbreaking crossover that united rock and hip-hop audiences. The track featured a legendary guitar solo from Joe Perry and helped introduce Run-DMC to mainstream radio and MTV. Beyond the hit single, the album showcased the group's lyrical prowess and Jam Master Jay's innovative production, with standout tracks like "It's Tricky," "Dumb Girl," and "You Be Illin'." The album's success was unprecedented for hip-hop at the time.
Historical Context
In 1986, hip-hop was still fighting for mainstream acceptance and radio play. Raising Hell arrived at a pivotal moment, becoming the first hip-hop album to achieve multi-platinum status, eventually selling over 3 million copies. The "Walk This Way" video became MTV's most-played clip, shattering the network's previous resistance to hip-hop content. The album's success opened doors for hip-hop in mainstream music and helped establish Run-DMC as not just rappers but genuine rock and roll stars. It also demonstrated hip-hop's commercial viability to the recording industry, influencing investment in the genre for years to come.
Pressing Notes
Raising Hell was initially released on Profile Records as both LP and cassette. Early pressings featured the original artwork with Run-DMC in Adidas tracksuits and fedoras. The album has seen various vinyl reissues over the decades, including deluxe reissues with expanded artwork and bonus material. Collectors should note that original 1986 Profile pressings are highly sought after. Many reissues exist from different labels and eras—check the label designation, catalog number, and matrix information to identify pressing year. Later audiophile-quality reissues have been released by labels specializing in hip-hop catalog restoration. Condition of cover and vinyl significantly affects collectibility value.
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