Ranking All the Run DMC Studio Albums

Run DMC was an American rap group from Hollis Queens, New York City. It was founded in 1983 by Joseph Simmons, Darryl McDaniels, and Jason Mizell. Thanks to its first album, “Run DMC,” in 1984, it became the first group to gain a gold record. This ranking of all the Run DMC Studio Albums will tell you why.

7. Back from Hell (1990)

 

Rap involves lyrics and spoken words that portray how an artist feels about life. You’ve probably heard rappers using slang and “curse” words or unprintable words. While such styles might attract a specific audience, this might not resonate well with Run DMC diehards, who were particularly impressed with the preceding album “Tougher than Leather-1988”. “Back from Hell” happens to be one of Run DMC’s albums with curse words. Using the “N” word and a few curse words could’ve been the worst decision they ever made. Instead of focusing on the rock-rap fusion that brought them to the limelight via their last four albums, they went for New Jack Swing. However, not all their songs are unimpressive. The song “Back from Hell” is good, particularly the remix with features collaborations with Ice Cube and Chuck D. Other songs featured on this album are:

· Faces

· Pause

· The Ave

· What’s it All About

· Party Time

6. Crown Royal (2001)

 

2001 marks Run-DMCs eight years since their last album. “Crown Royal” was supposed to be their comeback album. To our disappointment, it didn’t make their fans proud. It’s a mixture of underrated songs and creative freestyles, hoping they’d fit into 2001’s rap standards. DMC’s primary objective was to abandon harder-edged rock tracks for a more melancholy voice. He had just been diagnosed with larynx problems due to aggressive rapping and drinking. On the other hand, Run wanted to maintain the rock-rap style. They had different interests, forcing DMC to miss in action in most of the album’s recording. He only appeared in three tracks. According to Classic Hip Hop Magazine, it’s easy to notice DMC’s presence in three songs

· Kick-ass School of Old feat. Kid Rock

· Them Girls feat. Fred Durst

· It’s over feat. Jermaine Dupri

5. Down with The King (1993)

 

“Down with the King” is not a bad album, but it’s not the greatest either. Run-DMC when West Coast gangster rap was the order of the day. When mentioning the ’94 renaissance, this album brings out the situation back then. Listening to the tracks on this album almost sounds like “Tougher than Leather” or “Raising Hell.” Introducing Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello, giving it more leverage. You will also find guest artists like Pete Rock and CL Smooth. Our favorite tracks on this album include:

· Big Willie

· Down with the King feat Pete Rock and CL Smooth

4. Run-DMC (1984)

 

“Run-DMC” is perhaps one of the most significant rap debut achievements that brought the Run-DMC group to stardom. It’s a studio album that lasts until this very day and is still undoubtedly an influencing album that most rap artists try to make as a reference point. “Aging like fine wine” is an understatement when describing this album. It’s made music reviewers liken Run DMC to the rap version of The Beatles. “Run DMC” ranked number 53 on the Billboard Top 200 and number 14 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/ Hip Hop Albums. Moreover, Rolling Stone ranked it number 51 in their “100 Greatest Albums off the 80’s” list and 242 on their “500 Greatest Albums of All-Time” list. You’ll enjoy tracks like:

· Hard Times

· Rock Box

· Sucker M.G.’s

· It’s Like That

3. King of Rock (1985)

 

Ranking “King of Rock” third might seem unfair, but there are elements that number one and two have that it lacks. Considering that it’s Run-DMC’s second album, it makes sense that they corrected mistakes they made with their first album, “Run-DMC.” The album dwells more on the rock style and more complicated production. Surprisingly, Run DMC tried generating more sales, but none of the songs peaked higher than the singles featured in their raw hip-hop debut. Still, they deserve a standing ovation for using their rock/hip-hop style to explore new genres. Our favorite tracks on this album include:

· Can you Rock it Like This?

· King of Rock

· You Talk too Much

· You’re Blind

· It’s not Funny

2. Raising Hell (1986)

 

Of all the albums that Run DMC released since their first debut, “Raising Hell” is the most successful. The rap group credits the album’s success to Aerosmith’s special appearance on the cover of “Walk this Way.” Their efforts to infuse rap with rock paid off following the release of this album. Terming this album as “fantastic” is an understatement. It depicts “brilliance” all the way. The following tracks will make you see why it’s important and popular:

· Walk this Way

· You Be Illin’

· It’s Tricky

1. Tougher Than Leather (1988)

 

Considering how talented and dedicated Run DMC is, declaring “Tougher than Leather” as the best was a difficult decision to make. According to Stoney deGeyter, the rap group released it in 1988, marking an important history of rap and hip-hop. Ranking it first on this list comes from the fact that it sampled more sophisticating techniques, which trended in the ’80s. On this album, Run DMC tries shying away a bit from the influential rock material. It’s easy to get carried away by the production and the overall impact. Still, the production epitomizes the production of a high caliber. Every track on this album is classic. They include:

· They Call Us Run DMC

· Beats to the Rhyme

· How’d You Do It, Dee?

· Papa Crazy

· Miss Elaine

· Ragtime

Conclusion

Overall, Run DMC has proven that rap/rock music is a timeless genre that can explore wider territories. This group has faced a wide range of challenges in their career, but they came out victorious thanks to their seven albums. Unfortunately, following the demise of Run DMC’s pioneer D.J., Jam Master Jay, the group announced their retirement at a Manhattan Hotel. Sadly, the group called it quits, but their tracks will forever remain in their fans’ hearts.