Run-D.M.C, Raising Hell: Album Review

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Introduction

Hip-hop songs are as pervasive in our culture and have been popular for a long time. Rappers are one of the most prominent pop artists currently alive. This style of music is already impacting rock, soul music, rhythm, blues, and dance music (Böhmer, 2021). Although this might seem the norm, it has not always been that way. Acknowledging the crucial role of Raising Hell by Run-DMC in this widespread acceptance is essential. It was probably one of the first rap albums to gain widespread appeal and become a cultural touchstone when released three decades ago. Joseph “Run” Simmons and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels performed (rappers) on the album, which Def Jam studios recorded between January 16 and April 8, 1986. Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell, their DJ, was subsequently enlisted (Böhmer, 2021).

The excellence of “Walk This Way,” an Aerosmith title track derived from the 1975 collection Toys in the Attic, is inextricably tied to the popularity of Raising Hell (Ducker, 2021). Despite its popularity, hip-hop commentators have noted that the song is not Run DMC’s finest work. It is merely a rendition of the official version with rapped lyrical content and only a few subtle changes to complement their rhythmic pattern (Ducker, 2021). This song was hailed as a crossover success because it dismantled the barriers that had restricted rap to a narrow demographic.

“Peter Piper”

As an opening to their iconic flow on the mic, Run-DMC both rap one word on the children’s rhyme-themed song “Peter Piper” in the opening track. Instead of the flashier, electronic creation of rap music at the time, this sound, like most of their productions, was categorized by sparse drum computer beats with sporadic samples and little scratching. With lyrics that mocked and bragged about rapping and their accomplishments, this song was in keeping with the group’s previous sounds. This track’s rapping style, which embodied the standard back-and-forth by Run-DMC, was smooth and calculated rather than aggressive.

“It’s Tricky”

This song is regarded as the best Run-DMC has ever produced, perfectly capturing the duo’s distinctive back-and-forth MCing style (Böhmer, 2021). It has a unique hard beat and the enticing “My Sharona” sound sample, and the duo alternately finishes each other’s phrases with witty boasts. Unlike most other songs, this song does not feature overt or covert deejaying scratches. The rapping style is methodical and relaxed throughout the piece rather than overly aggressive.

“My Adidas”

“My Adidas” became such a pop culture phenomenon that it earned the group the first endorsement deal for sneakers for non-athletes (Ducker, 2021). Over an exceptional hard machine beat, this song also perfectly encapsulates the duo’s distinct back-and-forth MCing style. Run-DMC’s style, which includes sporadic background deejaying scratches, is evident in this song. Additionally, in keeping with the arrogant themes of hip-hop, Run-DMC uses the same attitude to brag about its Adidas shoes. The rapping style is not aggressive but smooth and relaxing.

“Walk This Way”

This track, which is regarded as a pioneer of crossover rap music, best captures Run-MCing DMC’s style, which involves a back-and-forth tête-à-tête between the two MCs, rapping over rock music (Böhmer, 2021). Despite the rock-based melody that permeates the entire song, the track does not shy away from Run-DMC’s signature style, which involves sporadic background deejaying scratches. Hip-hop is known for its boastful themes, which are more prevalent in this song.

“Is It Live”

This is a drum and guitar-driven song with the beats from the guitar matching their voices. The melodies match the rap-metal hybrids used. In addition, some lyrical attacks are enhanced by the keyboards, with the rappers performing energetically. Master Jay quickly shows his turntable skills, making the performance lively, especially when the rappers boast about themselves.

“Perfection”

The song uses drums as Jay is beatboxing, but overly, the song has a stripped-down aesthetic. They use live drums, while Run and DMC are mainly on the mic, each singing short verses and backing each other at intervals. The performance is intense, and the rappers are vigorous and eager to finish each other’s lines (Ducker, 2021).

“Hit It Run”

This is a piece of proverbial music with a solo rap performance by DMC, giving the audience a beatbox fix. In his six verses, which were quite short, DMC performs with much energy, giving the audience an impression that he is full of adrenaline and, most of all, anti-matter, which is one of the group’s MCing styles. The song has flowing rhythms, and DMC seems to be making the music using his mouth because he raps the lines fiercely.

“Raising Hell”

It is an intense rock-infused song, hence using a thunderous electric guitar. ‘Raising Hell” recoils previous tracks by the group like “Rock Box,” which was also categorized as rock rock-infused genre. For the first time, Rick Rubin leads in the accustomed proverbial song, where he gives an energetic performance. This is different because Eddie Martinez is usually the lead singer for Run-DMC. For the first time, Rick Rubin leads in the accustomed proverbial song, where he gives an energetic performance. This is different because Eddie Martinez is usually the lead singer for Run-DMC. The style used in this track is a high level of ferocity, while they maintain their usual style of straight-faced demeanor when they are on the microphone. Their full range of MCing skills can be noticed through the performance, especially by Run and DMC, as they flex and Run, warning their doubters. DMC portrays some energy, too, as he moves ruthlessly, boasting about his contemporaries (Ducker, 2021)

“You Be Illin”

It is a pure hip-hop track discussing how some people will be ill. The lyrics are entertaining, the track has piano beats, and one could also tell they use horns. The rhythm is well-balanced, with well-coordinated musicality and melodies that are well-balanced. The song has a cohesive, impressive sound (Böhmer, 2021).

“Dumb Girl”

The song is about girls who do not think keenly before making sensible decisions. The track utilizes the best kick drums, hence the heavy bass that can be recognized. It is classic hip-hop that does not shy away from using a mix of beats; from time to time, the audience can feel the static and rap from the MCs(Coleman, 2018).

“Son of Byford”

It is a 27-second-long track that interludes well and has Run doing some beatboxing. They use both a guitar and piano and the MCs have vigor and seem angry as they sing out the wicked rhyme. Jam Master Jay is seen on the turntable working as a perfectionist, and the audience can hear bells and squeals resulting in an exciting mix of beats

“Proud To Be Black”

The track is about African-American history over the years with the aim of referring to black historical figures to empower the audience. It is the last in the album and has a strong performance that takes 3 minutes and 15 seconds, giving the listeners black lessons and encouraging them to celebrate their black heritage. The style lacks the influence of the rock genre and instead uses drum machine scratches (Ducker, 2021).

Conclusion

Raising Hell is the third album for Run-DMC and made a major hit upon its launch in 1986 and put rap music into the limelight. The album became famous because of the rap-rock song featured, “Walk This Way,” which was a unique genre that was very exciting to many.

References

Böhmer, D. (2021). A scene in retrospect: Run-DMC – “Raising hell” – Everything is noise. Everything Is Noise. Web.

Coleman, M. (2018). Raising Hell-Run-DMC. Web.

Ducker. (2021). Revisiting Run-DMC’s ‘Raising hell’ (1986) | Tribute. Albumism. Web.

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