Run DMC – Raising Hell (Vinyl LP)

Up until Raising Hell, the rap juggernaut we know as Run-DMC was still in its building and breaking-down- doors phase. In 1986 that changed, and in a dramatic way. With their third long-player, the group had reached the mountaintop. It was THE record that proved hip-hop wasn’t a fad. Raising Hell marked an important and significant new era for the group. Leaving producer Larry Smith for up-and- coming sonic innovator Rick Rubin (still co-produced by Run’s brother Russell Simmons), they began to fully transition not only their own sound, but the sound of the entire genre. Less live playing – with some exceptions – and a slicker, tighter sonic attack. Musical aesthetics aside, though, at their core they stayed true to the essence of hip-hop: two turntables and a microphone, or two.

It’s impossible to talk about the album without its worldwide smash, “Walk This Way,” which hit #4 on the Billboard pop charts and saw the group digging in the rock crates to summon Aerosmith in the flesh, combining Steven Tyler’s and Joe Perry’s musicianship with the group’s own take on the ‘70s classic. The song’s video cemented Run-DMC as legit MTV idols, and both groups rode its wave to new heights. Beyond “Walk This Way,” the platter is full to the hilt with undeniable classic singles: “You Be Illin'”; “It’s Tricky”; “Peter Piper” and the fashion-world shifting “My Adidas.” Each song was new proof that Run-DMC’s sound was indeed new, but still familiar, and full of the energy, charisma and innovation that drew fans to their first two LPs.

1. Peter Piper
2. It’s Tricky
3. My Adidas
4. Walk This Way
5. Is It Live
6. Perfection
7. Hit It Run
8. Raising Hell
9. You Be Illin’
10. Dumb Girl
11. Son of Byford
12. Proud to Be Black