March 26 is a very special day in hip-hop. In 1984, Run-DMC released their self-titled debut album, and the world of hip-hop, and music overall, changed forever. The album introduced the world to a more lively and aggressive take on the young genre, they repackaged the young genre into something they could call their own. The minimal production of the LP left just enough space for their harmonious choruses and cartoonishly fiery verses, creating an energy so raw and pure it has survived 40 years as one of the most innovative and influential debut albums in hip-hop history and arguably, any genre.
We have a very special and celebratory Golden Age Thursday this week. We’re looking back only a few months after Run-DMC introduced themselves to the world for an episode of Soul Train that first aired on June 16, 1984. The original trio performed the groundbreaking single “Rock Box” and had a short interview where they discussed the origins of Run-DMC. It is a clip that showcases a rowdy crowd living in a transitional period in music while DMC leads them into a new era of hip-hop.
