Run-D.M.C. - Greatest Hits

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Is Run-DMC the most important group of the past 25 years? Well, if you believe that the rise of hip-hop is the most significant musical development in a quarter century, what other conclusion can you draw? Though they may not have been responsible for the birth of rap, the Hollis, Queens, trio represents the genre's coming of age. They were the ones who brought what was largely a regional street phenomenon to the masses. The rhymes, the beats, the style, the attitude--Run-DMC introduced it all to the world. Focusing mostly on the group's first three albums--each of them a cornerstone of rap music--this 18-track collection is a reminder of a time when rap enjoyed a kind of childlike innocence: their boasts are forceful but not angry; the beats are simple but exciting; the overall effect (fueled by heavy-metal riffs) is edgy and aggressive, but not violent or destructive. But most of all, it's fun. In the 1990s, rap artists would take Run-DMC's ideas to wide extremes, but the roots of this next generation--gangsta rap's street realism, political rap's social agendas, rock-rap's antagonism--are found right here. Run-DMC--like almost all pioneers from Elvis to Louis Armstrong--suffered a period of irrelevancy when they were looked upon as quaint or outdated, but, their time will come. Rest assured, this is not '80s retro kitsch. --Marc Greilsamer

Run-D.M.C. - Greatest Hits,Run-D.M.C.,Arista,East Coast Rap,Golden Age,Hardcore Rap,Hip-Hop,Pop,Rap,Rap & Hip-Hop

Tracks:

King Of Rock
It's Tricky
Beats to the Rhyme
Can You Rock It Like This
Walk This Way
Run's House
Rock Box
Peter Piper
Mary, Mary
Hard Times
You Be Illin'
It's Like That
My Adidas
Sucker M.C.'s (Krush Groove 1)
You Talk Too Much
Jam-Master Jay
Down with the King
Christmas in Hollis

Amazon.com

Is Run-DMC the most important group of the past 25 years? Well, if you believe that the rise of hip-hop is the most significant musical development in a quarter century, what other conclusion can you draw? Though they may not have been responsible for the birth of rap, the Hollis, Queens, trio represents the genre's coming of age. They were the ones who brought what was largely a regional street phenomenon to the masses. The rhymes, the beats, the style, the attitude--Run-DMC introduced it all to the world. Focusing mostly on the group's first three albums--each of them a cornerstone of rap music--this 18-track collection is a reminder of a time when rap enjoyed a kind of childlike innocence: their boasts are forceful but not angry; the beats are simple but exciting; the overall effect (fueled by heavy-metal riffs) is edgy and aggressive, but not violent or destructive. But most of all, it's fun. In the 1990s, rap artists would take Run-DMC's ideas to wide extremes, but the roots of this next generation--gangsta rap's street realism, political rap's social agendas, rock-rap's antagonism--are found right here. Run-DMC--like almost all pioneers from Elvis to Louis Armstrong--suffered a period of irrelevancy when they were looked upon as quaint or outdated, but, their time will come. Rest assured, this is not '80s retro kitsch. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Running on a full tank.......2007-07-24

Run DMC seems a bit dated in a way, an artifact of the 80s, but that might be a good thing. Their raps are free of the celebration of anti-social behavior that's found in a lot of current rap. It's not sissy stuff, but you can listen to it without worrying if children are around. Their stuff has a heavy beat to it, it's kind of like rap/rock. Maybe that's a big part of why they had significant appeal to white kids and broadened the audience of rap. Indeed, Run DMC is one of the lead rap groups ever, largely because they were instrumental in taking rap mainstream. I'm an 80s white kid, and these guys are some of the first rappers I remember listening to. One criticism might be that a lot of the raps sound the same, at least as far as the beat goes. The raps are usually pretty fun and sometimes humorous. Like I said, it's stuff you can listen to "in the open." With over an hour of raps, this is a good buy, especially for those looking for some 80s culture.

The Absolute Kings of Rock.......2007-05-25

First, thoughts and prayers to JMJ's family and friends. RIP JMJ. This is a great introduction to the best hip hop, rap or whatever label you want prefer. I can remember the Metal Head's in high school (circa mid 80's) blasting this and that was unheard of in my little town. Run DMC is the most influential group in the last quarter century period. They bring back so many memories and they were one of the first rap groups I ever heard and was hooked. I think 99% of todays "rap" or "hip hop" artists or whatever you want to call them, suck. Listen to this and then listen to something from one of todays rap "stars" and try to argue that rap has really gone downhill in the last 5 to 10 years IMHO.

Run DMC - Greatest Hits.......2007-01-10

Really good that an album like this came out. A bunch of Run DMC classics on one cd. Run DMC set a standard style for Hip-Hop and theyll be remembered for doing so.

The production on this album is just crazy. That old school sound that sounds perfect on these songs. This album has 18 tracks, all classic RUN DMC songs. But back to the production, most of the beats are insanely dope. If you like old school hip-hop then youll love all these beats. Some beats that are standouts are.. "Its Tricky", "Beats To The Rhyme" (Love this beat), "Peter Piper", "You Be Illin", "Its Like That", "Sucker MC's", "Jam Master Jay" (RIP). These beats are top-notch and keep that real hiphop old school sound to it.

The lyrics are also good, just your typical old school hip-hop. I recommend this album to any Run DMC fans of course, and anyone who appreciates real hip-hop and old school hip-hop.

My Top 5 Songs
1.Its Tricky
2.Beats To Rhyme
3.Peter Piper
4.Sucker MC's
5.Jam Master Jay (R.I.P)

white guy review of the cd.......2006-12-25

Run DMC hold a special place in my heart since they introduced and convinced me that rap deserves to be considered an aspect of music no different than rock , folk, etc.

There materials worked, at the time, because of the "cross over" nature of their songs. They injected a true rock sensibility into their raps. I wish more artists today would utilize guitars and real drums when rapping.

When you listen to this, the main theme of the music is FUN. This is roll down the windows, crank it up, sing along, songs.

The best songs are the ones that incorporate rock structure and pop culture. "Its Tricky", "Can you rock it like that", "My adidas", "Mary, Mary" and "You be Illin" are great.

The highlight is "Walk this Way". They took a song that was essentially a predecessor to rap and made it even more funky. I will challlenge any Aerosmith fan to a debate...if it was not for RUN DMC then Aerosmith would still be an obscure, over the hill group from the 70's. They made Aeromsith cool again! Run DMC's version is an improvement over Aerosmith's. This song is the ultimate party tune.

This cd belongs in any essential ROCK cd collection

LEGENDS.......2006-07-19

Run DMC will always be the best to rhyme. The beats are great and will make you say wow. They are not overated like some say because they are just so great that people can't say enough about their skills. This is an album of their classics and this is the record i put in my cd player to bring me back, or to just chill. Their music makes you feel so good and the beats you just want to rock your head to. Songs like 'you be illin', you talk to much', 'its like that', 'its tricky', and 'runs house' will never get old. Those aren't there only good songs, this album is full of hits and so are there other records. Its different than todays music definitly, yet they will always be the best rap group of all time.