Joseph "Run" Simmons and Darryl "DMC" McDaniels formed Run-DMC in the early 1980's and, over 35 years since being joined by groundbreaking DJ Jam Master Jay and releasing their first single, the trio is still recognized as one of rap and hip-hop's most influential acts. Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2009, Run-DMC was the first rap group to appear on MTV, on the cover of Rolling Stone, to be nominated for a Grammy, and to have albums go gold, platinum and multi-platinum. Since officially disbanding the group after the 2002 murder of Jam Master Jay, DMC has written two memoirs, launched a comic book line and co-founded a charity for foster children, on top of making music and touring.

 

This week, DMC tells us about selling his Marvel comic book collection as a kid to kickstart his hip-hop career, why he and Run hated the cover art for the Raising Hell LP, fighting their label to keep vinyl going as the CD revolution began, and how vinyl itself remains a continual part of his artistic existence. He also speaks to the responsibility he felt to bring rock's protest mentality of the late 60's into hip-hop's golden age, and shares his thoughts on the worldwide protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd. As you'll hear him voice today, "The arts succeed where politics and religion fail." Visit rundmc.com, and follow @thekingdmc on Twitter and @kingdmc on Instagram.