Sucker MC’sRun-D.M.C.1rank/position

RUN DMC – Sucker MC’s (Official Video)

Rap rock is a genre that’s now widely embraced as a matter of course.

Run-DMC are known as pioneers who helped create that rap-rock sound, and they still enjoy enduring popularity among many heads today.

Their track “Sucker MC’s” is one of their hit tunes.

It appeared as the B-side to their debut single “It’s Like That,” and has since become one of the most popular songs in their catalog.

As a track that helped propel hip-hop into the mainstream, it’s a must-listen for anyone looking to study hip-hop history.

Christmas in HollisRun-D.M.C.2rank/position

RUN DMC – Christmas In Hollis (Official HD Video)

When it comes to Christmas, this is the song! Run-D.

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’s definitive hip-hop Christmas anthem.

It weaves a heartwarming tale of an encounter with Santa Claus on Hollis Avenue in Queens with familiar Christmas scenes, warming listeners’ hearts.

Included on the 1987 charity album “A Very Special Christmas,” the track was also featured in the movie “Die Hard,” cementing its status as a holiday classic.

With its cheerful beat and feel-good lyrics, it’s perfect for livening up a Christmas party.

An upbeat Christmas song that’s great for karaoke, too.

Walk This WayRun-D.M.C.3rank/position

RUN DMC – Walk This Way (Official HD Video) ft. Aerosmith

No matter when you listen to it, the guitar riff—boasting flawless funkiness and cool—will knock you out on its own.

Long before it became commonplace, this track realized the fusion of rock and hip-hop, making it an epoch-making milestone in music history.

That masterpiece among masterpieces is “Walk This Way.” The original was released in 1975 by the world-famous hard rock band Aerosmith, and it later became a hit when the legendary hip-hop group Run-D.

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covered it in 1986.

Rather than sampling the riff, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry actually took part in the recording, so it truly stands as a bridge between rap and rock.

The insanely cool music video featuring the artists themselves is a must-see, too!

It’s TrickyRun-D.M.C.4rank/position

RUN DMC – It’s Tricky (Official HD Video)

Run-D.

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are known as pioneers of mixture rock—a blend of rock music and hip-hop.

Although they went on hiatus in 2002, their popularity remains immense, and they’re still loved by many heads in Japan.

One of their classic tracks is It’s Tricky, which, true to its title, experiments with a then-tricky musical style and flow.

Be sure to check it out.

It’s Like ThatRUN DMC, Jason Nevins5rank/position

RUN DMC, Jason Nevins – It’s Like That (Official HD Video)

You can also see fun circle-forming battle scenes in the music video! This track is unusual for Run-D.

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in that it has an even kick—basically a four-on-the-floor beat.

The edgy sound makes it very easy to dance to.

It may feel a bit monotonous, but if you find the rhythm in the gaps and keep the tempo, you can add all kinds of moves! A song I recommend for everyone from beginners to advanced dancers.

Christmas IsRun-D.M.C.6rank/position

RUN-DMC – Christmas Is

Run-DMC are indispensable when talking about ’90s hip-hop.

In 1992, they wrote “Christmas Is” for the movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

While built around a Christmas theme, the song delivers a message about having a kind heart.

It’s nice how it retains their signature sharp, punchy phrasing while still feeling heartwarming.

The contrast between the powerful rap and the child’s narration is also interesting and adds a compelling dynamic.

Peter PiperRun-D.M.C.7rank/position

RUN DMC – Peter Piper (Official Audio)

A hip-hop classic representing RUN-DMC, the supergroup that brought hip-hop to the masses.

It’s famous for its skillful sampling of Bob James’s masterpiece “Take Me to the Mardi Gras.” And this track itself is such a classic that it has been sampled by others too! If you haven’t heard it yet, this is a must-listen.