Walk This Way: The 10 Most Legendary Reverend Run Moments
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On this day (Nov. 14) in 1964, Joseph Ward Simmons was born in the borough of Queens, New York, and the world has never been the same since.
Reverend Run, one-half of the legendary Run-DMC and younger brother of Hip-Hop mogul Russell Simmons, turned 49-years-old today.
During the burgeoning hype of Hip-Hop’s golden age, Run started spitting lyrics as teenage member of the rap group called “The Force.” A true influential giant within the culture, Run, accompanied by his rap cohorts Darryl McDaniels and Jason Mizell, went on to change how Hip-Hop was accepted around the world.
By putting “Sucker MC’s” on blast, letting the game know “It’s Like That,” and breaking through all barriers throughout the music industry, Rev. Run was at the forefront of change any Hip-Hop fan could believe in. The former “Street Kid” would go on to be at the forefront of the rock/rap fusion movement that showed the world that Hip-Hop was an intangible force to reckoned with. Run, who has sold millions of records and become living Black history, has branched into multiple ventures since his MTV show Run’s House ended.
After releasing a book along with singer Tyrese Gibson, him and his wife, Justine Simmons, have filmed a pilot for an as-yet-to-be announced talk show for ABC.
Now, as we celebrate the King of Rock’s 49th born-day, we highlight 10 of his most legendary moments throughout his healthy career.
Photo: Tumblr
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We start off with the most dubious distinction, which found Run entering into the hallowed Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame:
Inducted Into The Hall Of Fame
Run’s lyrical tirades towards wacksauce MC’s earned him and his rapping brethren the distinction of being only the second Hip-Hop group in history to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
All Gold Everything
Recorded at Greene Street Recording, Run’s messages of self-improvement over tougher sounding beats culminated with Run-DMC’s debut album being the rap first group to have a gold album in 1984.
Grammy Family
The Recording Academy acknowledged Run’s “tour de force” rhymes and rhythms by awarding the group their first nomination for a Grammy.
Platinum Plus
Adopting a harder sound, Run decided to let the game know just how royal he and his crew are by proclaiming themselves the “King of Rock.” After crowning themselves the top forces in rap, Run and his crew would become the first rap group to ever hit platinum plaque status.
Casey Kasem’s Favorite Guy
Sure, American Bandstand is no longer on the air, but at the time — Run was instrumental in being the first Hip-Hop act to ever appear on the show. Now, you see rappers everywhere on the boob tube!
Multi’ Till I Die
Following up on their King of Rock success, Run, alongside DMC, partnered with Aerosmith to earn the distinction of being the first rap group to earn a multi-platinum distinction.
I Want My MTV
The history of MTV‘s reluctance to air music videos by African-American’s is no secret. Run, backed by his brother Russell, DMC and Jam Master Jay broke down the wall to become the first rap group to ever have their videos played on the network.
Papa Was A Rolling Stone
Before the magazine went for pure shock value, Rolling Stone placed Joseph Simmons on their cover, alongside DMC and Jam Master Jay, making the trio the first rap group to cover the popular mag.
Raising Aid
In 1985, there was an awakening about the plight of famine going on in Ethiopia. Seeking to help, Rev. Run and his fellow Queens’ b-boys were the first and only Hip-Hop act to perform at Live Aid.
Change Clothes & Rock
Prior to Hip-Hop’s Golden Era, rappers all dressed like they were out of the comic books. Run, influenced by Jam Master Jay, helped to shift the style of Hip-Hop and root it in the real world culture of street wear.
Be sure to send your birthday salutes to Reverend Run in the comments section below!
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