Raising Hell, the third album from Run-DMC, remains the turning point at which hip-hop crashed through mainstream barriers and never left. Featuring the crossover smash “Walk This Way,” the 1986 blockbuster still sounds like a revolution unfolding in real time.
Up until Raising Hell, the rap juggernaut we know as Run-DMC was still in its building and breaking-down-doors phase. In 1986 that changed, and in a dramatic way. With their third long-player, the group had reached the mountaintop. It was the record that proved hip-hop wasn’t a fad.
Raising Hell marked an important and significant new era for the group working with another innovator, Rick Rubin (and co-produced by Reverend Run’s brother, Russell Simmons), they began to fully transition not only their own sound but the sound of the entire genre. Less live playing and a slicker, tighter sonic attack.
Of course, “Walk This Way,” which hit #4 on Billboard pop charts, saw the group team up with Aerosmith, with a music video that cemented Run-DMC as MTV idols, and both groups riding its wave to new heights.
Beyond “Walk This Way,” the album is full to the hilt with undeniable classic singles such as “You Be Illin,” “It’s Tricky,” “Peter Piper” and “My Adidas,” and no filler.
With hard-rock riffs, turntable scratching, itchy rhythms, hit singles, the trio’s invigorating raps and inseparable chemistry, Raising Hell signaled a new era for rap music, and a point of no-turning-back for the entire genre.
To commemorate the beginning of the Golden Era of hip-hop and the 35th anniversary of Raising Hell, artist Ken Taylor has created a limited edition poster, who cites his love for Run-DMC, saying “I grew up listening to Run-DMC so for me this was both a lot of fun and a great honour!”
Measuring 18″ x 24″ in an edition of 235, this 5 color screenprint is printed on French Cougar White paper and hand numbered, with a holographic sticker for authenticity. Each print costs $85, with framing options available as well.
The poster is available here at 2pm ET on Thursday, May 20.
Comments are closed.