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Raising Hell

by Run-DMC

Released: May 15, 1986

Hip hop, rap rock

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"Raising Hell" is the third studio album by the American hip hop group Run-DMC, released in 1986. Tracks like "Walk This Way," a collaboration with rock band Aerosmith, and "It's Tricky" became instant classics, blending hip hop with rock sensibilities and introducing the genre to a wider audience. The album features a groundbreaking fusion of rap, rock, and pop elements, characterized by hard-hitting beats, catchy hooks, and gritty lyrical storytelling.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

"Raising Hell" also includes iconic songs such as…

"Raising Hell" also includes iconic songs such as "My Adidas," which celebrated the group's signature style, and "Peter Piper," known for its intricate wordplay and DJ scratching.

The album's innovative production techniques, courtesy of Run-DMC's…

The album's innovative production techniques, courtesy of Run-DMC's longtime collaborator Rick Rubin, helped redefine the sound of hip hop and set a new standard for production in the genre.

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Essential Tracks

It's Tricky

Tracks like "Walk This Way," a collaboration with rock band Aerosmith, and "It's Tricky" became instant classics, blending hip hop with rock sensibilities and introducing the genre to a wider audience.

Raising Hell

"Raising Hell" is the third studio album by the American hip hop group Run-DMC, released in 1986.

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Explore the Album

Run-DMC - Raising Hell

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Then

Reception

Critically acclaimed and commercially successful, "Raising Hell" elevated Run-DMC to superstardom and paved the way for future generations of hip hop artists.

Now

Legacy

Widely regarded as one of the most influential albums in the history of hip hop, "Raising Hell" helped propel the genre into the mainstream and solidified Run-DMC's status as pioneers of rap music. Critically acclaimed and commercially successful, "Raising Hell" elevated Run-DMC to superstardom and paved the way for future generations of hip hop artists. Its impact on the music industry continues to be felt to this day, solidifying its place as a landmark album in the history of hip hop.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Raising Hell" is the third studio album by the American hip hop group Run-DMC, released in 1986. Widely regarded as one of the most influential albums in the history of hip hop, "Raising Hell" helped propel the genre into the mainstream and solidified Run-DMC's status as pioneers of rap music.

The album features a groundbreaking fusion of rap, rock, and pop elements, characterized by hard-hitting beats, catchy hooks, and gritty lyrical storytelling. Tracks like "Walk This Way," a collaboration with rock band Aerosmith, and "It's Tricky" became instant classics, blending hip hop with rock sensibilities and introducing the genre to a wider audience.

"Raising Hell" also includes iconic songs such as "My Adidas," which celebrated the group's signature style, and "Peter Piper," known for its intricate wordplay and DJ scratching. The album's innovative production techniques, courtesy of Run-DMC's longtime collaborator Rick Rubin, helped redefine the sound of hip hop and set a new standard for production in the genre.

Critically acclaimed and commercially successful, "Raising Hell" elevated Run-DMC to superstardom and paved the way for future generations of hip hop artists. Its impact on the music industry continues to be felt to this day, solidifying its place as a landmark album in the history of hip hop.