On this day May 15, 1986, Run DMC released their third studio album Raising Hell, a groundbreaking record that helped bring hip hop into the mainstream and redefine what rap could be on a global stage. The album reached number three on the Billboard 200 and topped the Top R&B and Hip Hop chart, making it one of the most successful and influential rap albums of the decade.
Raising Hell featured some of Run DMC’s most iconic tracks, including My Adidas, Walk This Way, You Be Illin' and It's Tricky. Their legendary collaboration with Aerosmith on Walk This Way broke down musical barriers and became a defining crossover moment, introducing rock audiences to rap and helping open the doors for hip hop’s rise in popular music.
With its hard hitting beats, aggressive delivery and genre bending production by Rick Rubin, the album cemented Run DMC’s place as pioneers of the genre. It went on to achieve multi platinum status and remains a cornerstone of hip hop history.
Fun fact: Raising Hell was the first rap album to go platinum and later became the first to achieve multi platinum certification in the United States.
Raising Hell featured some of Run DMC’s most iconic tracks, including My Adidas, Walk This Way, You Be Illin' and It's Tricky. Their legendary collaboration with Aerosmith on Walk This Way broke down musical barriers and became a defining crossover moment, introducing rock audiences to rap and helping open the doors for hip hop’s rise in popular music.
With its hard hitting beats, aggressive delivery and genre bending production by Rick Rubin, the album cemented Run DMC’s place as pioneers of the genre. It went on to achieve multi platinum status and remains a cornerstone of hip hop history.
Fun fact: Raising Hell was the first rap album to go platinum and later became the first to achieve multi platinum certification in the United States.
