Run-D.M.C. and Hip Hop's Crossover to Rock and MTV (1983–1988)

1. Run-D.M.C. releases debut single “It’s Like That”

   Aug 10, 1983Labels: Run-D M

   • Run D M

2. “Rock Box” begins regular rotation on MTV

   Mar 1, 1984Labels: Rock Box, MTV

   • Rock Box

3. Debut album “Run-D.M.C.” reaches stores

   Mar 27, 1984Labels: Run-D M, Debut album

   • Run D M

4. Debut album becomes first rap Gold record

   Dec 17, 1984Labels: Run-D M, RIAA Gold

   • Run D M

5. Single “King of Rock” frames the group’s message

   Jan 15, 1985Labels: King of, Run-D M

   • King of Rock

6. “King of Rock” album formalizes rap-rock direction

   Jan 21, 1985Labels: King of, Run-D M

   • King of Rock

7. “Krush Groove” puts early hip-hop on movie screens

   Oct 25, 1985Labels: Krush Groove, Run-D M

   • AFI Catalog
   • Krush Groove

8. Album “Raising Hell” becomes a crossover engine

   May 15, 1986Labels: Raising Hell, Run-D M

   • Raising Hell

9. “My Adidas” turns style into mass identity

   May 29, 1986Labels: My Adidas, Run-D M

   • My Adidas

10. “Walk This Way” single makes hip-hop a pop Top 5 force

    Jul 4, 1986Labels: Walk This, Aerosmith

    • Britannica
    • Walk This Way

11. “Raising Hell” reaches Platinum, confirming mass sales

    Jul 15, 1986Labels: Raising Hell, RIAA Platinum

    • Raising Hell

12. Madison Square Garden show sparks Adidas deal

    Jul 19, 1986Labels: Madison Square, Adidas

    • My Adidas

13. “Walk This Way” video becomes an MTV staple

    Aug 1, 1986Labels: Walk This, MTV

    • Walk This Way

14. Single “You Be Illin’” shows crossover didn’t require rock features

    Oct 20, 1986Labels: You Be, Run-D M

    • You Be Illin

15. “It’s Tricky” extends the MTV-friendly hit run

    Jan 1, 1987Labels: It's Tricky, Run-D M

    • It s Tricky

16. “Tougher Than Leather” marks the post-breakthrough stage

    May 17, 1988Labels: Tougher Than, Run-D M

    • Tougher Than Leather