10 Run-D.M.C. Songs That Prove They're Hip-Hop Masters
From "Sucker MCs" to "It's Tricky."
By 
With an honorary lifetime achievement Grammy, an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and countless "firsts" from their career, Run-D.M.C. doesn't have to do anything else to prove their greatness.
The legendary hip-hop group—comprised of Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons, Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels, and Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell, who tragically died in 2002— is set to perform alongside Aerosmith at the 2020 Grammys ceremony. It'll mark a rare public appearance for the duo, who retired 18 years ago but are sure to bring back all the memories of the 1980s with their celebrated rendition of "Walk This Way." If you can't get enough of their music, here are the essential Run-D.M.C. songs that established their place in music history.
"It's Like That" (1983)
The group's debut single brought their name to forefront of hip-hop music, as it premiered Run and D.M.C.'s upbeat, signature back-and-forth exchange of lyrics.
"Sucker MC's" (1983)
Hip-hop classic "Sucker MC's" was an essential factor in the B-Boy culture of the 1980s, helping to bring rap music from the dance clubs to a broader, younger audience.
"Rock Box" (1984)
This track marked the first time rappers combined hip-hop with rock tunes—something that Run-D.M.C. would continue to do throughout their career—revolutionizing the musical possibilities of the genre.
"King of Rock" (1985)
Along with bold, declarative lyrics (“I’m the king of rock, there is none higher / Sucker MC’s should call me sire”) and a corresponding music video in which they stomped on Michael Jackson's glove and broke Elton John's tell-tale glasses, "King of Rock" was meant to make it clear that Run-D.M.C. was not to be intimidated. Their version of rap had a place amongst the greats.
"Walk This Way" (1986)
This is the song that proved hip-hop could make it in the mainstream, as the group remixed Aerosmith's 1976 "Walk This Way," performing alongside the rock band and gaining allegiance with fans in middle American suburbs.
"Peter Piper" (1986)
"Peter Piper" serves as an ode to Jam Master Jay's control of the turntables as he's given room to shine. Meanwhile, Run and D.M.C. exchange rhymes inspired by fairy tales.
"It's Tricky" (1986)
If there's one Run D.M.C. song to know, it's this one. While some would say that it's far from their best technically, the hook—"It's tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time / It's tricky"—and its accompanying beat, sampled from The Knack's "My Sharona," is one that you'll find hard to forget.
"My Adidas" (1986)
Catchy product placement? Maybe. But Adidas were vital to Run-D.M.C.'s signature streetwear look, which not only helped to popularize their brand, but created a new look for the hip-hop genre altogether following the colorful show-y looks of the 1970s.
"Christmas in Hollis" (1987)
While it's not a critics' favorite, this song will spice up your playlist around the holidays. Run-D.M.C. provided a catchy new-age Christmas track that's since become a classic.
"Run's House" (1988)
Thanks to expert lyricism and each band member's commanding presence, "Run's House" prevailed at a time when the group's album sales fumbled amid competition. Oh, and it made for a convenient title and theme song for Rev Run's popular 2005 MTV reality show, Run's House.
McKenzie Jean-Philippe is the editorial assistant at OprahMag.com covering pop culture, TV, movies, celebrity, and lifestyle. She loves a great Oprah viral moment and all things Netflix—but come summertime, Big Brother has her heart. On a day off you'll find her curled up with a new juicy romance novel.
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