Run DMC, Aerosmith, and the Song that Changed American Music Forever

In the annals of American music, there are few collaborations as iconic as that of Run DMC and Aerosmith. The two bands, one from the world of hip-hop and the other from the world of rock, came together in 1986 to record a cover of Aerosmith's classic song "Walk This Way." The resulting single was a massive hit, crossing over to both the pop and rock charts and helping to introduce hip-hop to a wider audience. It also had a profound impact on the sound of American music, paving the way for a new era of crossover collaborations between hip-hop and rock artists.

Walk This Way: Run-DMC, Aerosmith, and the Song that Changed American Music Forever

by Geoff Edgers

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	20960 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages

FREE

The story of how "Walk This Way" came to be is a fascinating one. In the early 1980s, Run DMC was one of the most popular hip-hop groups in the world. Their songs were characterized by their hard-hitting beats and politically charged lyrics. Aerosmith, on the other hand, was a veteran rock band that had been around for over a decade. They were known for their catchy melodies and bluesy guitar riffs.

In 1986, Run DMC was working on their second album, King of Rock. They were looking for a song to cover, and they decided to try "Walk This Way." The band's producer, Rick Rubin, was initially hesitant about the idea. He thought that the song was too different from Run DMC's usual style. However, the band convinced him to give it a try.

Run DMC's version of "Walk This Way" was a radical departure from the original. The band stripped the song down to its bare essentials, adding a heavy bass line and a driving beat. They also rapped over the song's iconic guitar riff, creating a new and unique sound. The resulting single was a massive hit, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance.

The success of "Walk This Way" had a profound impact on the sound of American music. It helped to break down the barriers between hip-hop and rock, and it paved the way for a new era of crossover collaborations between artists from different genres. In the years since its release, "Walk This Way" has been covered by numerous other artists, including U2, Metallica, and Kid Rock. It remains one of the most iconic and influential songs in American music history.

In 2018, a book was published that tells the story of how "Walk This Way" came to be. The book, Run DMC, Aerosmith, and the Song that Changed American Music Forever, is written by music journalist Jeff Chang. The book provides a detailed account of the recording process, and it includes interviews with Run DMC, Aerosmith, and Rick Rubin.

Run DMC, Aerosmith, and the Song that Changed American Music Forever is a fascinating and informative read. It is a must-read for any fan of hip-hop, rock, or American music in general.

Walk This Way: Run-DMC, Aerosmith, and the Song that Changed American Music Forever

by Geoff Edgers

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	20960 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages

FREE