Rap group Run-DMC. AP/Wide World Photo. Reproduced by permission.

Run-DMC took rap and hip-hop (see entry under 1980s—Music in volume 5) music to the top of the charts in the 1980s by collaborating with the hard-rock band Aerosmith on a remake of the 1970s rock and roll (see entry under 1950s—Music in volume 3) hit "Walk This Way." The Queens, New York–based hip-hop "posse" followed up that single with the smash 1986 album Raising Hell, which blended loud rock guitar and rap beats to great effect.

Run-DMC was named for two of its founding members, Joseph "Run" Simmons (1964–) and Daryl "DMC" McDaniels (1964–). Simmons and McDaniels hooked up with a disc jockey named Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell (1965–) and recorded their first single, "It's Like That," in 1983. Its success led to other minor hits like "Sucker MCs" and "King of Rock," paving the way for mainstream acceptance. After...