Family Average: 5.5/7

Look below and see what the family had to say.

Oh hey! I have this record on vinyl, or rather I had it. I think I loaned it to my cousin. This is the future though and I can play it out of my laptop so no worries. This album is larger than LIFE! Fun fact I learned during my re-listening. Raising Hell became the first Platinum and multi-Platinum rap album. It introduced a whole new audience to a style of music they had never heard before. Not only that but it paved the way for artists to experiment, and push the limits of hip hop to new extremes.

 Experimentation is the name of the game on this record. Not only are they trying new things but they are going all out balls to the wall while doing so. When they branch out into other genres they don’t just dip their toes they put it all out there. An obvious example of this would be the fantastic genre-blending Aerosmith collaboration “Walk This Way”.  Almost every verse put down on this record is exploding with energy. This coupled with the steady framework laid down by the classic Rolland 808 drum machine makes for a real good time. 

6/7

I’ve heard this album before but it never gets old. Every song has its own distinct flavor (some heavy on guitar, others bare-bones with drums and vocals) but they all have a catchy, easy to follow rhythm that will have anyone bopping their head along to. The clear enunciation and alternating vocalists make the lyrics work regardless whether you’re paying attention to what they’re saying. The wide appeal of this album has helped it stand the test of time.

6/7

Run DMC tracks are always a bop, and this album is no different. It’s a spectacular mix of classic ‘80s hip hop, showcasing their whipping wordplay and a rock n roll bend — Steven Tyler comes in, boa and all, providing some familiar and welcome guitar riffs to the album. 

We’ve heard these songs forever and they hold water still. A massively important and influential project that deserves a replay every once in a while.

5/7

The first rap album to go platinum ever. Huge hits on this one, big names. That iconic 80s NY hip hop sound. Boomboxes and gold chains. A style was created. 

5/7

I never thought that I would utter the phrase main stream Rap, but what we have here is just that. Traditional old school Rap complete with Aerosmith and blistering guitar riffs. Even a die-hard rock junkie like myself can get behind that kinda thing. RUN is brilliant for bridging the gap between Rap and Rock and we are all better people for it.

5/7

Such a great album to revisit. So many hits and of course a collaboration with Aerosmith!  Love this classic 80's rap style they embody. There is something for everyone here and I think that's part of why it has such tremendous mass appeal. 

6/7