Run-D.M.C.

The first hardcore rap outfit, Run DMC, shaped the sound and style of the hiphop genre like no other group for the years to come. The trio set the foundations for the political rap of Public Enemy and Boogie Down Productions, as well as for the hedonistic fantasies of N.W.A. At the same time, they were responsible for a shift of focus in the hiphop genre from singles to albums, being the first hiphop outfit to construct full albums instead of single collections with some added filler tracks. By the late 80s, many groups that Run D.M.C. had initially had influenced managed to gain even bigger successes than the trio itself, which nevertheless continued to perform for their dedicated fan community until well into the 90s. All three members of Run-D.M.C. were natives of the middle-class New York borough of Hollis, Queens. After a long studio hiatus, the group returned in early 2000 with "Crown Royal". The album did not achieve large sales numbers, but the following promotional efforts saw them join Aerosmit