The illustrious saga of Run-DMC has arrived at a poignant juncture as the legendary hip-hop ensemble graced the stage for what is reported to be their final performance, culminating their remarkable journey at the Hip Hop 50 Live concert in New York City. Reverend Joseph “Run” Simmons and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, the dynamic duo that constitutes the core of Run-DMC, captivated the audience with an awe-inspiring showcase.
Their closing act at the Hip Hop 50 Live concert witnessed a nostalgic embrace of their heritage, commencing their set with the resounding chords of their 1984 hit “Rock Box.” The audience, aglow with admiration, bore witness to the momentous occasion.
Addressing the fervent crowd, Simmons engaged in a spirited exchange, inquiring, “How many people out there came to see Run-DMC?” The response was a resounding cheer from the attendees. He playfully delved into the past, alluding to the era of cassette tapes, and referencing iconic tracks such as “Peter Piper” and “My Adidas,” both emblematic of their legacy.
In a symphony of lyrical brilliance and pulsating beats, Simmons and McDaniels curated a memorable setlist that spanned their illustrious career. The fervor culminated in a rendition of their timeless classics including “It’s Like That,” “It’s Tricky,” “Here We Go,” “Mary, Mary,” and the groundbreaking 1986 collaboration with Aerosmith, “Walk This Way.” Their stage presence was adorned by the gesture of gifting a pair of their iconic white sneakers to a devoted fan, encapsulating the symbiotic relationship they shared with their audience.
The Hip Hop 50 Live concert, a commemorative tribute to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, was graced by a constellation of luminaries from the genre. The lineup included Snoop Dogg, Nas, Ice Cube, T.I., Lil’ Kim, Common, Ghostface Killah, Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Trina, Slick Rick, among others. The stage further glittered with special appearances by Method Man, Wiz Khalifa, Ashanti, Too $hort, and the legendary Lauryn Hill, who united with Nas to deliver a powerful performance of “Nobody” and “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That).”
This monumental performance follows closely on the heels of an equally significant proclamation. New York City Mayor Eric Adams formally designated August 9 as “RUN-DMC Day,” commemorating the ensemble’s 40th anniversary and the genre’s 50th milestone. To honor this legacy, fans can immerse themselves in a pop-up shop and an art installation in New York City, an experience available until August 12.
The notion of bidding adieu isn’t foreign to Run-DMC, as the group had previously announced retirements. Notably, they had retreated from the spotlight after the passing of member Jason William Mizell, fondly known as Jam Master Jay, in 2002. Although they later reconvened on stage, new musical ventures have remained elusive since that loss.
Simmons and McDaniels had tantalizingly hinted at the possibility of winding down earlier this year. McDaniels candidly expressed, “Run-DMC is over.” Alluding to the rare nature of their return, he quipped, “The only way Run-DMC gets back together is if the Beatles get back together. Can that happen?” McDaniels recounted their imminent exit, sharing plans of an April performance at Madison Square Garden, which would mark the conclusive chapter of their artistic journey. “It’s going to be the last episode of the documentary we’re doing. Run-DMC’s last show ever,” he revealed. “‘Cause it’s time for Run to go be Paul McCartney and me to be John Lennon. We done did what we could do.” The profound significance of Run-DMC’s legacy remains etched in the annals of hip-hop history, and their final performance stands as a poignant tribute to an era that forever transformed the musical landscape.
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