Run DMC: Down with the King (1993)

A visual and sonic re-invention in which the rap masters looked sideways to their peers (Naughty By Nature, Cypress Hill, Beastie Boys), sampled widely (from Public Enemy to Blood, Sweat and Tears), invited in guitarist Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine and wrapped everything up in hardcore hip-hop in focused, single-length songs which were as much fun as they were serious.

Next: Public Enemy, It Takes A Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back; Linval Thomson, I Love Marijuana

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