[Still Kings] -- Forty years ago this week, Run-D.M.C. released their second studio album, King of Rock (January 21, 1985). According to Wikipedia, this was the first rap album to be released on CD, and the third rap album to be certified Platinum by the RIAA (source: SPIN Magazine). The album peaked at #52 and #12 on the Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums charts respectively. All four of this album's singles – "King of Rock", "You Talk Too Much", "Jam-Master Jammin'" and "Can You Rock It Like This" – appeared on the Billboard Hot 100. "King of Rock" was the biggest commercial success, reaching #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and supported by a popular music video that featured Larry "Bud" Melman of Dave Letterman fame.
This album might still be the best fusion of hip-hop and rock there is, and it certainly showcases Run-D.M.C. as both trailblazers and no frills, rock out performers.
Flashback: King of Rock (January 21, 1985)
And that's all till next week. Dedicated 80s-philes can find more flashbacks in the Prophet or Madman archives or via Bookended's 80s Flashback tag. As always, your comments are welcome on today's, or any other, flashback post. And if you like what I'm doing here, please share the link with your friends. If, however, you don't like the flashback, feel free to share it with your enemies.
See you in seven!
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