‘Kings From Queens: The Run DMC Story’ Unveils the Untold Legacy of Hip-Hop Pioneers | WATCH

The new Peacock docuseries “Kings From Queens:The Run DMC Story,” tells the story of legendary rap trio RUN DMC. It looks at their meteoric rise, challenges, and the evolution of the hip-hop genre. Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell, hailing from Hollis, Queens, emerged as trailblazers who not only popularized rap but also transcended racial barriers and left an undeniable imprint on music and culture.

The series explores the group’s journey from humble beginnings to global superstardom, highlighting the impact of their unique style and authenticity. DMC spoke with EUR about establishing the look and feel of Hip-Hop and why he’s sometimes frustrated with its current state.

“It’s satisfying, but it’s also disappointing,” DMC said, “because they’re emulating it, but they’re not putting the responsibility of it with it. That was the game changer. And that’s why we were able to accomplish and do everything that we did.”

The story of Run-DMC  is not just a journey through music but also a testament to the cultural responsibility the group felt. DMC emphasized their genuine passion and mission, which set them apart from the current commercialization of hip-hop. He shared, “now some people are just acting to be labeled as cool. But what was cool about us was that we really had a passion, a mission, and something to demonstrate.”

The three-part docuseries delves into the socio-political landscape of the ’70s and ’80s, showcasing how Run-DMC and other hip-hop pioneers addressed critical issues. DMC points out, “there were economic, political, spiritual, educational things that we were addressing in the music that allowed us to become this billion-dollar thing.”

Run-DMC’s influence reached far beyond music, transcending into fashion and breaking down barriers. DMC reflects on their connection with the audience, stating, “when you saw Run-DMC, even at a height, you didn’t see celebrity, you saw yourself, you saw some aspect of yourself.”

The docuseries features interviews with hip-hop luminaries such as Ice Cube, ICE T, Chuck D, Jermaine Dupri, Eminem, and more. DMC emphasizes the diversity in hip-hop during their era, contrasting it with the current trend where artists sound alike. He stated, “Run-DMC didn’t sound like Grandmaster Flash. Grandmaster Flash didn’t sound like the Zulu Nation. PE didn’t sound like Rakim.”

DMC also noted that it isn’t just hip-hop searching for some originality, “country music is trying to steal our motion. They want to be considered cool, but you’re not cool if you’re not doing yourself.”

“Kings From Queens: The Run DMC Story” is streaming exclusively on Peacock beginning February 1.

Jill Munroe is a Los Angeles-bred entertainment journalist, producer, and host. Listen to her live, weeknights 9 PM-Midnight on KBLA Talk 1580. You can follow her on all social media @StilettoJill or check out JillMunroe.com

MORE NEWS AT EURWEB: Byron Allen Offers $30B to Buy Paramount Global

We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!