Happy 40th Anniversary to Run-D.M.C.'s debut album! Run DMC brought an original spin to the hip-hop sound. The 1984 self-titled album shows off an exciting, hard-hitting style in songs like “Hard Times,” “Rock Box,” “It’s Like That,” and “Sucker M.C.’s.” Their pioneering rap-rock fusion shifted not just hip-hop, but rock music, delivering a fresh version of both combined. Run-D.M.C. expanded the vocalist’s role and blended how the guitar and drums, especially a drum machine, contribute to beats.