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Christmas Greetings From Run-D.M.C. (And MTV News)

Posted 12/23/10 1:00 pm EST by in Music


It's almost time for Christmas, which means that the mood around the MTV Newsroom is getting pretty festive and everybody is going to start hitting the road soon (or just getting ready for a long winter's nap). We'll be taking off Friday (December 24) in observance of the holiday, but if anything huge happens, you know you can always count on your friends here at MTV News to deliver up-to-the-minute information on all the latest breaking news.

In the meantime, if you need to get into the Christmas spirit, we have got the best solution known to man (or beast): Run-D.M.C.'s "Christmas in Hollis," one of only a handful of truly exceptional pop-oriented Christmas songs (including Shane MacGowan's "Fairytale of New York," Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" and the recently-released Coldplay track "Christmas Lights"). Produced by Rick Rubin in 1987 for a pair of special holiday compilations (A Very Special Christmas and Christmas Rap), the track puts the greatest hip-hop group of all time at the North Pole and tracks Santa's trip into Queens on Christmas Eve.

Run, DMC and Jam Master Jay were arguably at the height of their powers in 1987, as they had released back-to-back smashes in 1985's King of Rock and 1986's Raising Hell, and they were about to drop the smashing Tougher Than Leather. While "Christmas in Hollis" was embraced when it was originally released, it didn't chart until 13 years later after slowly becoming something of a holiday tradition (as well as appearing in "Die Hard" and on "The Simpsons"). Not only is it a great song, but it also has a fantastically fun video. Think of it as our Christmas gift to you.


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James Brown Records 'Funky Drummer,' Fuels Hip-Hop: Wake-Up Video

Posted 12/20/10 8:30 am EST by in Wake-Up Video


Last week, Wake-Up Video commemorated an important moment in the history of hip-hop that saw the beginnings of musicians being properly compensated for the use of their songs in samples in rap tunes. On this day in 1969, another huge moment occurred in the history of sampling, as James Brown and his band recorded the song "Funky Drummer," a track that would go down in history as (likely) the most-sampled track of all time because of its drum solo.

The drums in question were played by Clyde Stubblefield, who would later come to be known as "The Funky Drummer" because of his work on this particular track. As it stands, "Funky Drummer" isn't much of a song — there's no real vocal performance from Brown and the groove just sort of ebbs and flows. Instead of a proper vocal, Brown mostly encourages various members of his band, egging them on as they jam. When he gets to Stubblefield, he declares the beat "a mother," and the ensuing eight bars of drum magic helped fuel some of the biggest hip-hop tracks in history.

It's uncertain exactly who got to "Funky Drummer" first, but it certainly got passed around an awful lot. In addition to being name-checked on Public Enemy's "Fight the Power" (where it is also sampled), "Funky Drummer" is all over N.W.A's "F--- Tha Police," LL Cool J's "Mama Said Knock You Out," Ice T's "Original Gangster," Eric B. & Rakim's "Lyrics of Fury," Dr. Dre's "Let Me Ride" and Ultramagnetic MCs' "Give the Drummer Some." (There are literally dozens, if not hundreds, more songs out there that borrow from "Funky Drummer," including non-rap tracks by Prince, Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode and New Order.) Run-D.M.C. also went to the "Funky Drummer" well with "Run's House" (from 1988's Tougher Than Leather).


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The 'Jackass 3D' Soundtrack: Weezer, Beastie Boys And Run-D.M.C.

Posted 10/15/10 11:00 am EST by in Music


It's going to be a fun weekend at your local cinema this weekend, as many of this weekend's new releases are infused with a fundamental sense of fun. The comic book-based action comedy "Red" puts guns in the hands of Helen Mirren, Bruce Willis and John Malkovich, which makes that a clear winner. There's also the Hilary Swank vehicle "Conviction" (which is pretty heavy but does have a sense of uplift working for it) and the new Clint Eastwood film "Hereafter" (which doesn't seem like any fun at all but does star Matt Damon). But really, if you want some pure visceral joy this weekend, there's only one ticket to buy, and that ticket is "Jackass 3D."

The whole "Jackass" crew is back for a third theatrical film, this time with even crazier stunts and delivered with the magic of 3-D technology. Along the way, there is plenty of pain and deep hurting, but it's all buoyed by headmaster Johnny Knoxville's infectious laugh and the transfixing natural charisma of many of the cast members.

In order to psych yourself up to watch dudes getting struck in the crotch, you'll need to check out the video playlist below. It contains a bunch of tracks about pain (Three Days Grace's "Pain," Saigon's "Pain in My Life," Divine Heresy's "Facebreaker") and falling down (Atreyu's "Falling Down," Velvet Revolver's "Fall to Pieces"). There are also videos directed by "Jackass" team member Bam Margera (69 Eyes' "Dead Girls Are Easy") and spiritual leader Spike Jonze (Beastie Boys' "Sabotage"). There's also Run-D.M.C.'s "It's Tricky," just for good measure.

But we begin with Weezer's "Memories," the first clip from the band's just-released album Hurley that stars the "Jackass" crew skateboarding, running around an empty pool and standing in for the band members. It has the same sense of fun as "Jackass 3D" and should prepare you for the joys of stuff like hornet's nest tetherball.


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Bizzy Bone Becoming The Latest Rap-To-Metal Crossover

Posted 7/23/10 2:30 pm EST by in Music


After years of hits, trials and tribulations, Cleveland's own Bone Thugs-N-Harmony have managed to retain a hardcore following in the hip-hop world. Now it appears as though one of its key players is trying to branch out. Bizzy Bone has signed on to the roster of Sumerian Records, a small Washington, D.C.-based imprint known best for hardcore and post-hardcore bands like Asking Alexandria, Veil of Maya and the Faceless. Bizzy is about to release his latest album Crossroads 2010 (a reference to his group's 1996 smash hit "Tha Crossroads") via the label, and the album is a fusion of rap and rock styles featuring a number of players from the Sumerian roster contributing music. (You can check out samples of the music at Bizzy's official MySpace page.)

Bizzy Bone isn't the first rapper to dip his toe into the world of hard rock and metal. What other hip-hop denizens have made the journey into the world of guitars? Glad you asked!

Run-DMC
Two years before Rev Run, DMC and Jam Master Jay teamed up with the men of Aerosmith for the genre-bending re-creation of "Walk This Way," the trio dropped "Rock Box," which appeared on their 1984 self-titled debut. "Rock Box" not only had a ton of heavy riffage care of Eddie Martinez (who worked with David Lee Roth and Meat Loaf) but was also the first rap video ever played on MTV.

Ice-T
Perhaps the first rapper to ever completely cross over into the metal world, Ice-T made the transition from stone cold pimp to in-your-face power player. "Cop Killer," from Body Count's debut album, remains the blueprint all other rap-rock crossovers followed later.

Beastie Boys
New York's favorite sons have always managed to keep one foot in everybody's old school, be it straight hip-hop or savage hardcore. Read More...

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On Jam Master Jay's Birthday, A Remembrance From A Friend

Posted 1/21/10 1:10 pm EST by in Music


Today would have been legendary DJ Jam Master Jay's 45th birthday. The man born Jason William Mizell was tragically gunned down in a recording studio in Queens back in 2002. As a member of Run-DMC and on his own, Jay was an inspirational member of the hip-hop community who touched most everybody he met — including Eric "Shake" James, one of the DJ's closest friends who provided this remembrance for MTV Newsroom.

By Eric "Shake" James

JMJ, what can I say? You're the greatest friend anyone could hope to have. Thank you for everything you taught and showed me, from explaining why songs are put in order on CDs to how to write with melody in mind to how to just be a great person.

I remember when you used to tap your foot when you listened to demos or new music. If a cat got the JMJ foot tap, then you knew it was hot! Remember when I was about to get that production deal, but I turned it down and you asked 'Why?' I told you that if I took it, then we wouldn't be able to hang out any more.

I remember when Onyx was making their second album and they were trying to come up with a title. Fredro Starr called you and said it was between Three the Hard Way and All We Got is Us. You asked me which one, and I said All We Got is Us, and you picked up the phone and called Fredro and said, "All we got is us!"

I remember how excited you were when I told you that 50 had signed with Dre and Emimen. I remember how excited you were when I told you I was having a son. (I think you were more excited then me.)

So happy birthday, my dude. God needed a DJ. You are always on my mind and forever in my heart! What's my name? I can't hear you! A little bit louder!

Check out LL Cool J's memories of JMJ.

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Forget Christmas Carols And Celebrate The Season With Run-D.M.C.

Posted 12/24/09 9:00 am EST by in Music


Merry Christmas everybody! We here in the MTV Newsroom want to wish anybody celebrating a happy and healthy holiday. It's the time of year when you don't have to worry about excess, so feel free to eat too many cookies, drink too much eggnog and give out too many hugs to family and friends. Also, be sure to play your Christmas music to death, because it will be the last time you can do so for another 350 days or so.

While "Silent Night" and "Jingle Bells" are fine choices when it comes to caroling, they're a little played out. Instead, you should tuck into some modern favorites. Want to gather around the hearth and grab Aunt Deb for a duet on the Pogues' "Fairytale of New York"? You should do it. Are you more of a punk at heart? Strap on the Ramones' "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)." Feeling a little more irreverent about the Yuletide season (and the end of the world)? Then "Christmas at Ground Zero" by "Weird Al" Yankovic is your new favorite holiday jam. If you want something more traditional but still want to stretch your range, take on Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You." And if you want to have a freak-out on Christmas in addition to New Year's Eve, tuck into the Flaming Lips' "Christmas at the Zoo."

But if you're like us here in the Newsroom, you're going to gather around the tree and spit some verses from Run-D.M.C.'s immortal "Christmas in Hollis." Check out the video below, and keep watching for the rest of "Get Your Yule On," the official MTV News Christmas video playlist. "Christmas in Hollis" is by far the best Christmas rap in history, and it's the best way to remind yourself that whether you celebrate or not, there should be joy in the season. Enjoy your holiday.

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The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Opens In Cleveland: Wake-Up Video

Posted 9/2/09 9:00 am EST by in Music, Wake-Up Video


Though the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was first established in 1983, it took 12 years before it finally settled on an actual home. On September 2, 1983, Yoko Ono and Little Richard cut the ribbon to officially open the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. The hall, designed by legendary architect I.M. Pei, the Hall houses seven floors of music history and memorabilia, from Keith Moon's velvet suit to Janis Joplin's 1965 Porsche. Though the criteria for getting into the Hall is sketchy at best, in recent years they've done a better job about embracing older rock pioneers from the '50s and more underground and hip-hop acts from the modern era.

This year's inductees included Jeff Beck, Little Anthony & the Imperials, Run-D.M.C., Metallica and Bobby Womack. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has been slow to embrace metal, so the welcoming of Metallica is especially interesting and should open up the category to more than just them and Black Sabbath. (It seems like Slayer and Sepultura are long overdue for some proper acknowledgment.) Metallica brought speed metal to the masses and made hard music radio-friendly, but they almost certainly couldn't have gotten to the top of the metal mountain without the help of some (typically disturbing) music videos. "One" put them on the map and "Enter Sandman" gave birth to a million video clichés (though nobody did them with more conviction than the boys in Metallica), but they continue to push the envelope today. Though it was somewhat overhyped, Metallica's 2008 album Death Magnetic was a satisfying jolt of old-school metal, and the video for "The Day That Never Comes" was a grim and satisfying effort that belongs among the best rock clips ever made.

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Run-DMC Getting Their Own Street In Queens

Posted 7/1/09 3:23 pm EST by in Music


As a tribute to their contributions to music, Run-DMC will receive their own street in Queens, New York, where the group first came together. 205 Street, in the Hollis neighborhood, will be renamed "Run-DMC Way." The re-naming will also act as an appreciation for Run-DMC member Jam Master Jay, as 205 Street is the location of the mural that memorializes the DJ, who was killed in a still-unsolved shooting in 2002.

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Did You See This?! Chris Brown, T.I., Run-DMC And More

Posted 4/6/09 12:10 pm EST by in Did You See This?


Chris BrownBy Jenna Talavera and Kathleen Newman-Bremang

Chris Brown is scheduled to appear in court today for his arraignment on felony charges of assault and making criminal threats. The singer could face more than four years in prison for his alleged altercation with girlfriend Rihanna. Will his attorneys enter a plea or ask for another extension?

With T.I. facing a prison sentence of one year and one day, Mixtape Monday has put together a track list of some of the MC's hottest tracks. Check out the behind-the-scenes info that Tip and top Atlanta DJs gave us about making the songs. And this is only part one!

Run-DMC officially became Kings of Rock when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday. Read our recap of the historic night and catch what Eminem had to say about the iconic group. Then read some heartfelt words about the induction from Eric "Shake" James, a close friend of the late Jam Master Jay.

MTV caught up with Zac Efron at ShoWest, and the former Disney heartthrob talked about everything from girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens to bonding with his "17 Again" co-star Matthew Perry.

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Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame: JMJ's Friend Reports From The Show

Posted 4/5/09 12:17 am EST by in Eminem, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, run-dmc



Minutes after Run-DMC were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tonight, we got an e-mail from Eric "Shake" James, one of the late Jam Master Jay's closest friends, who was at the ceremony in Cleveland:

To me this is the greatest night in hip-hop!!! Run-DMC in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, wow! Remember the "King of Rock" video? "You don't belong here; this is for rock stars only." Now we're here, and we do belong!!!

Even though my best friend in the world, Jason Mizell, couldn't be here, I look up in the sky and feel him smiling and watchin' down!!! 1st to go gold, 1st on MTV and still making moves!! I see his boys, and I know he'd be (and is) so proud of them and his wife, Terri!!!! What an honor this is!!! We love and miss you, Jason!!!

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