Run-DMC is considered one of Hip Hop’s early pioneers. Jospeh “Rev Run” Simmons, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels and the late Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell made history several times with albums such as their self-titled debut (1984) , King Of Rock (1985) and Raising Hell (1986).

The Hollis, Queens trio was the first Hip Hop group to earn a gold, platinum and multi-platinum records, first to have multiple singles debut in the Billboard Hot 100 and first to appear on MTV — and that’s just the beginning. But despite all of their success, DMC was crumbling behind the scenes as he struggled with alcoholism and his mental health. After getting sober in 2004, DMC wrote a book called Ten Ways Not To Commit Suicide, which has proved to be a beacon of hope for so many on a similar journey.

In a recent interview with HipHopDX, the living rap legend was joined by Anna Maria College professor Dennis Vanasse — who recently held an event with DMC at the school — for an open discussion about mental health, addiction and some potential solutions to overcoming outstanding obstacles. Here is that conversation.

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