Run-DMC rapper blasts hip hop culture for being ‘disrespectful and immature’

Run-DMC: 'Hip hop today sucks'DMC is not a fan of most modern hip hop (Picture: Dave M Benett/Getty for adidas)
Sunday 4 Aug 2013 | metro.co.uk

Exclusive: Run-DMC co-founder Darryl McDaniels has criticised Jay Z and today’s hip hop culture for being ‘irresponsible, disrespectful and immature’.

McDaniels, better known as DMC, believes modern hip hop stars release ‘bad demos’ and ‘stupid America celebrates a person being a drug-dealer’.

‘If you want to see real hip hop you gotta go to concerts and festivals because hip hop on radio sucks!’ the Walk This Way hitmaker told me in an exclusive chat with Guilty Pleasures.

‘Ninety-eight per cent of hip hop music that’s out now I say is just bad demos.’

The 49-year-old aired his frustration at the lack of responsibility taken on by rappers such as Jay Z and Lil’ Wayne – and vowed to personally kick their ‘ass out of hip hop’.

‘Lil Wayne, Jay Z ain’t hot, it’s just they’re programmed so many times people are brainwashed.

‘A rapper will use this excuse – “man they don’t go after Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis when they make their violent movies” and I go “if you’re going to use that excuse get off the mic, don’t produce”,’ he said, adding, ‘I’ll personally kick your ass out of hip hop cos if you’re using that excuse go be an actor.’

The New Yorker admits the trio, Joseph ‘Run’ Simmons and Jason ‘Jam Master Jay’ Mizell, made ‘negative records’ in their heyday but at least they backed it up with something positive.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 18: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK TABLOID NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 48 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME. MANDATORY CREDIT PHOTO BY DAVE M. BENETT/GETTY IMAGES REQUIRED) Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels attends the launch of the adidas #Spezial exhibtion, showcasing 600 pairs of adidas trainers, at Hoxton Gallery on July 18, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Dave M. Benett/Getty Images for adidas) *** Local Caption *** Darryl 'DMC' McDanielsThe rapper thinks some modern hip hop stars should leave the business (Picture: Dave Benett/Getty for adidas)

‘If you make a record about a gun, on that very same record or album there’s gotta be a record about not using a gun. If you’re making a record on the b**** or the h*es, there’s got to be a record about your aunt who worked all of the days of her life to send all her children to college,’ the Queens native said.

‘It seems like stupid America celebrates a person that says “yeah I’m a drug dealer, I’m bringing the drugs into the hood”. The reason why hip hop exists is because it started out with good intentions, once all the good intentions left the music became polluted, it became disrespectful it became immature.’

Run-DMC are hoping to bring a bit of old school positivity back via a new FW13 Adidas Originals campaign featuring DJ A-Trak.

DMC said: ‘When we made the record for adidas we didn’t make it to get an endorsement, it wasn’t about business. We took positivity and made it gangsta, we never knew we would do something historic.

‘We saw those shell-toe sneakers and said “those are dope” and we made a song about it.’

Views: 167

Reply to This

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

Don Carlos
Friday, June 12 @ The Chapel, SF

DaBoyDame w/ Keyshia Cole, Plies +more
Friday, June 19 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Buju Banton & Stephen Marley
Saturday, June 20 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Khalid
Friday, June 26 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Thee Sacred Souls
Saturday, Aug 15 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Jungle
Wednesday, Oct 7 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Connect

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Latest Activity

Editor's Pick shared their discussion on Facebook
1 hour ago
Editor's Pick shared their discussion on Facebook
22 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted discussions
yesterday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

J Boog at THE UC THEATRE, Berkeley

June 16, 2026 from 8pm to 11:30pm
June 16, 2026 J BoogTHE UC THEATRE 2036 University Ave. Berkeley, CA Doors: 7:00 pm. Start: 8:00 pmAll Ages >> BUY TICKETS…See More
yesterday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Don Carlos at The Chapel, SF

June 12, 2026 from 8pm to 11pm
ENTER TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS. WINNER WILL BE DRAWN RANDOMLY AND ANNOUNCED 2 DAYS PRIOR TO EVENT. Friday, Jun 12, 2026 DON CARLOSThe Chapel, 777 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA Doors: 8:00PM | Show: 9:00PM>> BUY TICKETS…See More
yesterday
Tampa Mystic posted a blog post

Jhaysings Blends Love, Culture, and Soulful Energy on New Single “Emotions”

Nigerian Afrobeat's artist Jhaysings is making waves once again with the release of his latest single, "Emotions" Hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, Jhaysings has spent the last seven years building a name for himself as a singer, songwriter, producer, and mix engineer. His dedication to developing a unique sound has earned him recognition from…See More
yesterday
Editor's Pick shared their discussion on Facebook
yesterday
Editor's Pick shared their discussion on Facebook
Monday
Tampa Mystic posted a blog post

The Vibrant sounds of Latin American & Haitian Music delivers the steamy single; "Latin Nights" by Shaney Poo

The vibrant sounds of the Latin American and Haitian music scenes are about to converge in an exhilarating new single: **"Latin Nights"** by Shaney Poo. This track not only showcases the diverse rhythms of Latin music but also pays homage to the rich cultural tapestry of the Haitian community. A Fusion of Sounds"Latin Nights" is a celebration of the rich musical heritages that define both Latin and Haitian cultures. With infectious beats and dynamic melodies, Shaney Poo invites listeners on a…See More
Sunday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Saturday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Friday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Jun 3

© 2026   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service