What makes Raising Hell by Run-DMC notable?

This album is notable for its commercial success, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and being one of the first to bring hip-hop into mainstream rock culture. It introduced hit singles like It's Tricky and Walk This Way, which helped to bridge the gap between genres and influenced countless artists across different music scenes. Raising Hell was Run-DMC's third studio album, released at the peak of their influence in the mid-1980s. Building on the success of their previous album, King of Rock, this release further established them as pioneers in rap rock. The album marked a significant moment in their career as they embraced collaborations, most notably with Aerosmith on Walk This Way.

Who is Raising Hell for?

Raising Hell works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, dynamic emotional journeys and immediate hooks and energy.

How many songs are on Raising Hell?

Raising Hell has 12 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Raising Hell

Run-DMC · 1986

39 min · 12 tracks · hardcore hip-hop

A groundbreaking fusion of rock and hip-hop that energizes with dynamic beats and clever wordplay.

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Top tracks — play these first

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It's Tricky — The song features an infectious beat and playful lyrics that encapsulate the group's unique ability to blend humor with a hard-hitting message. Its catchy hook and energetic delivery became emblematic of Run-DMC's style.
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Walk This Way — This collaboration with Aerosmith revitalized both bands' careers and showcased the potential for cross-genre collaboration, becoming a defining anthem of the era. The fusion of rock guitar riffs with hip-hop verses set a new standard for genre blending.
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My Adidas — This track not only highlights Run-DMC's trademark swagger but also symbolizes their influence on fashion and youth culture, effectively turning sneakers into a cultural statement. Its catchy rhythm and clever lyrics celebrated streetwear long before it became mainstream.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

Raising Hell showcases innovative fusion of rock and hip-hop with strong lyrical content and production quality.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong, rhythmic track that features a prominent use of samples and layered vocal delivery.
Several tracks incorporate rock elements, particularly guitar riffs, which are central to the sound of songs like 'Walk This Way'.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 8/10

Defined its genre or moment. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady, consistent energy levels
dynamic emotional journeys
immediate hooks and energy
short, punchy listening sessions

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Run-DMC's reputation and brought hip-hop into mainstream rock culture.
Career context: Raising Hell was Run-DMC's third studio album, released at the peak of their influence in the mid-1980s. Building on the success of their previous album, King of Rock, this release further established them as pioneers in rap rock. The album marked a significant moment in their career as they embraced collaborations, most notably with Aerosmith on Walk This Way.
Stylistic neighbors: Beastie Boys· Public Enemy· LL Cool J