Down with the King 1993 Album

Run-DMC

While I think Run-D.M.C.'s production was on the up with their previous albums, here we see them branching outside to more top-tier producers from Naughty by Nature's KayGee, Q-Tip and Pete Rock to name a few. Pete Rock handles the title track so well with it being my favourite song from the group. You can hear KayGee's recognisable production from the first note on 'Hit 'Em Hard'. 'Big Willie' is the obligatory rap-rock track from Run-D.M.C, with Tom Morello, from Rage Against the Machine, on the guitar, but they've done better. There are some nice touches to the instrumentation but the first verse from Rev Run sounds mixed too low and it gets repetitive during the verses. 'What's Next' also sees Run going back to a reggae sound which they had a couple of songs in on their earlier albums, but it's the least likeable moment on the album. All in all this is a decent rap project to add to so many from what is the greatest era in hip hop, but Run-D.M.C. do lose their unique sound and style here, with it sounding like lots of other albums from the early-mid '90s. They even look like Naughty by Nature on the album art. The rapping is less traditionally Run-esque as well, and while never a strength of the group, there isn't anything topically interesting being spat. Some of it sounds more like an Onyx record, who Jam Master Jay helped to sign. There are too many okay, but nothing special, boom bap songs like 'Three Little Indians', 'In The House' and 'Get Open' to name a few. 'Can I Get a Witness' elevates beyond those mainly thanks to a catchier hook, and the same can be said for 'Wreck Shop'. Beats: ★★★☆ Rapping/Bars: ★★★☆ Hooks: ★★★☆ Best Tracks: Down with the King, Hit 'Em Hard, Ooh, Whatcha Gonna Do, Can I Get a Witness, Wreck Shop