DMC runs PPC workshop, talk

The Pitt Program Council hosts today hip-hop success Darryl McDaniels, whose initials put… The Pitt Program Council hosts today hip-hop success Darryl McDaniels, whose initials put the DMC in renowned group, Run DMC. McDaniels’ double lecture includes an exclusive Master Class at 4 p.m., in which aspiring Emcees of Pitt can sit down and learn his techniques beyond lyrics and rhyme. The second part at 8:30 p.m. is an in-depth presentation, free for Pitt students, about the world of hip-hop and McDaniels’ vital role in it.

Back in the ’80s, before hip-hop entered mainstream musical culture, it was a real sub-culture, with Run DMC leading the ranks. The group consisted of Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Joseph “DJ Run” Simmons and Jason “Jam-Master Jay” Mizell. Run DMC went big when they crossed the country on their tour with Profile Records in the early ’80s.

Innovation extended past their lyrics and into their wardrobe: Run DMC’s threads consisted of tight leather pants, rather than baggy jeans, and instead of a tilted ball cap, a black fedora hat sat on each of their heads.

Run DMC’s 1986 album, Raising Hell became the highest grossing hip-hop album to that date, and the trio’s cover of Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way” was the first hip-hop single to storm the Billboard Top 10.

McDaniels in particular played a major role in the evolution of the group. His notable vocals and distinct talent helped to give Run DMC not just a name to remember, but a seat among mainstream music.

The three members grew up in a neighborhood outside New York City, and McDaniels and Simmons were best friends from the start. The duo started by performing at various underage clubs in New York City, but it was not until they were in college, with a third member addition (Mizell), that their talents melded to form Run DMC. In accordance with his nickname, “Jam-Master Jay” was the reigning DJ of their hometown, and therefore took over the role of mixer for the group.

Though the gang stuck together for many years, the roads were rough ones, especially for McDaniels. He suffered problems with alcohol and drugs, and this was all before he hit his greatest low with the realization that his voice was failing.

McDaniels was diagnosed with a vocal disorder which causes involuntary spasms of the larynx muscles, and his aggressive vocal style didn’t help his recovery. Even through these major setbacks, McDaniels used his obsession with music to keep him and his group moving, and they kept evolving all the way into the late ’90s.

McDaniels might have only been the DMC in Run DMC, but without his raw talent and unyielding hard work, the group would have been running on nothing.

To free tickets for McDaniels’ 8:30 discussion, show your Pitt student ID at PPC’s William Pitt Union ticket office or contact the Pitt Program Council at 412-648-7900.