“Walk This Way” with Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith

In 1986, music history was made when Aerosmith and Run-D.M.C. teamed up for a new take on Aerosmith’s rock classic “Walk This Way.” The idea came from producer Rick Rubin, who saw the potential in blending rock and hip-hop. Rubin suggested to Run-D.M.C. that they cover Aerosmith’s 1975 hit, and he even suggested bringing in Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry to collaborate.

Initially, Run-D.M.C. was hesitant. They didn’t even know the full lyrics to the original song and weren’t sure about blending their hard-hitting style with classic rock. But once in the studio, things clicked. Tyler’s iconic vocals and Perry’s guitar riffs layered perfectly over Run-D.M.C.’s beats and rhymes.

The music video was fun, entertaining, and it visually captured the “breaking down walls” theme, quite literally. A wall separates the two groups until it’s smashed down, symbolizing the genre barrier being destroyed.

“Walk This Way” became a massive hit, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. More importantly, it bridged cultural gaps and helped bring hip-hop into the mainstream. Decades later, it remains a defining moment in music collaboration.

[Featured Image Source: BostonMagazine.com]