Run DMC is widely recognized as being one of the most iconic hip-hop groups. Their list of notable firsts in hip-hop history is quite lengthy; some of their accomplishments include being the first hip-hop group to:
- Earn a gold album (Run-D.M.C, 1984)
- Earn a platinum single ("King of Rock", 1985)
- Earn a multi-platinum album (Raising Hell, 1986)
- Cover Rolling Stone magazine
- Have their video ("Rock Box") played on MTV
The list goes on and on. However, Run DMC was not the first hip-hop group to win a Grammy. In fact, they've never been awarded one at all-although they were nominated in 1987 for "Best R&B Vocal Performance by Duo or Group" for "Raising Hell". Though this might strike some as surprising, the hip-hop community has always had "beef" with the Grammys, as most believe that the Grammys continuously fail at acknowledging some of the major contributors to the hip-hop scene. Run DMC may have been snubbed by the Grammys in the past, but they're headed toward another major hip-hop first as they're set to be the first hip-hop group to receive the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Rev Run, D.M.C and the late Jam Master Jay are due to be honored at the 58th annual Grammy Awards.