DARRYL "DMC" MCDANIELS
Darryl McDaniels or “DMC” as most of the world knows him, made his start in the music business as one-third of the groundbreaking rap group Run-DMC and quickly became the most popular in terms of fans and influence. He has been in the public eye for the past twenty-five years, since forming the now legendary group Run-DMC with Joseph (Rev. Run) Simmons and the late, great Jason (Jam Master Jay) Mizell. As one of the founding members of this multi-platinum music group, selling over 30 million singles and albums worldwide, it would be hard to overstate his influence on popular culture. Run-DMC were the first rappers to earn a gold album (for Run-DMC/Profile in 1984), the first to earn a platinum album (for King of Rock/Profile in 1985), the first to go multi-platinum (for Raising Hell/Profile in 1986), the first to have their videos played on MTV, the first to appear on “American Bandstand” and “Saturday Night Live,” and the first rap band to grace the cover of Rolling Stone and Spin. After their last group release (Down with The King/ Profile 1999) RollingStone Magazine wrote, “it’s hardly surprising that it’s (Run-DMC) now the first rap group to come back from the dead. This may be its most impressive achievement, given all the hip-hop heroes who’ve gone out like Hoffa.”
After Jay’s untimely death on October 30, 2002, DMC, released his first solo album entitled Checks, Thugs, Rock n Roll featuring the critically acclaimed single “Just Like Me” with Sarah McLaughlin and the poignant tribute to Jam Master Jay entitled “Missing My Friend.” His critically acclaimed story "DMC: My Adoption Journey" the first documentary in the VH1 Rock Docs franchise was awarded a News & Documentary Emmy for Outstanding Arts & Culture Programming in 2007.
In addition to his musical accomplishments, he is a published author. His book “King of Rock: Respect, Responsibility and My Life with Run-DMC” (St. Martins/2001) was written by DMC with Bruce Haring, and with the forward by rapper/actor Will Smith. The book offers a flavorful tale of his rise within the music business while stressing the importance of respect and responsibility in today’s society. It has received rave reviews nationwide. Entertainment Weekly called it “strangely compelling, bravely honest…plenty of entertaining anecdotes about life back in the day to keep you turning the pages. Like Will Smith, McDaniels is a born charmer.”
In between recording, performing and writing, DMC has become an advocate for adoption and foster kids. He is actively involved with the Felix Organization- a nonprofit organization that promotes adoption and works with adoptees and foster children. DMC co-founded the organization after finding out, at the age of 35 that he was adopted; his realization that there are kids out there that are stuck in the foster system or in poor situations prompted him to make a difference. He is also a spokesperson for the Children’s Aid & Family Services and the Adoption Institute. He has spoken before Congress and before various State legislatures on behalf of adoption rights. He’s received numerous awards including the Hard Rock’s 2007 Love All Serve All Award for his numerous philanthropic endeavors and was recently inducted into the 2009 Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.
For more information please contact Tracey Miller & Associates, 609-383-2323 or [email protected]
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