Ep 3. Rock Box: 1984

Hip Hop: The Songs That Shook America season 1 episode 3 titled "Rock Box: 1984" explores the impact and significance of Run-DMC's hit song "Rock Box." The episode delves into how Run-DMC paved the way for a new era in Hip Hop culture by blending rock and rap music and the socio-political significance of the song's lyrics.

Through archival footage and interviews with Hip Hop pioneers such as Rakim, LL Cool J, and Chuck D of Public Enemy, the episode sheds light on the historical context and struggles of the 1980s inner-city youth in America. Run-DMC's "Rock Box" is considered a game-changer for the music industry, as it created a new genre known as 'rap-rock' that paved the way for popular acts like Beastie Boys and Rage Against the Machine.

The episode explores the political and social climate of the era, highlighting the crack epidemic, gang violence, and the economic downturn in urban areas. Run-DMC's music was a means for inner-city youth to assert their identity and provide an alternative to the mainstream media's narrative of their lives.

The episode also examines how Run-DMC's career took off after being picked up by Russell Simmons and Def Jam Recordings. The group's style, incorporating Adidas sneakers and fedoras with their iconic leather jackets, became a staple of Hip Hop culture in the 1980s and is still referenced and celebrated in contemporary society.

Fans of Hip Hop, Rock and Roll, and music history will find much to appreciate in this episode of Hip Hop: The Songs That Shook America. The continuing series provides a unique and insightful perspective into the music and social landscape of America in the 20th century, inspiring viewers with the powerful music and cultural shifts that emerged during this fascinating and transformative time.