Run-D.M.C. was a hip hop group founded by the late Jason "Jam Master Jay" M… Read Full Bio ↴Run-D.M.C. was a hip hop group founded by the late Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell that included Joseph "Run" Simmons and Darryl "DMC" McDaniels. The group had an enormous impact on the development of hip hop through the 1980s and is credited with breaking hip hop into mainstream music. The three members of Run-D.M.C. grew up in Hollis, Queens, New York, USA.

The band signed a record deal with Profile Records in 1983, and Run's older brother, Russell "Rush" Simmons, signed Run-D.M.C. to his newly formed management company Rush Productions that same year. On their first major United States tour, the group set new fads by performing dressed in baggy black clothing, Adidas Sneakers (always with shoelaces removed), and Fedora hats.

Their mainstream success continued as the group performed at the famous Live Aid concert in 1985, and their 1986 album ''Raising Hell'' became the highest-selling rap album in history (this record was later broken as rap gained more popularity with artists like Notorious B.I.G. and Eminem), reaching number 3 on the ''Billboard magazine'' album charts and selling over 3 million copies. The album featured the famous cover version of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way", a rap-rock collaboration performed with Aerosmith members Steven Tyler and Joe Perry. The song was the first hip-hop track to make the Top 10 on Billboard's singles charts.

Run-D.M.C. were renowned for breaking new ground in rap music. "It's Like That" and "Sucker MC's" (1983) were the first hip hop tracks that relied on electronic beats and nothing else. "Peter Piper" (1986) was the first rap record in which the DJ cut up a record (in this case, "Take Me to the Mardi Gras" by jazz musician Bob James. Run-D.M.C. became the first rap act with a platinum album and multi-platinum album, as well as the first rappers to appear on the cover of ''Rolling Stone'' magazine, to receive a Grammy nomination and to appear on Saturday Night Live] and American Bandstand.

After a period of lackluster commercial success after the ''Raising Hell'' album, the group made a comeback in 1993 with their album ''Down With the King'', which made Billboard's Top 10 for album and the Pete Rock assisted single "Down With the King".

Jam-Master Jay was shot and killed in October 2002, leading Run-D.M.C. to announce their retirement.

For a complete biography and the most up-to-date information on Run DMC, visit www.RunDMC.com.

Can You Rock It Like This
Run-D.M.C. Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

If I eat, a little kid, sticks his finger in my plate
I be signing autographs, for three months straight
I got jet-set women, who offer me favors
My face is a thousand lipstick flavors
Need a sip of lemonade, I'm a slave to my trade
From all these lights my complexion might fade
Secretary overworked, by a money hungry jerk
Got a letter, answer woman, won't you freak out on my shirt?

Well can you rock it like this?
I can rock it like that
Can you rock it like this?
I can rock it like that
Huh!

Your ears are clogged, your head as hard as a log
My privacy robbed, let me do my job
You funny lookin' slob eatin' shiskabob
You're the reason why my eyes are on the doorknob

Can you rock it like this?
I think I rock it like that
But can you rock it like this?
Homeboy I rock it like that

I'm straining not complaining for a casual life
Something normal nuttin' formal three kids and a wife
I'm dying from the spying that you're putting me through
I perspire I'm on fire when I'm thinking of you

But can you rock it like this?
I can rock it like that
Well can you rock it like this?
I can rock it like that
Huh!

Can you rock it like this?
I can rock it like that
But can you rock it like this?
I can rock it like that
Huh!

News reporters, invade my borders
If I think it I will say it, you might have a recorder
And then, uh oh, the nation's in upheaval
Old dating always thinking at me evil
You're stepping on my heels, you're breathing down my neck
I'm not Rodney Dangerfield, so give me respect

Can you rock it like this?
I-I can rock it like that
But can you rock it like this?
Homeboy I rock it like that

Can you rock it like this?
Yo I can rock it like that
But can you rock it like this?
I can rock it like that
Hu-huh-huh!

What it all adds up to, is just one thing
Run-DMC is, the king of the swing
And if you mess with us, you'll be a real short liver
You may be big but our bodyguard's bigger

Can you rock it like this?
I can rock it like that
Can you rock it like this?
I can rock it like that

Can you rock it like this?
I can rock it like that

Can you rock it like this?
Homeboy I rock it like that

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Run-D.M.C.'s "Can You Rock It Like This" depict the hectic and overwhelming nature of fame and success. The rapper begins by describing how even simple moments, like eating, are interrupted by fans and admirers. He then goes on to describe the various pressures and issues that arise with fame, including dealing with aggressive fans, invasive news reporters, and being constantly watched and criticized.

The chorus of the song, which repeats the line "Can you rock it like this? I can rock it like that," can be interpreted as a challenge to those who doubt the rapper's abilities or criticize his lifestyle. Run-D.M.C. asserts his dominance and skill as a rapper, and challenges others to match his level of success and talent.

Throughout the song, the rapper expresses a longing for a simpler life, one free from the constant pressures and scrutiny of fame. However, he also recognizes that he is at the top of his game and that he is the "king of the swing," making it clear that even though he may lament some aspects of success, he is still proud of his achievements.

Line by Line Meaning

If I eat, a little kid, sticks his finger in my plate
Even when I'm trying to eat, people still invade my space and ask for my attention.

I be signing autographs, for three months straight
I'm so famous that I'm inundated with requests for my signature for an extended period of time.

I got jet-set women, who offer me favors
Women who travel the world want to do things for me because of my celebrity status.

My face is a thousand lipstick flavors
I kiss and take pictures with so many women that my face is covered in various shades of lipstick.

Need a sip of lemonade, I'm a slave to my trade
Even when I need a basic necessity like a drink, I feel like I can't take a break from my work.

From all these lights my complexion might fade
Being constantly in the public eye and being photographed under bright lights might have negative effects on my skin.

Secretary overworked, by a money hungry jerk
My assistant is being overworked and mistreated by a boss who only cares about making money.

Got a letter, answer woman, won't you freak out on my shirt?
I received a letter from a fan who was so excited to write to me that she accidentally smeared ink on her shirt while writing.

Your ears are clogged, your head as hard as a log
You refuse to listen to me and are stubborn in your ways.

My privacy robbed, let me do my job
My personal life is constantly being invaded, and it's getting in the way of me doing my work.

You funny lookin' slob eatin' shiskabob
You're unattractive and eating something messy like shish kabob, which makes you seem even less appealing to me.

You're the reason why my eyes are on the doorknob
You're so unpleasant that I'm looking for a way to leave as soon as possible.

I'm straining not complaining for a casual life
I'm trying my best to handle the stress of my career without complaining, but I just want a normal, low-key life.

Something normal nuttin' formal three kids and a wife
All I want is a simple life with a family that I love.

I'm dying from the spying that you're putting me through
People constantly spying on me and invading my privacy is causing me distress.

I perspire I'm on fire when I'm thinking of you
Even when I'm trying to relax and unwind, I can't stop thinking about my problems.

News reporters, invade my borders
Reporters are constantly trying to get information from me and learn all my personal secrets.

If I think it I will say it, you might have a recorder
I have to be careful about what I say, because someone could be secretly recording me and use it against me later.

And then, uh oh, the nation's in upheaval
If I make a mistake or say something controversial, it could cause chaos throughout the country.

Old dating always thinking at me evil
People are always judging me and assuming the worst about my intentions when it comes to dating.

You're stepping on my heels, you're breathing down my neck
You're getting too close to me and invading my personal space.

I'm not Rodney Dangerfield, so give me respect
I deserve to be treated with respect, even though I may not always get it as a celebrity.

What it all adds up to, is just one thing
My fame and success is all that matters in my life.

Run-DMC is, the king of the swing
My music is the best and most popular, making me the leader of my genre.

And if you mess with us, you'll be a real short liver
If anyone tries to interfere with our success, they will regret it and suffer consequences.

You may be big but our bodyguard's bigger
Don't underestimate us, we have protection that's even more powerful than you.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JAMES TODD SMITH, RICK RUBIN, LAWRENCE SMITH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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