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.
Queens Day
Run-D.M.C. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Queens Day, cash made on Hollis Ave
Q-B-O-R-O, nigga, makin niggas seem easy
Queens Day, cash made on Hollis Ave
Q-B-O-R-O, nigga, makin niggas seem easy
Yo
Herringbone chains and fantasies rushin the door
Niggas from Rastel poppin shells, snatchin rings
Fly from shirt kings, from Queensbridge to 118
I had my eyes open, steppin out into the world
So fiendish, Ol' English 'til I url, growing pains
A young kid, learnin early how to know the game
USA Roller Skate rink, mobs and crews would take minks
Clean streets, hustlers, crack cocaine
Gave back by throwin block parties and basketball games
A lotta cash made on Hollis Ave., fast and change
High rollers was livin, until the Task Force came
A lotta ghost towns and memories, bad blooded enemies
So many died with the same gangsta pride that entered me
Peace to them old timers, they who taught us
How to stand strong and pass it on to the sons and daughters
We all glow, and I'm proud to be all that I know
Q-B-O-R-O, nigga, who I die for
Survi-val, how we came a long way in solidarity
Don't let nothin try an spoil this day
To Run, D and Jay it's love and my thug salute
'Cause real love's the only thing that comes above this loot
Carhart jeans, it makes me think of LL's troops
Let's celebrate, it's Queens Day, this one's for you
Queens Day, cash made on Hollis Ave
Q-B-O-R-O, nigga, makin niggas seem easy
Queens Day, cash made on Hollis Ave
Q-B-O-R-O, nigga, makin niggas seem easy
Queens Day, cash made on Hollis Ave
Q-B-O-R-O, nigga, makin niggas seem easy
Queens Day, cash made on Hollis Ave
Q-B-O-R-O, nigga, makin niggas seem easy
Some come out they hometown and they never get dealt
But three teens from Queens took over the world and never let go
Just regular cats you know that just happened to blow
Not anonymous with Hollis, Jake, Darrell and Joe
Ay yo, we made so that others could grow
Look at LL, A Tribe Called Quest, Mobb and Nas Esco
Ain't takin credit, we showin pride, look at us now
Got haters mouths all open wide, wonderin how
In some cases the only thing that father and son
Have in common is they love for Run
Been the illest since day one, I'm too advanced to ever be caught
Who's more legendary than me...that's what I thought
And if somebody wanna test mine, yo, watch this
Peter Piper picked peppers......
And see I knew you knew the next line, and I bet you said it
It's been a minute, I'm still the king of the world so don't forget it
Queens Day, cash made on Hollis Ave
Q-B-O-R-O, nigga, makin niggas seem easy
Queens Day, cash made on Hollis Ave
Q-B-O-R-O, nigga, makin niggas seem easy
Queens Day, cash made on Hollis Ave
Q-B-O-R-O, nigga, makin niggas seem easy
Queens Day, cash made on Hollis Ave
Q-B-O-R-O, nigga, makin niggas seem easy
This is for my Q dogs who lit the block like spark
We grew up on Old English
Summertime Broyal Wilders Park used to be the shit,
why'd it have to stop
On the Ave. niggas blew on all the jewelry spots
Kicked the shirt kings for an ill airbrush top
That'll match my cortez Nike's
Niggas gettin robbed at the back door comin out with bags
We used to get our gold fronts, from Eddie's gold caps
What y'all know about that
I bet the whole Queens do, around '86 with the chrome bass crew
The young guns and lost boys made the news
Queensbridge is story in two
The story is true
So let's party for the borough and shit
And everybody come outside, 'cause it's Queens Day kid
Queens Day, cash made on Hollis Ave
Q-B-O-R-O, nigga, makin niggas seem easy
Queens Day, cash made on Hollis Ave
Q-B-O-R-O, nigga, makin niggas seem easy
Queens Day, cash made on Hollis Ave
Q-B-O-R-O, nigga, makin niggas seem easy
Queens Day, cash made on Hollis Ave
Q-B-O-R-O, nigga, makin niggas seem easy
Queens Day, cash made on Hollis Ave
Q-B-O-R-O, nigga, makin niggas seem easy
Queens Day, cash made on Hollis Ave
Q-B-O-R-O, nigga, makin niggas seem easy
The song "Queens Day" by Run-D.M.C. is a tribute to the Hollis neighborhood of Queens, New York, where the group was originally from. The lyrics describe the experiences of growing up in the area, including the hustle, the violence and the sense of community among residents. The chorus repeats the phrase "Queens Day, cash made on Hollis Ave" as a nod to the entrepreneurial spirit of the neighborhood, where many residents made their money from street hustles.
The verses delve deeper into the history and culture of Hollis, referencing landmarks and events that are significant in the neighborhood's history. For example, the line "USA Roller Skate rink, mobs and crews would take minks" refers to a popular roller skating rink that was a hangout spot for local gangs and crews. The verse also pays tribute to the older residents of the neighborhood who passed down knowledge and values to the younger generation.
The song is also peppered with references to other hip hop artists who are from Queens, such as LL Cool J, A Tribe Called Quest, Mobb Deep and Nas. These references highlight the influence that Hollis has had on hip hop culture as a whole.
Line by Line Meaning
We're the kings of rock now nigga, know-mean?
We're at the pinnacle of the rap game and have earned the respect of our peers in the industry, do you understand?
Queens Day, cash made on Hollis Ave
We made a lot of money hustling on Hollis Avenue on Queens Day.
Q-B-O-R-O, nigga, makin niggas seem easy
We're from Queensboro (Q-B-O-R-O) and we make everything look easy.
From the days of arm call niggas hung around blocks and corner stores
Since the days of men calling out to each other, guys have been hanging out on street corners and at local shops.
Herringbone chains and fantasies rushin' the door
Men were wearing popular herringbone jewelry making them feel like gangsters, making people rush to see them.
Niggas from Rastel poppin' shells, snatchin' rings
Men from the Rastel gang were shooting people and stealing jewelry.
Fly from shirt kings, from Queensbridge to 118
Fashionable shirt kings from Queensbridge to 118th Street were popular and stylish.
I had my eyes open, steppin' out into the world
I was observant and aware of my surroundings as I entered the world.
So fiendish, Ol' English 'til I url, growing pains
I was addicted to the alcoholic beverage Ol' English, which made me sick causing growing pains.
A young kid, learnin' early how to know the game
As a young kid, I learned quickly how to street hustle and be street smart.
USA Roller Skate rink, mobs and crews would take minks
At the USA Roller Skate rink, gangs and groups would steal mink fur coats.
Clean streets, hustlers, crack cocaine
The streets were clean, but hustlers were still dealing crack cocaine.
Gave back by throwin' block parties and basketball games
We gave back to the community by hosting block parties and basketball games.
A lotta cash made on Hollis Ave., fast and change
We made a lot of money on Hollis Avenue, but it didn't last long as it was spent quickly or taken away by the authorities.
High rollers was livin', until the Task Force came
Rich and successful people were thriving until the authorities, such as the task force, stopped them.
A lotta ghost towns and memories, bad blooded enemies
There are many abandoned and forgotten areas with memories of bad blooded enemies.
So many died with the same gangsta pride that entered me
Many people died with the same sense of gangster pride that I had.
Peace to them old timers, they who taught us
Respect and acknowledgement to the elders who taught us how to survive the streets.
How to stand strong and pass it on to the sons and daughters
Elders taught us how to be tough and how to pass on lessons to future generations.
We all glow, and I'm proud to be all that I know
We all have something that makes us unique and special, and I'm proud of who I am and what I know.
Q-B-O-R-O, nigga, who I die for
I'm from Queensboro, and I'm willing to die for my hometown.
Survi-val, how we came a long way in solidarity
We've come a long way in unity, to survive in rough times together.
Don't let nothin' try an spoil this day
Let's celebrate this day and not let any negativity ruin it.
To Run, D and Jay it's love and my thug salute
To Run, D, and Jay (members of Run-D.M.C.), it's all about love and respect, and I salute them as fellow thugs.
'Cause real love's the only thing that comes above this loot
Real love is the most important thing in life, even more than money.
Carhart jeans, it makes me think of LL's troops
When I see people wearing Carhartt jeans, it reminds me of LL Cool J's crew.
Let's celebrate, it's Queens Day, this one's for you
Let's party and celebrate Queens Day, and this song is for everyone.
Some come out they hometown and they never get dealt
Some people move away from their hometown and are never welcomed back.
But three teens from Queens took over the world and never let go
Three teenagers from Queens (Run, D.M.C., and Jam Master Jay) became world-famous and never lost their success.
Just regular cats you know that just happened to blow
We were regular people who happened to become famous.
Not anonymous with Hollis, Jake, Darrell and Joe
We were well-known in our hometown of Hollis, with our real names being Jam Master Jay, Run, D.M.C., and Darrell McDaniels.
Ay yo, we made so that others could grow
We paved the way for others to become successful in the rap industry.
Look at LL, A Tribe Called Quest, Mobb and Nas Esco
Look at the hip-hop artists LL Cool J, A Tribe Called Quest, Mobb Deep, and Nas, who were influenced by Run-D.M.C. and became successful.
Ain't takin' credit, we showin' pride, look at us now
We're not trying to take credit for anyone else's success, but we're proud to have had an impact on the rap industry.
Got haters mouths all open wide, wonderin' how
Our success has caused many people to be jealous and wonder how we became so famous.
In some cases the only thing that father and son have in common is they love for Run
Sometimes the only thing that fathers and sons have in common is their love for Run-D.M.C.
Been the illest since day one, I'm too advanced to ever be caught
I've been the best in the game since I started, and I'm too smart to ever get caught by the authorities.
Who's more legendary than me...that's what I thought
I'm the most legendary rapper in the game, and I know it.
And if somebody wanna test mine, yo, watch this
If someone wants to challenge me, they'll quickly regret it.
Peter Piper picked peppers......
I'm about to perform my well-known song 'Peter Piper.'
And see I knew you knew the next line, and I bet you said it
I knew you were familiar with my song and I bet you sang along.
It's been a minute, I'm still the king of the world so don't forget it
It's been a while since I released new music, but I'm still the best in the game so don't forget it.
This is for my Q dogs who lit the block like spark
This song is dedicated to my Queensboro (Q-B-O-R-O) friends who brought life to the streets.
We grew up on Old English
We became addicted to Ol' English alcoholic beverage as we grew up.
Summertime Broyal Wilders Park used to be the shit, why'd it have to stop
Broyal Wilders Park was a great place to be during the summer, but it's a shame it no longer exists.
On the Ave. niggas blew on all the jewelry spots
On the avenue, guys would rob all the jewelry stores.
Kicked the shirt kings for an ill airbrush top
We kicked popular shirt kings to the curb for a cool airbrushed shirt.
That'll match my cortez Nike's
The airbrushed shirt would match my cool Nike Cortez shoes.
Niggas gettin' robbed at the back door comin' out with bags
People were being robbed at the back door as they left with bags full of merchandise.
We used to get our gold fronts, from Eddie's gold caps
We used to get our gold front teeth from Eddie's Gold Caps, a local jeweler.
What y'all know about that
Do you know anything about that?
I bet the whole Queens do, around '86 with the chrome bass crew
I bet the whole Queensboro area knows about it, in 1986 with the popular Chrome Bass crew.
The young guns and lost boys made the news
The young and inexperienced guys brought attention to themselves and made the news.
Queensbridge is story in two
Queensbridge is a tale of two stories.
The story is true
And it's a true story.
So let's party for the borough and shit
Let's party and celebrate our hometown.
And everybody come outside, 'cause it's Queens Day kid
Everyone should come outside to celebrate Queens Day.
Q-B-O-R-O, nigga, makin' niggas seem easy
We make everything look easy because we're from Queensboro (Q-B-O-R-O).
Lyrics © JELLYBEAN MUSIC GROUP, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SHAWN CARTER, SAMUEL BARNES, MARY J. BLIGE, LA TONYA BLIGE DA COSTA, CHRISTOPHER DAVIS, ALBERT JOHNSON, NASIR JONES, CHRIS MARTIN, JASON MIZELL, JEAN CLAUDE OLIVIER, JOSEPH SIMMONS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Stephen Kinq
Shout Out Queenz
As a BkLYN Native , I spent many Summers , Xmas nd Weekends in Queens ..
Queens definitely help shape me
(in my upbringing) nd Nas iz My Fave MC All-time.
#BQESh!t
#KingzKounty
#QueensKounty
👑 👑
Eyao Pantah!
[Hook]
Queens Day, cash made on Hollis Avenue
Make it seem easy
[Verse 1: Nas]
From the days of arm call niggas hung around blocks
And corner stores
Herringbone chains and fantasies rushing the door
Niggas from Rochdale popping shells, snatching rings
Fly from Shirt Kings, from Queensbridge to 118
I had my eyes open, stepping out into the world
So fiendish, Ole English 'til I hurl, growing pains
A young kid, learning early how to know the game
USA Roller Skate rink, mobs and crews would take minks
Clean streets, hustlers, crack cocaine
Gave back by throwing block parties and basketball games
A lotta cash made on Hollis Ave., fast and change
High rollers was living, until the Task Force came
A lotta ghost towns and memories, bad blooded enemies
So many died with the same gangsta pride that entered me
Peace to them old timers, they who taught us
How to stand strong and pass it on to the sons and daughters
We all glow, and I'm proud to be all that I know
Q-B-O-R-O, nigga, who I die for
Survival, how we came a long way in solidarity
Don't let nothing try an spoil this day
To Run, D and Jay it's love and my thug salute
Cause real love's the only thing that comes above this loot
Carhart jeans, it makes me think of LL's Troops
Let's celebrate, it's Queens Day, this one's for you
[Hook]
[Verse 2: Run]
Some come out they hometown and they never get dealt
But three teens from Queens took over the world and never let go
Just regular cats you know that just happened to blow
Not anonymous with Hollis, Jake, Darrell and Joe
Ay yo, we made so that others could grow
Look at LL, A Tribe Called Quest, Mobb and Nas Esco
Ain't taking credit, we showing pride, look at us now
Got haters mouths all open wide, wondering how
In some cases the only thing that father and son
Have in common is they love for Run
Been the illest since day one, I'm too advanced to ever be caught
Who's more legendary than me... that's what I thought
And if somebody wanna test mine, yo, watch this
Peter Piper picked peppers...
And see I knew you knew the next line, and I bet you said it
It's been a minute, I'm still the king of the world so don't forget it
[Hook]
[Verse 3: Prodigy]
This is for my Q dogs who live the block life, pa
We grew up on Old English, Summertime Roy Wilkins Park
Used to be the shit, why they have to stop
On the Ave niggas looting all the jewelry spots
Hit the Shirt Kings for an ill airbrush top
That'll match my Cortez Nikes
Niggas getting robbed at the back door coming out with bags
We used to get our gold fronts from Eddie's gold caps
What y'all know about that, I bet the whole Queens do
Around '86 with the chrome bass crew
The young guns and Lost Boys made the news
Queensbridge is story in two, the story is true
So let's party for the borough and shit
And everybody come outside, cause it's Queens Day kid
RJVM 23
I remember taking this cd from my brothers car to record it on the original Xbox man those were the days.. this was always my favorite song! 🔥
Scope Maverick
RJVM 23 man, were those the days! I had hella classics on my XBox. Don’t know why they stopped letting you do that on the consoles.
jamel eason
Nas verse was so Heart felt so memorable and classic
Dak Rose
jamel eason prodigy cmon bruh he laid it down for Queens day
Kingjaffe
Dak Rose dope but naw like nas
Trent Yates
P's verse was better
jerome simz
@Trent Yates nope
Willie Makeit
Both Nas and P laid down magic on this track. I will give the slight edge to Prodigy. Something about him coming in at the top of his verse as the bass drops out that gives me chills.
ByznysOfficial
RIP Prodigy The infamous :(
TheRoamer78
These rappers all made me proud to grow up in Queens before it was ever gentrified. Queens is home of the veteran rappers.