King of Rock

This article is about the album by Run–D.M.C. For the "King of Rock and Roll", see Honorific nicknames in popular music.

King of Rock
Studio album by Run–D.M.C.
Released	January 21, 1985
Recorded	1984
Genre	Hip hop, golden age hip hop, rap rock
Length	43:46
Label	Profile/Arista Records
Producer	Russell Simmons, Larry Smith
Run–D.M.C. chronology
Run-D.M.C. (1984) King of Rock (1985) Raising Hell (1986)

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	link
Robert Christgau	B+
Pitchfork Media	(5.7/10) 23 Sep 05
Rolling Stone	28 Mar 85
This table needs to be expanded using prose. See the guideline for more information.

King of Rock is the second album by hip hop trio Run–D.M.C.. Produced in 1985, the album sees the group adopting a more rock-influenced sound, with several tracks prominently featuring heavy guitar riffs.

The title track is featured in video games such as Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, Thrasher: Skate and Destroy, Amplitude and Rock Band 3 (as downloadable content). It was certified Gold by the RIAA on June 3, 1985. It was certified Platinum by the RIAA on February 19, 1987.

Background

Though Run-D.M.C.'s original version of "Slow and Low" (recorded as a demo during the sessions for this album) would not be officially released until the 2005 Deluxe edition of King of Rock, a cover version, recorded by the Beastie Boys (who themselves often played a fusion of rap and rock), appeared on the latter's 1986 debut album, Licensed to Ill.

Track listing

1. "Rock The House" – 2:42
2. "King of Rock" – 5:14
3. "You Talk Too Much" – 5:59
4. "Jam-Master Jammin'" – 4:20
5. "Roots, Rap, Reggae" – 3:12
6. "Can You Rock It Like This" – 4:30
7. "You're Blind" – 5:31
8. "It's Not Funny" – 5:35
9. "Darryl and Joe (Krush-Groove 3)" – 6:39

Deluxe edition bonus tracks

10. "Slow and Low" (Demo) – 4:27
11. "Together Forever (Krush-Groove 4)" (Live) – 3:35
12. "Jam-Master Jammin'" (Remix) – 6:45
13. "King of Rock" (Live, from Live Aid) – 7:26