Released April 16, 1984 Recorded 1983 Length 5:33 | Format 7'' & 12'' single Genre Hip hop, rap rock Label Profile | |
"Rock Box" is a 1984 hit single by Run–D.M.C.. It is the third single from their self-titled debut album, originally released through Profile Records, Inc. The heavy rock guitar riff and solos are original compositions performed by Eddie Martinez, also seen playing the electric guitar in the music video. DJ Jam Master Jay programmed the song's hip-hop beat. The single reached No. 26 on the Hot Dance Club Songs
Contents
Music video
The video features a nonsensical monologue at the beginning by Professor Irwin Corey, supposedly giving a history of Rap Music. The rest of the video consists of the group performing at Danceteria, a famous New York punk club.
"Rock Box" was also the first video produced by the group.
Rapper Tela of Memphis also sampled the song on his debut album Piece of Mind on the track "Twisted".
Samples
Satirizing R&B's use of old rap beats, its instrumental was used in Chris Rock's song "Champagne".
Rapper Mac Dre uses a similar bassline on his track "Let's All Get Down" from The Best of Mac Dre II.
The beginning words "Run, Run" have been sampled by many artists, including The Pharcyde's "Runnin". Run-D.M.C. also samples the line in many of their later albums.
Track listing
All tracks written by Darryl McDaniels, Joseph Simmons and Larry Smith
- "Rock Box" - 4:12
- "Rock Box (Dub Version)" - 4:56
- "Rock Box" - 5:28
- "Rock Box (Vocal Dub Version)" - 6:00
- "Rock Box (Dub Version)" - 7:28