The First To Do It

38 years ago, two seemingly disparate acts, Aerosmith and Run-D.M.C., converged in a monumental collaboration that would forever alter the course of popular music.

Written by Lily Baxter

When Tim Collins, Aerosmith's manager, received a call in early 1986, he was initially puzzled. On the other end was Rick Rubin, a 22-year-old hip-hop producer and entrepreneur known for founding Def Jam, a rapidly growing record label he established while still a film student at New York University. Despite Rubin's background as a rock enthusiast, raised on the wild sounds of AC/DC, Ted Nugent, and even Aerosmith themselves, he proposed an unexpected idea to Collins. Rubin suggested remaking Aerosmith's 1975 single "Walk This Way" with a rap group from his label, Run-DMC. Before delving further into the concept, Collins interrupted, seeking clarification: "What's rap?".

The outcome of this unexpected collaboration was the famous mashup of "Walk This Way," a song that broke barriers and changed how we see and listen to music. In this article, we explore the roots, importance, and lasting influence of "Walk This Way," looking at how it brought together rock and hip-hop and altered the path of music innovation.

Meanwhile, Aerosmith found themselves in a downturn. Album sales had been decreasing steadily since their peak in the 1970s. The band's core members were grappling with various addictions, and they hadn't seen a Billboard top 10 single since the original "Walk This Way" a decade prior. This iconic song was initially recorded for the band's "Toys in the Attic" album.

The process of bringing together Aerosmith and Run-D.M.C. for the collaboration was filled with uncertainty and experimentation. The recording sessions were a blend of creativity and improvisation, with Run-D.M.C. bringing their unique style of rap and DJing, while Aerosmith contributed their signature rock sound. As the collaboration progressed, both Aerosmith and Run-D.M.C. found common ground in their shared love for music and their desire to push boundaries. The result was a track that not only bridged the gap between two seemingly incompatible genres but also breathed new life into both artists' careers.

"Walk This Way" stands as a seminal moment in music history, marking the first time two distinct genres, rock and hip-hop, were seamlessly combined in a single track. This groundbreaking collaboration between Aerosmith and Run-D.M.C. shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations of artists to explore the boundaries of musical fusion. Its impact extends far beyond its initial release, serving as a catalyst for innovation and experimentation in the music industry. In today's age of music, where genre boundaries are increasingly blurred and artists freely draw inspiration from multiple genres, "Walk This Way" remains a paramount example of the transformative power of collaboration. Its influence can be seen in the world of EDM, where DJs and producers routinely blend elements from various genres to create genre-defying tracks. As artists continue to push the boundaries of musical expression, "Walk This Way" serves as a timeless reminder of the endless possibilities that arise when different musical worlds collide.

THE VIDEO

The music video is set in an urban environment, reflecting the roots of both rock and hip-hop music. The video opens with a scene of Run-D.M.C. crashing through a wall, symbolizing their entrance into the world of rock music. As the song progresses, viewers are taken on a journey through the gritty streets, alleys, and rooftops of the city, where both Aerosmith and Run-D.M.C. perform their respective parts of the song. The video also features dance sequences and energetic performances from both groups, highlighting their unity and collaboration. Throughout the video, there's a sense of rebellion and defiance, as the artists assert their presence and break down barriers in a music industry that was often divided along racial and genre lines. Overall, the setting and story portrayed in the video complement the song's themes of unity, empowerment, and breaking down barriers, making it a powerful visual representation of the very first time worlds collided!