Run-DMC

Run-DMC was the Beatles of hip-hop. Decked out in black leather, dookie gold rope chains, and shell-toe Adidas, the Hollis, Queens trio single-handedly took the art form from block parties and dragged it into the modern era. Armed with a ferocious, two-pronged rhyme attack, devastating beats, and one hell of a hardcore image, the group invented rap-rock, political rap, and the modern-day hip-hop hero. Welcome to Run-DMC's finest.

Beginning with their 1983 debut, Run-DMC spent five years clutching the deed to the top of the charts. But remember, this is the group that took hip-hop from the era of mere singles to legitimate albums. Dig deeper into their crate — the beats and rhymes just get better.

Here's what hip-hop historians already know: Image aside, Run-DMC was one of the one of the best hip-hop crews — ever. The measuring stick? Some of the group's lesser-known jams still somehow sound like singles-that-never-were. Here's a taste . . .

In 1984, hip-hop was an urban fad riding the buzz of 12-inch novelty jams. Enter a Hollis, Queens wrecking crew armed with some seriously fresh Adidas and an actual album brimming with two-fisted rhymes and beats like bombs. It's safe to say that the Hip-Hop Nation announced its arrival with "It's Like That," assumed its throne with "King of Rock," and consumed pop culture with "Walk This Way." If you don't know Run-DMC, you don't know hip-hop.