Rev Run, born Joseph Simmons, is a legendary hip-hop artist, producer, and reality TV star. He is most well-known as a founding member of the iconic rap group Run-D.M.C., and as the star of MTV's reality show, Run's House. He is also the author of two books, his autobiography, “Take Back Your Family,” and “Manology,” a guide to manhood and relationships in the 21st century.
The Early Years
Rev Run was born in Hollis, Queens, New York City in 1964. He had a strict religious upbringing and was a member of the Pentecostal church. He was encouraged to pursue activities such as sports and music, and was an active member of the church's choir. He attended high school at Andrew Jackson High School, where he met future Run-D.M.C. bandmates Darryl McDaniels (D.M.C.) and Jason Mizell (Jam Master Jay).
Run-D.M.C. and the Rise of Hip-Hop
In 1982, Run-D.M.C. formed, and soon rose to the top of the rap and hip-hop scene. They were the first rap group to have a gold-selling album, and their single “Walk This Way” was a massive crossover hit. The group was seen as revolutionary in the world of rap and hip-hop, and were credited with bridging the gap between rap and rock music. Run-D.M.C. was the first rap group to appear on MTV, and their influence on the genre is still felt today.
Reality Television and Solo Projects
In 2005, Rev Run starred in his own reality television show, Run's House, which featured his family's everyday life. The show was a hit, and ran for six seasons. Rev Run also released two books, “Take Back Your Family” and “Manology”, both of which became best-sellers. He also embarked on a solo rap career, releasing several singles and albums.
Legacy
Rev Run is widely seen as one of the most influential figures in the history of hip-hop. He is credited with helping to bridge the gap between rap and rock music, and is seen as a pioneer in the genre. He is also credited with helping to keep hip-hop relevant in the 21st century, and his influence can still be felt today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rev Run's real name?
Rev Run's real name is Joseph Simmons.
What group was Rev Run a part of?
Rev Run was a founding member of the iconic rap group Run-D.M.C.
How did Rev Run bridge the gap between rap and rock music?
Rev Run and Run-D.M.C. were the first rap group to have a gold-selling album, and their single “Walk This Way” was a massive crossover hit, which helped bridge the gap between rap and rock music.
What book did Rev Run write?
Rev Run wrote two books: “Take Back Your Family” and “Manology”.
What is Rev Run's television show?
Rev Run starred in his own reality television show, Run's House, which featured his family's everyday life.
What is Rev Run's legacy?
Rev Run is widely seen as one of the most influential figures in the history of hip-hop. He is credited with helping to bridge the gap between rap and rock music, and is seen as a pioneer in the genre.
Where did Rev Run grow up?
Rev Run was born in Hollis, Queens, New York City.
What was Rev Run's upbringing like?
Rev Run had a strict religious upbringing and was a member of the Pentecostal church. He was encouraged to pursue activities such as sports and music, and was an active member of the church's choir.
When did Rev Run join Run-D.M.C.?
Run-D.M.C. formed in 1982, and Rev Run was a founding member of the group.
What accomplishments did Run-D.M.C. achieve?
Run-D.M.C. was the first rap group to have a gold-selling album, and their single “Walk This Way” was a massive crossover hit. The group was seen as revolutionary in the world of rap and hip-hop, and were credited with bridging the gap between rap and rock music. Run-D.M.C. was the first rap group to appear on MTV.
What did Rev Run do after Run-D.M.C.?
After Run-D.M.C., Rev Run starred in his own reality television show, Run's House, which featured his family's everyday life. He also released two books, “Take Back Your Family” and “Manology”, both of which became best-sellers. He also embarked on a solo rap career, releasing several singles and albums.
What awards has Rev Run won?
Rev Run has won numerous awards over the years, including two Grammy Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, two American Music Awards, one BET Award, and two NAACP Image Awards.
Where did Rev Run go to high school?
Rev Run attended high school at Andrew Jackson High School, where he met future Run-D.M.C. bandmates Darryl McDaniels (D.M.C.) and Jason Mizell (Jam Master Jay).
What is Rev Run's current occupation?
Rev Run is currently a hip-hop artist, producer, and reality TV star.
What is Rev Run's biggest contribution to hip-hop?
Rev Run is credited with helping to keep hip-hop relevant in the 21st century, and his influence can still be felt today.
What did Rev Run release in 2005?
In 2005, Rev Run released his own reality television show, Run's House.
What books did Rev Run write?
Rev Run wrote two books: “Take Back Your Family” and “Manology”.
What awards has Run-D.M.C. won?
Run-D.M.C. has won numerous awards, including two Grammy Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, two American Music Awards, and two NAACP Image Awards.
What is the title of Rev Run's autobiography?
The title of Rev Run's autobiography is “Take Back Your Family”.
What was the name of Rev Run's solo rap album?
The name of Rev Run's solo rap album was “Rev Run Presents Distortion”.
What was the name of the single released by Run-D.M.C. that was a massive crossover hit?
The single released by Run-D.M.C. that was a massive crossover hit was “Walk This Way”.
What year did Run-D.M.C. form?
Run-D.M.C. formed in 1982.
What year did Rev Run's reality show, Run's House, premiere?
Rev Run's reality show, Run's House, premiered in 2005.