Mr. Darryl McDaniels, better known as DMC of legendary hip-hop group Run-DMC, showed up at NYC’s The Plumm this past Thursday to show us that hip-hop is not dead. He wasn’t rockin' Adidas, but this seasoned star came with a new lease on life and a new album in the works. He’s arrived through his dark places a found a deeper inspiration. Now his music sings the praises of his fans.
Clubplanet: What’s your new album all about?
DMC: It’s a rock and rap collabo. It’s about positive energy and positive places. This album is about my fans. It’s about the idea that hop-hop today isn’t about who makes it, but about what it represents to different types of people.
CP: What is the true inspiration for the upcoming album?
DMC: The new album is about rap--real rap of today. When you hear a rapper, I want you to think about me. It’s time for change.
CP: Your last album Checks, Thugs and Rock n’ roll was a dark album. How does this one compare?
DMC: My last album was very personal. I had gone through some really rough times: I was an alcoholic, I was suicidal, my father had passed away. I was in the wrong place. Now what I represent is about being a friend to myself. Now, I’m a survivor. What I represent is my fans. It’s more about everyday people.
CP: What makes you so different today?
DMC: This time around I am focused on what makes the best music. I am going to be around forever. I will be doing this for the next 50 years, so I'm basically challenging the younger generations to step up. It’s time for change. I represent the face of music.
CP: What’s on your iPod right now?
DMC: Classic Rock! It’s the original hip-hop. Janis Joplin, Hendrix--when you think of classic, you think old, but when I think of classic, it means they made it better than anything that will ever come out again. I can say to myself, “I’m okay. I am going to be here forever.” I won’t stop until I retire, so it gives me reason to live. Kids today don’t know what hip hop is… it’s about me.
CP: Do you watch Run’s House?
DMC: No. I catch him on the commercials, but he’s the pastor, I am the rocker. This is my church and this is my parish.
For more info on DMC’s current projects, visit: www.me-dmc.com.