AfroAmer156 Response Paper 2: The Cultural Impact of “Walk

This Way”
Samanyu Arora
November 2024

1 Introduction
Run-D.M.C.’s “Walk This Way” (1986) stands as a monumental collaboration that bridged the gap
between rap and rock, redefining hip-hop’s trajectory and cultural impact. Growing up in India, I was
captivated by the vibrant hip-hop scene of New York City, which seemed like a world away. This track,
in particular, fascinated me with its audacious fusion of rap and rock. By reimagining Aerosmith’s 1975
classic, Run-D.M.C. didn’t just create a hit; they orchestrated an unprecedented blend of musical genres and
cultural identities.
This song mattered because it catalyzed hip-hop’s mainstream acceptance, reflected broader cultural
shifts during the Reagan era, and ultimately demonstrated music’s power to unite diverse audiences during
a time of social and political tension. As Craig Werner articulates in A Change Is Gonna Come: Music,
Race, and the Soul of America, collaborations like this “represent moments of cultural transformation and
dialogue, challenging societal divides while creating innovative artistic expression” (Werner, 2006).
In this paper, I’ll explore how “Walk This Way” embodied key course themes about music’s role in
shaping culture and politics, focusing on its historical importance and its influence on subsequent artists.

2 Historical Significance of “Walk This Way”

2.1 Artist Background: Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith
Run-D.M.C., consisting of Joseph “Run” Simmons, Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels, and Jason
“Jam Master Jay” Mizell, emerged as trailblazers of hip-hop in the 1980s. Known for their minimalist
beats, sharp lyrics, and signature Adidas attire, the group resonated deeply with urban youth seeking
authenticity and representation. By the mid-1980s, Run-D.M.C. had solidified their status as pioneers
with hits like “It’s Like That” and “King of Rock” (chang2005cantstop).
Meanwhile, Aerosmith, a celebrated rock band from the 1970s, faced a career downturn by the 1980s
due to declining sales and internal struggles. Their collaboration with Run-D.M.C. proved mutually
advantageous: Aerosmith revitalized their career, while Run-D.M.C. reached a predominantly white
audience, significantly expanding hip-hop’s listener base (Edgers, 2019).

2.2 Record Label and Production

The visionary Rick Rubin, co-founder of Def Jam Records, was instrumental in orchestrating this
collaboration. Rubin’s approach exemplified the Jazz impulse, which Werner defines as “innovation and
improvisation that transcend racial and musical boundaries” (Werner, 2006). Instead of simply sampling
Aerosmith’s track, Rubin pushed for a full-fledged collaboration, amplifying the call-and-response element
inherent in African American music (Charnas, 2011).

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2.3 Historical Context: The Reagan Era
To truly appreciate the impact of “Walk This Way”, we must consider the political and social climate
of the 1980s. The Reagan era was marked by conservative policies that often disproportionately affected
minority communities. The War on Drugs, for instance, had a devastating impact on Black neighborhoods,
leading to increased incarceration rates and social stigma (Alexander, 2010).
What’s particularly telling is the stark racial divide in Reagan’s approval ratings. While his national
average hovered around 53%, his approval among African Americans was a mere 12% (Pew Research Center,
2011). This disparity underscores the deep-seated inequalities and tensions of the time.
In this context, hip-hop’s role as a counter-narrative became crucial. “Walk This Way” wasn’t just a
song; it was a statement. Its success on MTV, a platform historically dominated by white rock artists, was
groundbreaking. As Werner notes, “The song’s success on MTV proved that rap could captivate mainstream
audiences without losing its authenticity” (Werner, 2006).

3 Impulses and Elements in “Walk This Way”

What makes “Walk This Way” so fascinating is how it encapsulates multiple musical impulses identified
in African American music while incorporating key elements that define the genre:

3.1 Impulses
1. The Gospel impulse shines through in the song’s celebratory and unifying tone. Just as gospel music
brings people together in churches, “Walk This Way” united diverse audiences through its infectious
energy. The collaboration itself exemplifies this impulse, bringing together artists from different musical
backgrounds to create something universally appealing.
2. The Blues impulse is evident in the song’s raw energy and resilience. It reflects the struggles of
marginalized communities while offering a cathartic release through music. The gritty guitar riffs and Run-
D.M.C.’s forceful delivery channel this impulse, speaking to the urban experience and the challenges faced
by the hip-hop community.
3. The Jazz impulse manifests in the innovative blending of genres. Like jazz musicians improvising and
creating new sounds, Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith pushed creative boundaries while maintaining the integrity
of both styles. As Werner notes, this impulse is about “innovation and improvisation that transcend racial
and musical boundaries” (Werner, 2006).

3.2 Elements
The song incorporates key elements of African American music that make it so compelling:
1. Vocalization: The contrast between Steven Tyler’s rock vocals and Run-D.M.C.’s rap delivery adds
depth and texture to the track. This juxtaposition of vocal styles not only highlights the fusion of genres
but also showcases the versatility of African American vocal traditions.
2. Improvisation: While the original Aerosmith track provides the foundation, Run-D.M.C.’s reinter-
pretation demonstrates the art of improvisation. Their ad-libs, additional lyrics, and rhythmic variations
breathe new life into the song, exemplifying hip-hop’s ability to transform existing material.
3. Call-and-response: The back-and-forth between the rap verses and the rock chorus echoes traditional
call-and-response patterns in African American music. This element is further emphasized in the interplay
between Run and D.M.C.’s vocal deliveries, creating a dynamic conversational flow.
4. Polyrhythm: The interplay between Aerosmith’s iconic guitar riff and Run-D.M.C.’s rhythmic verses
creates a complex, layered soundscape. This polyrhythmic structure is a hallmark of African American music,
blending different rhythmic patterns to create a rich, textured sound.
5. Functionality: Beyond its musical qualities, “Walk This Way” served a crucial social function. It
bridged cultural divides, challenged musical norms, and opened up new possibilities for cross-genre collabo-
ration. As noted in our lectures, hip-hop often functioned as “the CNN of Black America,” and this track
brought that perspective to a broader audience.

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3.3 Production and Sampling
The production of “Walk This Way” marked a significant departure from the sampling techniques preva-
lent in hip-hop at the time. While artists like Eric B. Rakim were pushing boundaries with innovative
sampling in tracks like “Paid in Full” (1987), Rick Rubin took a different approach. Instead of merely
sampling Aerosmith’s track, he facilitated a full collaboration between the artists. This decision amplified
the call-and-response element and created a true dialogue between rock and hip-hop.

3.4 Impact on Hip-Hop’s Evolution

The success of “Walk This Way” laid the groundwork for future innovations in hip-hop. It paved the
way for regional variations like the Dirty South movement, which later produced subgenres such as Miami
Bass, Crunk, and Trap. Artists like Outkast would build on this foundation, further expanding hip-hop’s
sonic and cultural boundaries.

4 Response Songs
4.1 “Fight the Power” by Public Enemy (1989)
While “Walk This Way” opened doors, Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” (1989) kicked them
down. This track represents a direct response to the cultural and racial themes explored in Run-D.M.C.’s
collaboration, but with a much more confrontational tone.
As Werner observes, “The Blues impulse in Public Enemy’s work channels anger and resilience, chal-
lenging societal norms with unflinching honesty” (Werner, 2006). This track expanded hip-hop’s role as a
vehicle for social commentary and activism.

4.2 “Juicy” by The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)

The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Juicy” (1994) builds on the legacy of “Walk This Way” while taking hip-hop
in a new direction. Opening with the line, “It was all a dream, I used to read Word Up! magazine,” “Juicy”
captures the Gospel impulse in its celebration of personal triumph over adversity (light1994notorious).
While “Walk This Way” broke down barriers between genres and audiences, “Juicy” turned the lens
inward, offering a deeply personal narrative of success against the odds.

5 Conclusion
“Walk This Way” remains a testament to the unifying and transformative potential of music. It challenged
stereotypes, expanded hip-hop’s audience, and paved the way for future innovations. The responses from
Public Enemy and The Notorious B.I.G. underscore hip-hop’s versatility in addressing social and cultural
issues.
As Werner aptly puts it, “Music has the power to transcend boundaries, creating spaces for dialogue and
understanding” (Werner, 2006). In a world that often seems divided, songs like “Walk This Way” remind
us of music’s unique ability to bring people together, challenge perceptions, and inspire change.

Word Count: 1,607

References
Alexander, M. (2010). The new jim crow: Mass incarceration in the age of colorblindness. The New Press.
Charnas, D. (2011). The big payback: The history of the business of hip-hop. Penguin.
Edgers, G. (2019). The oral history of ’walk this way’—how run-dmc and aerosmith changed music forever.
The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/entertainment/walk-this-
way-oral-history/

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Pew Research Center. (2011). How a different america responded to the great depression. https://www.
pewresearch.org/politics/2011/12/14/reagan-recession-recovery/
Werner, C. (2006). A change is gonna come: Music, race & the soul of america. University of Michigan Press.