The 58th Grammy Awards are honoring a rap group with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for the first time in the award show's history. Run-D.M.C., made up of Queens-bred rappers Darryl McDaniels (D.M.C.), Joseph Simmons (Rev Run) and the late Jason Mizell (Jam Master Jay), is known for its iconic style - Adidas sneakers and sweatsuits with big chains and fedoras -- and songs such as "My Adidas" and "Walk This Way."
Rev Run announced the news on Twitter this past Thursday, tweeting, "I just got a call from the Grammys!! They shocked me!! We're the first rappers to get this award!! Shocked! Grateful!. God is good!!! I'm so honored to be a #GRAMMYs Lifetime Achievement Award recipient this year. Thank you to the Recording Academy!"
I just got a call from the Grammys!! They shocked me!! We're the first rappers to get this award!! Shocked! ... https://t.co/xHlzCPAgHz
— Rev Run (@RevRunWisdom) January 13, 2016
The group never received a Grammy, although it was nominated in 1986 for Best R&B Vocal Performance, and was the first rap group to do so. This, of course, was before the rap category was created. The group unlaced their Adidas and hung up their gold chains after Jam Master Jay was tragically murdered during a studio session in New York in 2002. Jay's death took place at the height of the group's career--a year after the release of the Crown Royal album and not too long after the group went on tour with Aerosmith. Run and D.M.C. have since reunited for a performance in 2012 at Fun Fun Fun Fest.
Run-D.M.C. is set to receive the award along with Celia Cruz, Earth, Wind & Fire, Ruth Brown, Jefferson Airplane, Linda Ronstadt and Herbie Hancock. Recording Academy President and CEO Neil Portnow praised the honorees in a press release. "This year we have a gifted and brilliant group of honorees," Portnow said. "Their exceptional accomplishments, contributions, and artistry will continue to influence and inspire generations to come."
Cheer on the group when the show airs on February 15 at 8 p.m. on CBS.
