Studio Album · No. 2
King of Rock Songwriting Credits by Run-DMC
Produced by Russell Simmons, Larry Smith
Profile
Rap RockEast Coast Hip Hop
Collaborator
56%
Authorship
Holds writing credit on 5 of 9 tracks
Authorship Breakdown 5 / 9 documented
Who wrote the songs?
Scored across the 9 tracks with documented writers, by whether Run-DMC carries a lyricist or composer credit.
5 trackswritten by Run-DMC
4 tracksoutside writers
Run-DMC's roles on this album
Share of the 9 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.
Lyricist56%
Composer56%
Producer0%
Performer100%
By the Numbers
9
Tracks
10
Lyricists
2
Producers
1985
Released
Data Insight
Larry Smith is on six and Russell Simmons five, but DMC now has four and Run and Jay are on the sheet too. The group's share is rising album by album.
King of Rock came out on Profile in January 1985 and became the first platinum hip-hop record.
Track Listing & Credits 9 tracks
Written by the artist
Written by outside writers
| # | Title | Lyricist(s) | Composer(s) | Producer(s) | Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Rock the House
|
Russell SimmonsRunLarry Smith | Russell SimmonsJoseph Ward SimmonsLarry Smith | Russell SimmonsLarry Smith | Run-DMC (Performer) |
| 2 |
King of Rock
|
Russell SimmonsDMCLarry Smith | Russell SimmonsDarryl Matthews McDanielsLarry Smith | Russell SimmonsLarry Smith | Run-DMC (Performer) |
| 3 |
You Talk Too Much
|
Daniel HaydenDMCJam Master JayRussell SimmonsLarry Smith | Daniel HaydenDarryl Matthews McDanielsJason William MizellRussell SimmonsLarry Smith | Russell SimmonsLarry Smith | Run-DMC (Performer) |
| 4 |
Jam-Master Jammin'
|
Run-D.M.C. | Run-D.M.C. | Russell SimmonsLarry Smith | Run-DMC (Performer) |
| 5 |
Roots, Rap, Reggae
|
Run-D.M.C. | Run-D.M.C. | Russell SimmonsLarry Smith | Run-DMC (Performer)Yellowman (Featured Vocals) |
| 6 |
Can You Rock It Like This
|
Rick RubinLL Cool JLarry Smith | Frederick Jay RubinJames SmithLarry Smith | Russell SimmonsLarry Smith | Run-DMC (Performer) |
| 7 |
You're Blind
|
Antonio Lucien HerreraDMCRussell SimmonsLarry Smith | Antonio Lucien HerreraDarryl Matthews McDanielsRussell SimmonsLarry Smith | Russell SimmonsLarry Smith | Run-DMC (Performer) |
| 8 |
It's Not Funny
|
Run-D.M.C. | Run-D.M.C. | Russell SimmonsLarry Smith | Run-DMC (Performer) |
| 9 |
Darryl and Joe (Krush-Groove 3)
|
DMCRussell SimmonsLarry Smith | Darryl Matthews McDanielsRussell SimmonsLarry Smith | Russell SimmonsLarry Smith | Run-DMC (Performer) |
Songwriter & Credit Spotlight 17 contributors
LS
Larry Smith
Writer · Producer
RS
Russell Simmons
Writer · Producer
DM
Darryl Matthews McDaniels
Writer
D
DMC
Writer
R
Run-D.M.C.
Writer
AL
Antonio Lucien Herrera
Writer
DH
Daniel Hayden
Writer
FJ
Frederick Jay Rubin
Writer
JM
Jam Master Jay
Writer
JS
James Smith
Writer
JW
Jason William Mizell
Writer
JW
Joseph Ward Simmons
Writer
More from Run-DMC
1984
67%
Run-D.M.C.
Profile
9 tracksProd. Russell Simmons
1986
92%
Raising Hell
Profile
12 tracksProd. Russell Simmons
1988
92%
Tougher Than Leather
Profile
12 tracksProd. Run-DMC
1990
n/a
Back from Hell
Profile
16 tracksProd. Run-DMC
1993
n/a
Down with the King
Profile
15 tracksProd. Run-DMC
2001
92%
Crown Royal
Arista
12 tracksProd. Run-DMC
Frequently Asked Questions King of Rock
Who wrote King of Rock?
Larry Smith on six of the nine tracks and Russell Simmons on five, with Darryl McDaniels on four and the rest of the group appearing on individual songs.
Did any single chart in the Hot 100?
No. "King of Rock", "You Talk Too Much" and "Can You Rock It Like This" all missed the chart.
How did it sell?
The discography publishes certifications for it rather than a sales figure. It was the first hip-hop album certified platinum.
Are engineering credits published?
No. The album article lists the players and producers and names no engineer.
Who produced it?
Russell Simmons and Larry Smith.
What is the record known for?
Pushing rock guitar into hip-hop, and being the first hip-hop video in regular MTV rotation.
How long is the album?
43:46 across nine tracks.