King of Rock (song)
1985 single by Run–D.M.C.
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"King of Rock" is a 1985 single by Run–D.M.C. and the title track from their album of the same name. It was featured in the video games Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, Thrasher: Skate and Destroy, Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, and is a downloadable track on Rock Band 3. The song was performed by the group at the 1985 Live Aid concert. Eddie Martinez is the song's lead guitarist and appears in the video.
| "King of Rock" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Run–D.M.C. | ||||
| from the album King of Rock | ||||
| B-side | "King of Rock (instrumental)" | |||
| Released | January 15, 1985 | |||
| Recorded | 1984 | |||
| Genre | Rap rock | |||
| Length | 5:14 | |||
| Label | Profile, 4th & B'way Records | |||
| Songwriters | D. McDaniels, J. Mizel, J. Simmons, L. Smith, R. Simmons | |||
| Producers | Larry Smith, Russell Simmons, Roddey Hui | |||
| Run–D.M.C. singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "King of Rock" on YouTube | ||||
Cash Box said that the song is "in the traditional boasting rap themes which touches on humor and raw social critique and makes Run D.M.C. one of the few rap groups which can transcend its original trappings."[1]
The music video featured Calvert DeForest as a security guard.
Cover versions
In 1996, the song was covered by Institute of Technology for the electro-industrial various artists compilation Operation Beatbox.[2]
Track listing
- 7" - Profile (US)
- "King of Rock" – 4:38
- "King of Rock (Instrumental)" – 4:10
- 12" - Profile (US)
- "King of Rock" – 6:15
- "King of Rock (Instrumental)" – 6:34
Charts
| Chart (1985) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Singles Chart[3] | 80 |
| US Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles | 8 |
| US Billboard Hot Black Singles[4] | 14 |
| US Billboard Dance Music/Club Play Singles[4] | 40 |
