Checks Thugs & Rock N Roll

It's puzzling to think that people cannot open up their minds enough to enjoy a new album from a man that has earned the title of "Legend". Some people can't accept the fact that an artist has changed while others can't accept the fact that they, themselves, have changed. I see it all the time. Many veteran bands struggle to keep their fan base. They're damned if they try a new sound and they're damned if they keep the old sound. 85% of the time the product they deliver is nearly as good, as good, or sometimes better than the music that gave them success. But the "fan" has their head in a different place then when they first were introduced to the music and places the blame soley on the musician rather than their current position in the world. DMC has a very personal story behind his first solo album Checks, Thugs, and Rock N Roll. After a long struggle with various addictions, a horrible vocal chord condition that made him lose signature sound, the revelation that he is adopted, and the loss of his band mate Jam Master Jay, DMC needed a new direction in his life. He heard the Sarah McLachlan's song Angel and was moved to better himself. By an odd chain of events, McLachlan saw him by chance and approached him to say what a big fan she was of his music. Surprisingly it was DMC who turned the tables and began endlessly praising her for her inspirational music. A few years later after finding his biological mother he was inspired to write a song about his journey. He enlisted McLachlan to sing the chorus to Harry Chapin's song Cat's in the Cradle. To my amazement, people have described the song as cheesy and cliche. I cannot begin to describe how wrong they are. The song is beautiful, inspirational, and has a nice rock n' roll edge to it. DMC has described this song as his anthem and I can't help but be filled with positive emotion while listening to it. After picking up the CD I noticed a slightly uneven mixture of songs. However, it only took me a few listens to get hooked into this blend of rock, R & B, and rap. If you do keep an open mind I guarantee you will like most aspects of this album. Because it is diverse, you may not like every song, but rarely there is an album that can do such a thing. DMC has given us an inspirational glimpse into his life and I personally am thankful for that. I look forward to hearing more from this music legend.

As a big fan of the legendary rap group Run DMC, I was excited to see this "solo" DMC album released. However, I just don't think it's very good. Run's Distortion CD is great, and that set my expectations high for DMC's album. I don't find any of the DMC guest stars having good performances on here at all. I'm also a big fan of Elliot Easton and The Cars and man this semi-cover of "Watchtower"... it's just nonsense. And that's actually the best track on the entire album. Stick to all of the Run DMC releases and get Run's Distortion, but I'd say avoid DMC's Checks, Thugs, and Rock N Roll, it's not good.

Seeing a hip hop classic return from oblivion is good but if the music doesnt cut or it seems to be a rehash of oll track then who cares? I do. This stuff might not be cutting edge but it does have playabilty and with support of Kid rock Sarah Macgloghlin and Jam master J this is a an album to pay attention to. DMC does still have skills and in the hip hop world theres a lot to be said for a 40 plus person who can still lay quality tracks. This stuff is current and just plain good. If you are looking for a mix of old school and current music this is it. While the Raps arent as fast and furious as Run DMC was there is skill here and DMC should not be overlooked. While this isnt the classic album that "Raisin Hell" is it is definitley not to be over looked. DMC proves he is not a has-been - Enjoy this one. Ted

To be honest, I'd give this more a 4-star rating, but it's to compensate for the 1-stars, which to be honest, are quite foolish. For those complaining about the change in vocal style, look at the medical problems he had with his voice first. This isn't labeled "Run-D.M.C." It's a solo album, so if he sounds different, accept the solo album for what it is. If this were a new artist, and not DMC of the legendary Run-D.M.C., you wouldn't have people trashing this release. Taken for what it is, the first 3 tracks start strong.. the two covers, "Watchtower" and "Just Like Me," book ends to "Freaky Chick." It pulls you into the rest of the album. Playing this beside Rev Run's album... there will never be a Run-D.M.C. again after the death of Jay. That said, take the best tracks from each release, and you'll have a nice update of two of the three components that made the legendary Run-D.M.C. While Rev Run and DMC took their own respective approaches (DMC more mellow rap groove, Rev Run a louder and insistent delivery), neither should disappoint any of those with a half open mind, who aren't foolishly expecting 1980's all over again. Glad to hear from you DMC...

I know DMC has health problems. I thought I'd support DMC by piking up his cd, but what waste of money. It seems he's hardly on the album. When he is rapping, it doesn't sound like his voice or his lyrics. The production is very vanilla. Probably done with no name producers. At least it was cheap.

I really appreciate what Run DMC has done for hip-hop. With that said, I was really suprised by Rev Run's solo album so I guess I was a bit too optimistic when I bought this CD...

The first time I heard WatchTower, I knew I wanted it in my music collection and bought the CD. I was pleasantly surprised to find so many other tracks on the CD that I liked too. This CD has positive messages and something for virtually everyone. It's DMC's solo album - not better nor worse than Run-DMC's albums ---- it's different.

A couple months ago Rev Run released his first solo album, and now it's time for the other living half of the seminal rap group, Darryl "DMC" McDaniel, to throw his hat back in the game with his first solo outing Checks, Thugs and Rock N Roll. Whereas Run took the safe route, veering not very far from his previous sound, taking the minimalist approach coming in just over a half an hour with no guest appearances, DMC is more adventuress and packs in multiple singers and rappers to help him out clocking in just under an hour. The album starts off with one of the most disturbing samples in which Puffy wasn't involved when DMC brings in the dude from Buckcherry and the less glamorous members of Aerosmith to rework Jimmy Hendrix All Along the Watchtower. And if that isn't weird enough for you, later he brings in Sarah McLachlan to recreate the Harry Chapin classic Cats in the Cradle and renames it Just Like Me. The song must be heard to be believed especially when they go over the top by bringing in the kids choir. But that's it for the unnecessary samples even though Freaky Chick sounds a lot like Tone Loc's Wild Thing. But the guest parade doesn't stop there though. Kid Rock shows up on the life after death song Find My Way which is dedicated to Jam Master Jay and Joe C. Old school legend Doug E. Fresh shows up on Lovey Dover and new school go to hook singer Ciara lends her "talents" on What's Wrong. Even though it sounds a lot like Eve rapping on Cold, it's really Ms. Jade. And his old buddy Rev Run even spits a verse on Come 2gether that doesn't really congers up images of the good ol' days. But the major problem with the album is that DMC's voice has change dramatically since he last put his rhymes on wax. In the classics days, he had a smooth baritone delivery but here his voice is higher and more nasally. The content is deeper though as if DMC has spent his down time listing to Public Enemy and watching CNN as there more than a few songs dealing with the world today including the many wars that are raging. Unfortunately it's hard to get past the voice to listen to the message.