Run-D.M.C. has been the first rap group for a lot of things and on February 15, 2016, they became the first rap group to win a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award during the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. Though their third studio album Raising Hell was nominated Grammy in 1986 for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal, Run-D.M.C. has never won a Grammy for any of their songs or albums.
“I just got a call from the Grammys!!” Joseph Simmons AKA Rev Run tweeted on January 13, 2016. “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!”
Unfortunately Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell, passed away on October 30, 2002 and wasn’t able to witness the win.
Late R&B singer Ruth Brown, late Cuban salsa singer Celia Cruz, jazz legend Herbie Hancock, R&B pioneers Earth, Wind & Fire, psych-rockers Jefferson Airplane, and rock legend Linda Ronstadt were the other recipients in 2016.
Read: Run-D.M.C. helped the Beastie Boys write “Paul Revere”
Read: Run-D.M.C. were the first rappers to sign an endorsement deal with a major company
