By Nolan Strong
The New York City Council approved a new bill today (June 30) that a major thoroughfare Run-DMC JMJ Way, in Hollis Queens, will be named after legendary rap group Run-DMC.
The bill, which was introduced by Deputy Majority Leader Leroy Comrie (D-27) passed today during the Council’s Stated Meeting in City Hall.
Once Mayor Michael Bloomberg signs the bill into law, the corner of 205th Street and Hollis Avenue will officially be renamed after the pioneering Hip-Hop group.
Joseph “Reverend Run” Simmons, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels and the late Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell grew up in Hollis, a borough of New York immortalized on tracks like “Hollis Crew” "Raising Hell," and the holiday anthem “Christmas in Hollis.”
They formed Run-DMC in 1982 at the behest of Simmons’ older brother Russell, who went on to form Rush Artist Management and the legendary Def Jam record label, with Rick Rubin.
The group went on to accomplish a number of first’s for Hip-Hop culture.
Run-DMC was one of the early act rap acts to perform on American Bandstand, the first rap group with gold, platinum and multi-platinum albums, the first rap group to receive a Grammy nomination, the first rap act to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone, the first rappers to make a video appearance on MTV and numerous other accomplishments.
Run-DMC was officially inducted into the Rock &Roll Hall of Fame on April 4, 2009.
“Given their historic accomplishments, Run D.M.C. is a tremendous source of pride for the Hollis community I represent,” Council Member Comrie told AllHipHop.com. “Their dedication and hard work has inspired countless others and they have given back generously to this community. Most recently, Mr. McDaniels donated numerous memorabilia for the establishment of the Hollis Hip Hop Museum, which is located in the Hollis Famous Burger establishment on 203rd Street and Hollis Avenue.”
The accomplishment also marks the first time a major New York City street has been renamed after a Hip-Hop group.
Council Member Comrie also stated he hopes the move will help revitalized the Hollis, Queens community with new business.
“I have chosen the 205th Street location because it is in proximity to the museum and also is the site of a famous mural of the group’s late member, Mr. Mizell. It is my sincere hope that this street renaming, combined with the museum, will help to economically revitalize this particular neighborhood as a potential tourism attraction.”