Run-DMC includes: Run, DMC (rap vocals); Jam Master Jay (programming).
Additional personnel includes: Fred Durst, Kid Rock, Everlast, Stephan Jenkins, Sugar Ray, Chris Davis, Jagged Edge (vocals); Fat Joe, Method Man, Nas, Prodigy, Jermaine Dupri, Kenny Kash, Mike Ranson, Jamel Simmons, Big Dash, Donald McFarland (rap vocals); Jackie Presti (conductor); Tony Fredianelli (guitar, bass); Eric Ambel, Donnie Mathis (guitar); Irwin Fisch (organ); Richard Johnson (keyboards); Brian Count (drums); Randy Allen (programming); DJ Flare (turntables); Eartha James, Verolyn Kennebrew, Charles King, Josette Lumpkin, Daniel Moore, William Swann, Sharon Walters, Natalye Woodson, Bo Skaggs Nitty, Karmine Wilson, Charlene Crockett (background vocals).
Producers include: Randy Allen, Jermaine Dupri, Jam Master Jay, Dante Ross, John Gamble.
Engineers include: Jeremy Mitchell, Kevin Crouse, Doug Wilson.
A unique German issue of the American rap act's successful release; features an additional track.
CD contains 1 bonus track.
Being one of the most beloved hip-hop groups ever assembled has certainly become a double-edged sword for Run-D.M.C. As one of the culture's most influential groups, the names of Run, D.M.C., and Jam Master Jay immediately garner a certain degree of well-earned respect. Conversely, it has also put the trio under an incredibly intense microscope, a dissection that will become more exacerbated with the shameful Crown Royal. With virtually no input from D.M.C. (he appears on a sparse three tracks) Crown Royal spirals so recklessly into contrasting segments that it's easy to forget you are even listening to a Run-D.M.C. record. Lacking any discernible sense of direction or continuity, the once cutting-edge trio has seemingly lost touch with its original fan base. They miserably play the role of alternative genre rockers on "Rock Show" (featuring Stephan Jenkins) and "Here We Go" (featuring Sugar Ray). And though tracks with Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst ("Them Girls") and Kid Rock ("The School of Old") may eventually strike a chord with TRL fanatics, the groupings lack ingenuity and conviction. So what's left for the fan who was weaned on Run-D.M.C.? Not much! Sure, they throw the hip-hop populace a few bones on "It's Over" (featuring JD), "Queens Day" (featuring Nas and Prodigy), and "Simmons Incorporated" (featuring Method Man). But even these mediocre offerings are not nearly enough to satisfy any of their loyal supporters. If hip-hop has proven anything since its inception, it's that few MCs or groups age gracefully. Hopefully, with its legacy still somewhat intact, Run-D.M.C. will now trade in the shell-toed Adidas, fat gold chains, and leather pants for a long overdue and deserved bow. ~ Matt Conaway
Almost 20 years after their debut, the legendary rap artists Run, DMC, and DJ Jam Master Jay are still going strong. Though they emerged onto the scene sporting shelltoe Adidas and rapping over simple beats, Run-DMC captured the public's attention with their unique brand of rap-rock.
CROWN ROYAL features Run rhyming over rock-flavored drum patterns alongside some of the new century's more popular bad boys; "Them Girls" features Fred Durst, "Take the Money and Run" features Everlast, and "The School of Old" features Kid Rock. Hip-hop guest artists are also much in evidence. Fellow Queens natives Nas and Prodigy dedicate their verses to the almighty borough on "Queens Day," and Method Man adds his usual rhyme expertise on "Simmons Inc." But it's the album's title track that revisits the time when Run-DMC's music was synonymous with hip-hop; DMC's signature chorus reminds the listener just how influential these veterans are. minimize