It's Run-DMC!
Chronologically, it's perfect. McDaniels, Mizell, and Simmons first teamed up around 1982, officially founded Run-DMC in 1983, and released their first album in 1984.
As for the design elements, similar to the Beastie Boys card, I used baseball-themed backgrounds from a few of the original 1982 Topps cards. I also inserted the stage names DMC, Jam Master Jay, and Run where the fielding positions would normally appear.
And this trio was an absolute sensation. How much so? I can illustrate by sharing an experience that two of my elementary school friends and I had back around '86 or '87—particularly a friend named David:
It was summer vacation, and we'd been playing at a nearby field. Dusk was quickly approaching, which meant it was time for us to get home. We all lived within a few houses of each other, and only had one more block to walk when a bigger kid stopped us. (In retrospect, he was probably only in middle school or high school, but when you're 8 or 9 years old, that translates to huge and intimidating.)
Big Intimidating Kid: What are you doing?
David: Going home.
Big Intimidating Kid: You live around here?
David: Yes.
Big Intimidating Kid: You ever hear of Run-DMC?
David: Yeah. Those are my initials.
Big Intimidating Kid: What do you mean?
David: My initials are D-M-C (Proceeds to say his first, middle, and last name out loud.)
Big Intimidating Kid: Ah man, now we're friends. (Holds out hand, gives David a low-five.)
And then he went his way and we went ours. Home in time for dinner, a confrontation dispelled by the power of music.
But don't just take my word for it. Watch this video and then tell me you didn't get into it, or at least smile once or twice.
One thing about the group I appreciate is that their lyrics, by and large, were not raunchy, explicit, or violent. It was much more about rhyming, dominance, skill, and fun. Listen to a song like Peter Piper or You Be Illin' for more examples.
Also of note, in 1986 Run-DMC partnered with Aerosmith to create a new version of the rock band's 1975 hit Walk This Way. The crossover helped introduce countless rock fans to rap, and vice versa. (Watch the music video for more guaranteed entertainment.)
BONUS CARD
It's one thing to have the members of Run-DMC on a Future Stars card, but the 1982 Topps set has a perfect "In Action" template that I wanted to use as well.
Can't get much better than an image showing the three guys doing their thing at an outdoor concert.
So that's that. Another two custom cards in the books. Any Run-DMC fans out there? Favorite song? Share in the comment section, and thanks for reading!
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PS: Things will get pretty busy at work for the rest of the calendar year, which means these Run-DMC customs will be the final two custom cards for the 2021 series. I've placed a print order for all the 2021 customs, and once they arrive I'll hold another giveaway like I did for the
2019s and 2020s. Stay tuned for that!
PPS: Speaking of giveaways, come back next Sunday for a chance to take part in a smaller one.
