In a recent revelation, Darryl Matthews McDaniels, better known as DMC from Run-DMC, shed light on the surprising inspiration behind their timeless hit “My Adidas.”
It turns out, the genesis of this iconic track can be traced back to a rather unexpected source: Russell Simmons, co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, under the influence of Phencyclidine, commonly known as “angel dust.”
During a candid conversation earlier this year on the Class of ’88 Podcast with Will Smith, DMC delved into the origins of the 1986 classic. He vividly recalled the moment when Russell Simmons, amidst the haze of his high, passionately urged them to craft a song dedicated to their sneakers.
“It started ’cause Russell was smoking dust. He was going, ‘Wait, wait, wait, wait — you got to make a record about your sneakers,'” DMC reminisced, reflecting on the surreal encounter.
He went on to recount how Simmons, in his altered state, enthusiastically demonstrated the rhythm and flow that would eventually kickstart the track’s explosive opening.
This revelation adds a fascinating layer to the legacy of “My Adidas,” offering a glimpse into the creative process fueled by unexpected moments of inspiration.
As one of hip-hop’s most enduring anthems, the song continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, transcending its humble origins to become a cultural phenomenon.