Throwback Thursday: Darryl “DMC” McDaniels discusses Run-DMC’s “It’s Tricky”

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes

Music History, Music Commentary, Music, Music Interviews

4.9 • 923 Ratings

🗓️ 7 August 2025

⏱️ 71 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Darryl “DMC” McDaniels joins Chris DeMakes in this Throwback Thursday episode of Chris DeMakes A Podcast to unpack the story behind Run‑DMC’s classic 1987 single, “It’s Tricky.” DMC dives deep into the song’s creation—recounting the writing sessions with Joseph “Run” Simmons and producer Rick Rubin, the fusion of hip‑hop and rock elements (including the famous “My Sharona” sample), and the recording process that helped shape its signature sound. He discusses the track’s release, its impact on both hip‑hop culture and crossover appeal, and reflects on the song’s enduring legacy—how its clever lyrics, brash production, and anti‑drug messaging resonated then and continue to influence artists today. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at ⁠http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/⁠ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	This episode is brought to you by Distro Kid.
0:02.8	If you haven't tried Abercrombie denim yet, you're missing out.
0:06.5	Denim should fit like this.
0:08.7	It's all about proportions.
0:10.4	Abercrombie has their classic fits and athletic fits for guys who want a little more room in the thigh.
0:15.8	When you find your staple fit, it'll be the pair you reach for day after day for every plan.
0:22.0	Shop Abercrombie Denham in the app, online, and in store.
0:41.4	Hey, everybody. Krista Makes a podcast producer Chris Fafalius here.
0:57.2	It's Throwback Thursday again, and this week we're throwing it all the way back to June 27th of 2022 when Daryl McDaniels, aka DMC, sat in for episode 109 of the show to discuss the writing, recording, release, and legacy of Run DMC's It's Tricky.
1:01.5	Something pretty cool.
1:02.4	A few months back, I actually met DMC at a Super Bowl party in New Orleans.
1:06.4	He couldn't have been nicer, totally remembered being on the show, talked to me about his
1:10.6	new music project, and said he wanted to come back on the show, talked to me about his new music
1:11.0	project, and said he wanted to come back on. So I got to find a way to reach out to him and get him
1:16.4	back on because he's such a good guest as you're about to hear. I'm telling you, this guy is as
1:21.7	authentic and real as he comes off in this episode in real life. And it was amazing to meet him.
1:27.5	So this song, It's Tricky, has gone on to become a classic, but it only peaked at number 57
1:32.8	on the Hot 100 on April 11, 1987.
1:37.0	You want to know what the top 10 was that week?
1:39.6	Steve Winwood was at number 10 with the finer things.
1:42.9	Wang Chung was at number nine with Let's Go.
1:45.7	Lou Graham at eight with Midnight Blue. Number seven was Prince with sign of the times.
	...

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