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D.M.C. On "It's Tricky" and TikTok: "No Idea It Would Become Timeless"

D.M.C. On "It's Tricky" and TikTok: "No Idea It Would Become Timeless"

Published Tue, December 1, 2020 at 4:35 PM EST

Run-D.M.C.'s classic single "It's Tricky" has become a holiday phenomena on TikTok. Produced by Rick Rubin, the "My Sharona"-sampling track was from the group's multiplatinum fourth album Raising Hell. After the original video was created by TikTok user Alexandra Karadimas, fans have been posting vids of themselves dancing to the song. Even Keeping Up With The Kardashians sisters Kylie and Kendall Jenner shared a TikTok video of themselves dancing to "It's Tricky," 

D.M.C. talked to HipHopDX about the song and his reaction to its resurgent popularity this season. He revealed that the song's famous hook was an homage to the Hip-Hop pioneers he'd idolized.

“I came up with ‘It’s tricky to rock a rhyme’ because I wanted to create a rhyme routine that people would remember forever like the great routines of The Legendary Cold Crush Brothers,” DMC tells HipHopDX.  “They have some of the best! It was to be done over Kraftwerk’s ‘Numbers’ song or Soul Sonic Force’s ‘Planet Rock.’"

"It's Tricky" has gone on to become a Hip-Hop staple, appearing in a countless commercials and movies. And now, it's the latest viral sensation. 

“I had no idea by making it a record, it would become one of the greatest timeless classics," D.M.C. shared. "Not just of Hip-Hop, but music in general. And I love the fact I made music long ago that still resonates with many generations after. I love that they chose ‘It’s Tricky’ too.”

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