Metal mayhem ROC:DMC (Darryl McDaniels of Run-DMC)’s Metal Roots — Sabbath, Priest, and the Rock DNA Behind “She Gets Me High”

In this in-depth conversation, Darryl McDaniels sits down with Metal Walt to explore the heavy metal and hard rock roots that have been part of his musical identity since childhood.

Growing up in New York City, DMC discovered rock and metal through radio, hearing bands like Black Sabbath and Judas Priest at a formative age. He explains how those sounds were already embedded in early hip-hop culture, from DJs digging through crates to the attitude and energy that shaped Run-DMC from the very beginning.

The discussion revisits key moments such as “Rock Box” and “Walk This Way,” why rock was always part of Run-DMC’s DNA, and how those records opened creative doors that still matter today. DMC also talks about his decision to actively create rock and metal music himself, leading to projects like HellRaisers and his 2026 solo metal single “She Gets Me High.”

Additional topics include NYC hardcore roots, playing with Agnostic Front, sharing stages with Sammy Hagar, opening for Lou Reed, and how creativity, authenticity, and curiosity continue to guide his work.

00:00 Show Open & Pre-Roll Tease
04:23 What Music Sounded Like in DMC’s House Growing Up
05:58 Discovering Rock on WABC and the First Metal Obsession (Black Sabbath)
09:11 Rock and Early Hip-Hop Culture — DJs, Crates, and Crossover
11:23 “Rock Box” and Why Rock Was Always in Run-DMC’s DNA
14:16 “Walk This Way” — History, Impact, and the Permission Moment
25:25 When DMC Decided to Start Making Rock Music
28:10 DMC and the HellRaisers — Live Reactions and Reality
31:25 Rock DNA Across Classic Run-DMC Songs (King of Rock, It’s Tricky, Mary, Mary, Why You Buggin’)
36:17 “She Gets Me High” — DMC’s Solo Metal Direction and Lineup
47:13 Hardcore Roots — Agnostic Front, NYC, and Underground Energy
56:22 Legacy, Creativity, and What DMC Is About Today
01:09:22 Wrap-Up & Where to Follow DMC

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