New York City of the 1970s and 1980s is nothing like New York City today. Times Square and 42nd St was not a glitzy dining, shopping, and tourist destination. In fact, it was a sketchy area filled with movie theaters showing XXX rated films, peep shows, and other less than Disney-like offerings. The outer boroughs and neighborhoods therein were more like ethnic and racial enclaves, rather than the cosmopolitan neighborhoods that many are today.
Crime and blight were pervasive in some communities, and crack emerged onto city streets in the mid 1980s. New York City was just coming out of a period of economic turmoil from the 1970s. But one thing was certain during the late 1970s and 1980s: New York City was energized by music venues, clubs, and dancehalls. The city also was home to major and independent record labels, and numerous recording studios. These conditions led to the creation of some of the most prolific and influential music to date.
Some 220 miles to the north and east of New York City lies Boston (BAH-ston). Like New York City, Boston of the 1970s and 1980s is not the same as Boston today. Now Boston is a major regional economy of finance, high tech, healthcare, and research development. Regrettably in the 1970s and 1980s, Boston also was in the spotlight for school desegregation and busing fights occurring there and across the nation. For many, Boston was not a welcoming place.
So, what does this brief urban history have to do with innovation? Well, the rock band Aerosmith hails from Boston. Straight up vintage rockers from the 70s and 80s. We are not talking bubble gum commercial pop music. And the rap group RUN-DMC hails from Hollis, Queens, NYC. A hard-hitting rap trio consisting of Run, DMC, and Jam Master Jay, delivering real rap, straight from the street.
And now you ask: well, what does Aerosmith and RUN-DMC have to do with innovation? It is very simple: the song “Walk This Way.” This track was originally released by Aerosmith in 1975 and 1976 as a straight up rocker. And eleven years later, in 1986 this track was re-imagined, re-recorded, and released (featuring Aerosmith) as a rap record by RUN-DMC.
There are various stories of who introduced who, and who conceptualized the remake of the record. But the mere fact that it was done was sheer innovation on the part of RUN-DMC. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines innovate as “to make changes,” “to do something in a new way,” and innovation as “the introduction of something new.” Let’s face it, a popular and authentic black rap group re-imagining a 1970s rock song and including Aerosmith in the new record and music video is doing something in a new way.
I seriously doubt that RUN-DMC set out to change music, to change culture, to change the country, or to change the world. It is more likely that the challenge, the creativity, and the passion for artistry served as the foundation to allow them to be innovative.
Raising Hell, the album containing “Walk This Way” went on to become the first multiplatinum selling rap album. The record would break barriers and not just become a top selling rap record, but it would climb to number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Who could imagine that in 1986 all of these factors would fuel the growth of hip-hop culture and rap music to the global scale it has reached thirty-five years later?
Innovation doesn't require that we change the world, but it can happen. Whether it is something big or small; internal or external; personal or workplace, give some thought to how you can bring innovation to your life. Maybe you too will impact the world!
And while you are thinking about it, why don’t you just “Walk This Way?”
Reflection Questions:
What is one thing you can do to innovate in at least one area of your life?
What, if any, barriers or obstacles might you encounter during your process of innovation?
What, if any, stories or narratives are you holding on to that might prevent you from being innovative?
Who in your life can support you, without judgment, as you are being an innovator?
Cedric -- this column was brilliantly written, and overall inspiring. I watched that video 3 times! Thanks for reminding us that we can be our best selves! Your old pal, -Daphna