Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels

Darryl McDaniels is an American rapper, record producer, author, and activist recognized as a key figure in hip-hop culture. As a co-founder of Run-DMC with Joseph Simmons and Jason Mizell, McDaniels played a significant role in elevating rap music from a regional genre to a global phenomenon. Run-DMC released its self-titled debut album, and the group's third album, "Raising Hell," reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The group's collaboration with Aerosmith on "Walk This Way" became a major crossover hit. Run-DMC was the first hip-hop act to earn a Grammy nomination, achieve Gold and Platinum records, appear on MTV, and be featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

Run-DMC's influence has been acknowledged with several industry honors, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and receipt of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, marking the first time a rap group received this distinction. McDaniels appeared in the docuseries "Kings From Queens: The Run DMC Story," which explores the group's impact on music, fashion, and culture. He has continued to perform and collaborate, joining the rock cover supergroup Royal Machines as a guest performer, appearing on Agnostic Front's album "Echoes In Eternity," and performing with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in a program celebrating hip-hop history.

Outside of music, McDaniels has addressed personal challenges, including depression, alcoholism, and spasmodic dysphonia, a vocal disorder. He has used these experiences to advocate for mental health awareness, particularly among men of color. His memoir, "Ten Ways Not to Commit Suicide," and his autobiography, "King of Rock: Respect, Responsibility, and My Life with Run-DMC," provide insight into his journey. McDaniels also authored the children's book "Darryl's Dream." His Emmy Award-winning VH1 documentary, "DMC: My Adoption Journey," details his discovery of being adopted and its impact on his identity.

McDaniels co-founded The Felix Organization, a nonprofit supporting children in foster care, and received the Congressional Angels in Adoption award for his advocacy. He has testified before state legislatures and Congress on behalf of adoptees and foster children and was invited to the White House to address youth groups on responsibility. McDaniels launched Darryl Makes Comics, a comic book publishing imprint, and produced a 90-page graphic novel featuring himself as a superhero, reflecting his passion for Marvel Comics. Through his contributions to hip-hop, mental health advocacy, and support for foster youth, McDaniels remains an influential figure in music and social activism.