Run-DMC is a rap group from Queens, New York. The members are Joseph “Run” Simmons, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell.
They started in the early 1980s and quickly became one of the most recognized names in hip-hop. Their music was direct, their beats were loud, and their style was easy to spot—Adidas sneakers, tracksuits, and bold delivery.
They helped push rap into the mainstream by mixing hip-hop with rock sounds. Their music videos got played on major TV channels, and they opened the door for many other rap artists.
And, they were also among the first to secure major brand deals and achieve global fame without altering their sound.
About the Song
It’s Tricky is a song that mixes a catchy beat with a rock sample from “My Sharona” by The Knack. The lyrics discuss the challenges of maintaining focus in the public eye.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | February 8, 1987 |
| Album | Raising Hell |
| Writers | Larry Smith, Rick Rubin, Jam Master Jay, Rev Run & D.M.C |
| Producers | Rick Rubin, Russell Simmons, Jam Master Jay & Rev Run |
It’s Tricky Lyrics by Run-DMC
Intro
This speech is my recital, I think it’s very vital
To rock a rhyme that’s right on time, “It’s Tricky” is the title (Here we go)
Chorus
It’s tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that’s right on time, it’s tricky
It’s tricky, tricky, tricky, tricky
It’s tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that’s right on time, it’s tricky
Tr-tr-tr-tricky, tricky, tricky
Verse 1
I met this little girlie, her hair was kind of curly
Went to her house and bust her out, I had to leave real early
These girls are really sleazy, all they just say is, “Please me”
Or spend some time and rock a rhyme, I said, “It’s not that easy”
Chorus
It’s tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that’s right on time, it’s tricky (How is it D?)
It’s tricky, tricky, tricky, tricky
It’s tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that’s right on time, it’s tricky
Tricky, tricky, tricky
Verse 2
In New York, the people talk and try to make us rhyme
They really hawk, but we just walk because we have no time
And in the city, it’s a pity ’cause we just can’t hide
Tinted windows don’t mean nothin’, they know who’s inside
Chorus
It’s tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that’s right on time, it’s tricky (How is it D?)
Tricky, tricky, tricky, tricky
It’s tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that’s right on time, it’s tricky
Tricky, tricky, tricky, tricky, huh
Verse 3
When I wake up, people take up mostly all of my time
I’m not singin’, phone keep ringin’ ’cause I make up a rhyme
I’m not braggin’, people naggin’ ’cause they think I’m a star
Always tearin’ what I’m wearin’, I think they’re goin’ too far
A girl named Carol follows Darryl every gig we play
Then D dissed her and dismissed her, now she’s jockin’ Jay
I ain’t lyin’, girls be cryin’ ’cause I’m on TV
They even bother my poor father ’cause he’s down with me
Chorus
It’s tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that’s right on time, it’s tricky (How is it?)
Tricky, tricky, tricky, tricky
It’s tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that’s right on time, it’s tricky
Tr-tr-tr-tr-tricky, tr-tr-tr-tr-tr-tr-tr
Outro
We are not thugs, we don’t use drugs, but you assume on your own
They offer coke and lots of dope, but we just leave it alone
It’s like that, y’all, y’all, but we don’t quit
You keep on rock shock ’cause this is it
Similar Songs Like It’s Tricky by Run-DMC
The following songs demonstrate the group’s strong grasp of rhythm, storytelling, and style, which helped define rap in the 1980s.
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“Walk This Way“: A collaboration with Aerosmith that blends rap and rock. It helped break barriers between genres and got heavy radio play.
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“Peter Piper“: A playful track using nursery rhymes with sharp lyrics and strong wordplay, backed by DJ scratching and bell samples.
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“My Adidas“: It’s a song about praising the sneakers they wear. It helped start the link between hip-hop and brand deals in fashion.
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“You Be Illin’“: This is a light and funny track that tells short stories about odd behavior and misunderstandings in everyday life.
Similar Artists Like Run-DMC
If you enjoy Run-DMC’s raw sound and sharp lyrics, there are other artists from the same era who helped shape the early hip-hop scene.
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Beastie Boys
Genre: Hip-hop
Top Album: Licensed to Ill -
Public Enemy
Genre: Hip-hop
Top Album: It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back -
LL Cool J
Genre: Hip-hop
Top Album: Radio -
Eric B. and Rakim
Genre: Hip-hop
Top Album: Paid in Full
Frequently Asked Questions
What Sample is Used in “It’s Tricky”?
It uses a part of the song “My Sharona” by The Knack.
Was the Song “It’s Tricky” a Hit?
Yes, it became one of Run-DMC’s most popular songs and still gets played today.
Is There a Music Video for “It’s Tricky”?
Yes, it features Run-DMC performing and showing different scenes that match the song’s theme.
