Photographic print of Run-DMC backstage at Tramps NYC: Museum Object and Cultural History

The object in the museum catalogue

Two identical black and white photographic prints of Run-DMC.

The image shows the members of Run-DMC, (from left to right) DMC, Rev. Run, and Jam Master Jay, sitting in front of a brick background. All three men wear black leather jackets over black t-shirts, and black brimmed hats. DMC and Run both sit with their elbows resting on their knees and their hands clasped together. An Adidas logo is partially visible on Run's t-shirt. Jay sits on a step above the other two, so he is legs and shoes are visible, too. He sits with his proper right arm behind Run, and his proper left hand resting on his proper right knee.

Print 2015.132.252.1 is signed by the photographer on the front bottom right corner, with the date [98]. Print 2015.132.252.2 is signed by the photographer on the front bottom left corner without a date. Both prints have handwritten inscriptions by Bill Adler on the back identifying the subject, location, photographer, and date.

Materials, dates and provenance

• Date: ca. 2000
• Photograph by: Jason Messer, American, born 1973
• Subject of: Run-D.M.C., American, 1981 - 2002
• Subject of: Rev. Run, American, born 1964
• Subject of: Darryl Matthews McDaniels, American, born 1964
• Subject of: Jam Master Jay, American, 1965 - 2002
• Type: chromogenic color prints
• Medium: silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
• Dimensions: H x W (2015.132.252.1 Sheet): 11 15/16 × 14 15/16 in. (30.4 × 38 cm)
• Dimensions: H x W (2015.132.252.1 Image): 8 7/8 × 12 11/16 in. (22.6 × 32.2 cm)
• Dimensions: H x W (2015.132.252.2 Sheet): 11 15/16 × 15 in. (30.4 × 38.1 cm)
• Dimensions: H x W (2015.132.252.2 Image): 8 7/8 × 12 11/16 in. (22.6 × 32.2 cm)
• Place captured: New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
• Topic: African American
• Topic: Hip-hop (Music)
• Topic: Musicians
• Topic: Photography
• Topic: Rappers (Musicians)
• Object number: 2015.132.252.1-.2
• Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
• Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Sources and reuse

Catalogue descriptions and facts adapted from National Museum of African American History and Culture through the Smithsonian's official Open Access dataset. This record explicitly marks its metadata CC0 1.0; formatting and selection have been changed. The underlying object's rights statement is: © Jason Messer/ Eyejammie Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.