Teenage Kicks®
Groundbreaking Genre-Blending Artists
by Mac Wilson
May 31, 2025

1981 -- for the very first time, a number one song in America featured rap lyrics and vocals. Any guesses who it was? It was Blondie with the song "Rapture." Blondie was never afraid to experiment from punk to reggae to disco to hip-hop. The genre of rap-rock started in 1986 when Run DMC covered Aerosmith's "Walk This Way." Not only did it bring rap to the mainstream, it helped revitalize Aerosmith's career. So this week on Teenage Kicks, mix it up! Hear groundbreaking genre-blending artists and songs.
Program Playlist, hour 1
Program Playlist, hour 2

Run-D.M.C. (courtesy the artists)
Staff
