Two of the most honored pioneers of hip hop are back in a royal way. Holding on to their distinct style of delivering lyrics, Run DMC shares the arena with new-school artists in their latest album entitled, “Crown Royal.”

Run DMC was the first hip hop group to be featured on the MTV Music Video Awards in the early ?80s, which broke ground for hip hop. Their performance of “Walk This Way” with rock group Aerosmith, opened the doors for many other hip hop artists.

Now, many years later, Run DMC is bringing their old-school experience to combine forces with rock, R&B and alternative artists.

In “Rock Show,” Stephan Jenkins of Third Eye Blind produces a hard rock meets hip hop track with distorted guitars, and Brain from Guns N Roses goes wild on the drums. DMC?s classic, “I?m The King,” is the centerpiece of the chorus.

“Let?s Stay Together” is a track featuring R&B group Jagged Edge. It is produced by Jermaine Dupri, who flips the group?s song, “Let?s Get Married.” By utilizing Al Green?s classic, “Let?s Stay Together,” Run addresses his lyrics to business and personal relationships. He speaks of the history between himself and DMC and how “no matter what the rumors be / it?s guaranteed that I?m for you and you for me.”

The best track is “The School of Old,” which features Kid Rock. Run DMC breaks out their old-school style and alternates verses with Kid Rock. They deliver their lyrics with a hard core attitude, with Kid Rock?s trademark scream carried throughout the hook. The guitar accentuates their lyrics while an old-school beat keeps them flowing.

The album also features Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit, Everlast, Sugar Ray, Nas and Prodigy of Mobb Deep, Method Man and Jam Master Jay.

Run DMC?s collaborations were mixed well, but the album didn?t show off Run DMC?s talents as much as it should have. The other artists seemed like they were the ones in the spotlight. These are the crowned kings, and they deserve more royal treatment.

4 out 5 Sinatras