run dmc

The best record sleeves always tell a story, the smell of vinyl and checking out every detail on the sleeve while listening to a new record are all a part of the experience. This re-release of Run DMC’s classic, ‘Down with the King’, still sounds as fresh today as it did back in ’93. We wanted the sleeve design to have a fresh new feel, but still have a strong connection to the first release and reflect the history inbetween with the sad passing of the trios Jam Master Jay. The original design featured Run, DMC and Jam Master Jay sitting on a fenced wall, with what appeared to be a church and graveyard behind them. After a lot of research, a few educated guesses and even more searching on Google maps & streetview we managed to find the same church on Jamaica Ave in Queens NY! We were then able to illustrate a wider view of the graveyard, church and surrounds to show Jam Master Jay floating above the graveyard, with Run and DMC in the same position on the fenced wall as the first release. It felt like a nice story to tell about the history and roots of this iconic group, giving a new perspective to the release now that JMJ is no longer with us. 

‘DOWN WITH THE KING’ 7″ DINKED RECORDS RE-RELEASE 

DESIGN / ILLUSTRATION

2018

RUN DMC Down with the King Album Record Sleeve Design and Illustration by Paintshop Studio
RUN DMC Down with the King Album Record Sleeve Design and Illustration by Paintshop Studio
RUN DMC Down with the King Album Record Sleeve Design and Illustration by Paintshop Studio
RUN DMC Down with the King Album Record Sleeve Design and Illustration by Paintshop Studio

‘DOWN WITH THE KING’ 7″ DINKED RECORDS RE-RELEASE

DESIGN / ILLUSTRATION

2018