Run-D.M.C. – 1984 Run-D.M.C. Profile Records – PRO-1202
**OG FIRST PRESS**
 

Visually Graded:
Cover: VG (bottom 4 inch seam split, light scuffs on edge and minor stains)
Inner Sleeve: Generic
Record: VG (non feelable hairlines)
Profile Records – PRO-1202
We conservatively grade our records.

Run-D.M.C. – Run-D.M.C. (1984) | OG US First Press | Profile Records PRO-1202 | Hip-Hop Pioneer

Collector Summary

Original 1984 US first press of Run-D.M.C.’s groundbreaking debut album — one of the most important releases in hip-hop history. The Profile Records PRO-1202 OG is widely considered the essential pressing for collectors, featuring raw early-80s mastering and the original label layout that helped define the golden age of rap.

Key Features

• 1984 Original US First Press

• Profile Records – PRO-1202

• Foundational hip-hop LP from the genre’s formative era

• Early Profile label design (collector-preferred)

• Highly collectible debut from the most influential rap group of the 80s

• Analog mastering with classic early Def Jam/Profile sonic character

Description

Released in 1984, Run-D.M.C.’s self-titled debut stands as one of the most transformative albums in rap history. The stripped-down production, hard beats, and commanding vocal delivery laid the blueprint for the emerging East Coast hip-hop sound.

This original PRO-1202 US pressing captures the raw, unpolished energy of early 80s rap in a way later reissues cannot replicate. Profile’s initial pressing run was modest by today’s standards, making well-preserved OG copies increasingly hard to find. The classic Profile label design and early mastering give collectors and DJs the authentic sound of hip-hop’s first major wave.

Because of the album’s historical significance and the scarcity of true 1984 first presses, this edition is a staple for any serious rap collector.

Pressing Identifiers (Authentic 1984 OG US Press)

• Profile Records – PRO-1202 catalog number

• Early Profile Records design (1984 style)

• Pre-barcode jacket

• Thick mid-80s U.S. jacket construction

• Period-correct font, spacing, and layout

• Original Profile mastering typical of early hip-hop presses

Great For

• Golden Age hip-hop collectors

• Original 80s pressing enthusiasts

• Run-D.M.C. / Def Jam / Profile completists

• DJs seeking authentic early rap sound

• Collectors building a foundational hip-hop archive

Searching for OG hip-hop first presses or classic Profile Records titles? We got you.

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Record grading:

• Mint (M): Absolutely perfect in every way, likely never played, and still sealed.

• Near Mint (NM or M-): Nearly perfect. The record shows no obvious signs of wear and looks as if it was just opened. No visible marks or scratches.

• Very Good Plus (VG+): Shows slight signs of use, such as light scuffs or very minor scratches, but plays without any major deterioration in sound quality.

• Very Good (VG): Noticeable wear with some surface noise, light scratches, or groove wear, but still plays through without skipping.

• Good/Good Plus (G/G+): The record plays but with significant surface noise, scratches, and wear. The cover may have visible damage or splits.

• Fair/Poor (F/P): The record may be damaged and is barely playable. Typically used only for highly collectible records.

Cover grading: 

• Mint (M): The cover is flawless, with no signs of wear. Often still sealed with no corner dings, creases, or ring wear.

• Near Mint (NM or M-): The cover looks almost new, with only the slightest signs of handling. There may be very minimal wear, but no significant flaws like writing, splits, or tears.

• Very Good Plus (VG+): The cover shows light wear, such as minor scuffing, small corner creases, or slight ring wear. No major damage, but a well-cared-for album with minor imperfections.

• Very Good (VG): Moderate wear is visible, including ring wear, light edge or corner damage, small seam splits, or slight discoloration. Still presentable but clearly used.

• Good/Good Plus (G/G+): The cover shows significant wear, such as noticeable ring wear, seam splits, heavy creasing, or writing. It may still hold together but looks heavily worn.

• Fair/Poor (F/P): The cover is heavily damaged, with major seam splits, tears, extensive writing, water damage, or severe ring wear. It may barely hold together or be incomplete.