NEW YORK, NY (VH1) - Five years ago at the age of 35 hip-hop pioneer and co-founder of the multi-platinum legendary group Run-D.M.C., Darryl "DMC" McDaniels made a startling discovery: he was adopted. Suddenly everything he thought he knew about himself changed.
This revelation occurred after the death of Jam Master Jay and while DMC was going through a deep depression. He began to question his purpose and place in life. DMC invited VH1 on his journey to track down this other family he never knew was out there. Premiering Saturday, February 25 at 9PM, "DMC: MY ADOPTION JOURNEY" documents that search as the first special from the "VH1 Rock Docs" franchise.
Born on May 31, 1964, DMC grew up in a loving household with his mother, father and older brother. He was raised in the middle class neighborhood of Hollis, Queens in New York City amidst the burgeoning hip-hop scene. It was there that he formed Run-DMC and forever changed the face of music.
As DMC embarked on this courageous search for his birth mother he had little information to go on. Given only what might be his biological mother's name DMC sought help in many places. He visited various government agencies and the hospital where he was born. He then turned to The New York Foundling, an organization in New York that specializes in child welfare and family services. With their guidance, he worked with Pam Slaton, an adoption search specialist and also attended Adoption Anonymous meetings for support.
The four month search created a roller coaster of emotions as DMC was faced with daily disappointments mixed with hope. All the while, his adoptive family struggled to understand his need to search for his roots. The end result provided closure for DMC and an important piece of clarity on life that he was looking for.
In addition, this life changing journey also prompted DMC to put his experience to music in hopes that it would help people who may be struggling just as he was. On March 14, DMC will release his first ever solo album Checks Thugs and Rock 'n Roll on RomenMpire Records / From Rags 2 Riches Records. Musically rich, the album features a virtual who's who of artists from various musical genres.
They include Sarah McLachlan, Kid Rock, Elliot Easton (The Cars), Run, Josh Todd (Buckcherry), Doug E. Fresh, Gary Dourdan ("CSI"), DJ Lethal, Ms. Jade, Sonny Black, Napoleon (Outlawz) and Romeo Antonio. Other songs featured on the recording include "Watchtower," "Freaky Chick" and "Just Like Me," with backing vocals by Sarah McLachlan.
"DMC: MY ADOPTION JOURNEY" is the first documentary to premiere under the "VH1 Rock Docs" franchise; an all new slate of high-end feature-length programs. Each of the documentaries will reveal an untold story in the history of rock and hip-hop music, combining never-before-seen footage with a unique and unconventional narrative approach. The documentaries will tell some of the most unique stories of the artists and music from a wide range of genres, styles, and musical perspectives.
Log onto https://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/vh1_rock_docs/99240/episode.jhtml for more information on "DMC: MY ADOPTION JOURNEY" and links to adoption resources. Be sure to also check out VSPOT, at https://vspot.vh1.com on Saturday February 25 for exclusive bonus footage not seen in the on-air documentary.
DMC fans can track the latest news on DMC's videos, album and related activities via https://www.me-dmc.com/, his newly redesigned official fan club web site or, by joining DMC Mobile, by sending "DMC" to 22122.
"DMC: MY ADOPTION JOURNEY" is a production of VH1, directed and produced by Rick Sasson, edited by Pierre Takal. Warren Cohen serves as Supervising Producer and Brad Abramson as Executive Producer. Michael Hirschorn and Shelly Tatro also serve as Executive Producers.
VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 87 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, VH Uno and VH1 Country. Connect with VH1 at https://www.VH1.com.
