ON THE RUN: Run-DMC was angry after...

ON THE RUN: Run-DMC was angry after failing in an attempt to get invited to perform for President Bill Clinton at the Inaugural proceedings, but that’s not what’s behind “Big Willie,” a song on the rap group’s upcoming album, which has the working title “Never Ran, Never Will.”

“Big Willie”--with lyrics concerning the toughness of the rap group--is the latest in the trio’s series of interfaces with the hard-rock world, which peaked with its 1986 reworking with Aerosmith of that band’s “Walk This Way.” This time, Run-DMC is joined by Tom Morello, guitarist of the young L.A. rap-metal band Rage Against the Machine, which had already earned credibility in the hip-hop world via concert dates opening for Public Enemy.

“Run-DMC’s ‘King of Rock’ single was on my turntable for months,” says Morello. “It was great to work with them. They definitely had a major influence on me.”

The album brings Run-DMC together with performers and producers who have been influenced by the group. Among those producing tracks: the group EPMD, Public Enemy producer Hank Shocklee, Kris Kross producer Jermaine Dupree and the duo Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth.