Today, Nov. 14, is the birthday of legendary Queens MC Rev Run, who now turns 54.

Born Joseph Simmons, the younger brother of Russell Simmons, Run had a fast-track into the music business from an early age. The Hollis, Queens native started rapping with friend Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels and the two formed the group Run-D.M.C. in 1981.

Run-D.M.C. dropped their self-titled debut album in 1984, followed by King of Rock in 1985, and Raising Hell in 1986. Within these three albums, the guys boast their biggest hits, "My Adidas," "Walk This Way," "Can You Rock It Like This," and "It's Tricky." The duo and their DJ, Jam Master May, would go on to be hailed as one of hip-hop's most influential and groundbreaking groups. Together, Run-D.M.C. ushered in the sound of New York hip-hop, were the first rap group to go gold and platinum in record sales, were the first rappers to gain endorsement deals and were the first rappers to have their videos played on MTV. The list of 'firsts' go on and on.

When Run-D.M.C. officially disbanded around 1995, Run found a new calling. He became an ordained minister and started a family. In 2005, Rev was thrust into pop culture fame when his family got a reality show on MTV called Run's House. It was the first time a hip-hop family had ever been put on reality TV. From there, Run found his second wind, dropping his solo debut album, Distortion, in 2005, and going on to star in a bunch of spin-off reality shows with his family.

Happy Birthday, Rev Run!

See 20 of Your Favorite Rappers Naming Their Favorite Rappers

More From XXL