DMC on Pete Rock, Larry Smith and Emotional Wellness in Hip-Hop [VIDEO]

DMC has seen virtually all of the ups and downs that go along with being a hip-hop star. With Run-D.M.C., he played arenas, sold millions and became an icon to a generation. But he also developed serious alcoholism and self-esteem issues that almost tore his life apart. The veteran rapper talks about his breakdown in his new memoir, Ten Ways Not to Commit Suicide; and with high-profile hip-hop artists like Kanye West and Kid Cudi recently experiencing very public emotional breakdowns, DMC talked to the Boombox about why rappers--and Black men, in general--have to get serious about their feelings.

"Men, in general, have a problem with dealing with their feelings and emotions--especially Black men," he says. "Because they think it's a form of weakness and it's soft."

DMC (born Darryl McDaniels) also gave props to two of the greatest producers he ever worked with: Pete Rock and Larry Smith. While many casuals fans associate Run-D.M.C. with Rick Rubin, it was the unheralded Smith (who passed away in 2014) who produced their first two albums and forged their sound. And it was Rock who re-introduced Run-D.M.C. to a new generation with 1993s smash single "Down With the King."

Check out our full interview with Darryl "DMC" McDaniels in the video above.