Tougher Than Leather  (Audio CD) 
by Run-D.M.C.

Also recommended-Radio LL & Run DMC by Run DMC

6 of 6 found the following review helpful:

Hardcore Hip-Hoppers  Feb 26, 2004
At the end of 1986, Raising Hell was rap's best-selling album up to that point, though it would soon be outsold by the Beastie Boys' Licensed to Ill. Profile Records hoped that Run-D.M.C.'s fourth album, Tougher than Leather, would exceed the Beastie Boys' quintuple-platinum status, but unfortunately, the group's popularity had decreased by 1988. One of Run-D.M.C.'s strong points -- its love of rock & roll -- was also its undoing in hip-hop circles. Any type of crossover success tends to be viewed suspiciously in the hood, and hardcore hip-hoppers weren't overly receptive to "Miss Elaine," "Papa Crazy," "Mary, Mary" and other rap/rock delights found on the album. Thanks largely to rock fans, this album did go platinum for sales exceeding one million copies -- which ironically, Profile considered a disappointment. But the fact is that while Tougher than Leather isn't quite as strong as Run-D.M.C.'s first three albums, it was one of 1988's best rap releases. [Tougher Than Leather was remastered and reissued in 1999.]

3 of 3 found the following review helpful:

Memories  Nov 04, 2002
The recent passing of Jam Master Jay made me revisit their catalog, and while TTL was not their most well known album, It was always my favorite and I think it will stand up over time. It is very dense (similar to the Beastie's Paul's Boutique) and sounds great through a set of headphones.

If you are a fan of pure head bob'n rap from the 80's you'll appreciate this gem.

0 of 1 found the following review helpful:

these reviewers are stupid  Aug 07, 2002
this album (although not as good as their prior albums) rocks. runs house is a classic and beats to the rhyme is better than ANY hip hop song coming out today.