Tougher Than Leather

Infobox Album
Name = Tougher Than Leather
Type = studio
Artist = Run-D.M.C.


Released = September 16, 1988
Recorded =
Genre = Old school hip hop
Length = 40:26
Label = Profile Records
Producer = Run-D.M.C., Davey D., Rick Rubin, Russell Simmons
Reviews = *Allmusic Rating|4|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:upjxlfwe5cqw link]
*Pitchfork (6.4/10) [http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/21440/RunDMC_RunDMC_King_of_Rock_Raising_Hell_Tougher_Th 23 Sep 05]
*Robert Christgau (B+) [http://www.robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?id=1195&name=Run-D.M.C. link]
*"Rolling Stone" Rating|3|5 [http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/227808/tougher_than_leather 14 Jul 88]
*Warr.org Rating|3.5|5 [http://www.warr.org/rundmc.html#Tougher link]
Last album = "Raising Hell"
(1986)
This album = "Tougher Than Leather"
(1988)
Next album = "Back From Hell" (1990)

"Tougher Than Leather" is a 1988 studio album for American rap group Run-D.M.C. and a follow-up to their hit "Raising Hell". While the new record did not maintain the same popularity as its predecessor, it obtained platinum status and spawned the favorites "Run's House" and "Mary, Mary" (a cover of The Monkees' song). "Tougher Than Leather" was the group's fourth effort and blended in elements of not only rap but also rock n' roll and funk, making it their most varied effort to date alongside "King of Rock". "Papa Crazy" is based on Papa Was a Rollin' Stone by the The Temptations.

A film of the same name, starring the members of Run-D.M.C. and their producer, Rick Rubin, was also released in 1988.

Track listing

# "Run's House" – 3:49
# "Mary, Mary" – 3:12
# "They Call Us Run-D.M.C." – 2:56
# "Beats to the Rhyme" – 2:43
# "Radio Station" – 2:50
# "Papa Crazy" – 4:18
# "Tougher Than Leather" – 4:20
# "I'm Not Going Out Like That" – 4:20
# "How'd Ya Do It Dee" – 3:20
# "Miss Elaine" – 3:05
# "Soul to Rock and Roll" – 2:17
# "Ragtime" – 2:42

References in Popular Culture

* Director Kevin Smith used the title track from "Tougher Than Leather" in his film Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back, and "Run's House" in the film Chasing Amy. Additionally, the chorus of "Run's House" is sung by Matt Damon's character, Loki, in the film Dogma.
* The track "Run's House" was later used as the opening theme of Reverend Run's reality television show, Run's House.
* The cover artwork of "Tougher Than Leather" was re-worked for Koolism's 4th album, New Old Ground.

External links

* [http://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/vr/tougher-19.php Review of video] , "Video Review", Jan. 1989

* [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096291/ "Tougher Than Leather" (film) at the Internet Movie Database]