On this day May 17, 1988, Run DMC released their fourth studio album Tougher Than Leather, a follow up to their groundbreaking hit Raising Hell. The album reached number nine on the Billboard 200 and continued the group’s legacy as pioneers of hip hop, blending hard beats, aggressive lyrics and crossover appeal.
Tougher Than Leather featured standout tracks like Run’s House, Beats to the Rhyme and Mary Mary, pushing the group’s sound into new territory while still staying true to their streetwise roots. The production was heavier and more layered, signaling the evolving sound of late 80s rap. The album also accompanied a feature film of the same name, which further showcased the group’s influence in both music and culture.
While it didn’t match the mainstream success of Raising Hell, the album helped reinforce Run DMC’s importance in shaping the direction of hip hop during a time of rapid change in the genre.
Fun fact: The song Run’s House became a hit on MTV and remains one of the group’s most recognized tracks from the late 1980s.
Tougher Than Leather featured standout tracks like Run’s House, Beats to the Rhyme and Mary Mary, pushing the group’s sound into new territory while still staying true to their streetwise roots. The production was heavier and more layered, signaling the evolving sound of late 80s rap. The album also accompanied a feature film of the same name, which further showcased the group’s influence in both music and culture.
While it didn’t match the mainstream success of Raising Hell, the album helped reinforce Run DMC’s importance in shaping the direction of hip hop during a time of rapid change in the genre.
Fun fact: The song Run’s House became a hit on MTV and remains one of the group’s most recognized tracks from the late 1980s.
