Run-D.M.C. - Tougher Than Leather

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. Read More