'Tougher Than Leather' tells the inside story of Run-DMC's astonishing rise to fame from the obscurity of Hollis. Queens to the kleig-lit heights of pop music fame. It is a story that has inspired important music makers for the last 15 years, including the Beastie Boys, Will Smith, Public Enemy, NWA, Master P, Jay-z, Kid Rock, Limp Bizkit and Eminem-all of whom know who opened the door for them. And now it can inspire you. 'Tougher Than Leather' was originally published in 1987 and is reissued here in a new edition, a must have for any serious music fan.
Tougher Than Leather: The Rise of Run-DMC
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
"...Short on 'Behind the Music' squabbles, but it's a trove of great moments." -- Miles Marshall Lewis, Blender, January/February 2003
"A must-have for any serious hip-hop fan." -- hhn.com, issue #84
"Enlightening" -- David Mills, WASHINGTON TIMES
"Fascinating look at the beginnings of NYC hip-hop and the early career of that Hollis crew....Thoroughly enjoyable." -- Toph One, XLR8R, January 2003
"It remains one of the unsung classics of early hip-hop books...Bill gives you incredible you-were-there descriptions." -- Jeff Chang, cantstopwontstop, September 24, 2002
"Might well be the most comprehensive biography ever written about a pop act while it was still in its prime." -- Jon Caramanica, Rolling Stone, April 17, 2003
"Vividly recreates the atmosphere of the years during Run-DMC's prime...when their music was at its most vibrant." -- Simon McKenzie, University of Melbourne (Australia) website
A definitive, insightful text. -- Harry Allen, Village Voice
Adler's reissued classic details Run-DMC's rise to stardom and the cultivation of a whole genre. -- Source Magazine
An essential time capsule, Adler is the ultimate tour guide. -- Brian Coleman, Urb
"A must-have for any serious hip-hop fan." -- hhn.com, issue #84
"Enlightening" -- David Mills, WASHINGTON TIMES
"Fascinating look at the beginnings of NYC hip-hop and the early career of that Hollis crew....Thoroughly enjoyable." -- Toph One, XLR8R, January 2003
"It remains one of the unsung classics of early hip-hop books...Bill gives you incredible you-were-there descriptions." -- Jeff Chang, cantstopwontstop, September 24, 2002
"Might well be the most comprehensive biography ever written about a pop act while it was still in its prime." -- Jon Caramanica, Rolling Stone, April 17, 2003
"Vividly recreates the atmosphere of the years during Run-DMC's prime...when their music was at its most vibrant." -- Simon McKenzie, University of Melbourne (Australia) website
A definitive, insightful text. -- Harry Allen, Village Voice
Adler's reissued classic details Run-DMC's rise to stardom and the cultivation of a whole genre. -- Source Magazine
An essential time capsule, Adler is the ultimate tour guide. -- Brian Coleman, Urb
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I was a highschooler when Run-DMC made their first hits. Now I'm 35 years old and their music seems fresher than ever. But I never knew too much about Run, DMC, and Jam Master Jay as people until I read this book. Now I see that they were just as serious and interesting behind the scenes as they were on records and onstage. And I also learned a lot about the early career of Russell Simmons and the founding of the Def Jam label with LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys. Some day people will study Run-DMC the way that the baby boomers study the Beatles. Until then, this is the book to read.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Chewy
Format:Paperback
I bought this book when I was in college and it soon went out of print.Thankfully it has returned.Despite a few mistakes in song lyrics, this book faithfully follows our leather clad heroes from childhood to stardom to superstardom.The story ends however at the release of the disasterous yet still somewhat entertaining film "Tougher than Leather".So kick up your shell-toe (no laces,please) adidas and enjoy a long overdue piece of rock and roll history.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Andre M.
Format:Paperback
This originally came out in the late 80s and could be looked upon as a typical fan bio for younger readers, but it's a tad more than that. It's a pretty good documentation of the early days of rap and Run-DMC's often overlooked role in literally bringing rap back from the dead, gaining fame as they did during an early low point in the genre in 1983. For those of us who were around during that period, this book will bring back good memories. For others, it's a good education.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Tougher than leather
Loved this historical perspective of one of hip hop's greatest groups.This read will def take you on a journey to the groups rise. Read more
Published 1 month ago by rushay sherwyn booysen
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Book
I grew up listening to and still listen Run DMC. The are one of my favorites of all time. I wish concerts were still the same as they were back then. Fresh Fest was da Bomb!!!
Published 2 months ago by Jae
5.0 out of 5 stars
Jason Mizell
AKA Jam Master Jay
In Fond Memory
1965 - 2002
In Fond Memory
1965 - 2002
Published on November 5, 2002 by CMA
