Tough is the third studio album by the American rapper Kurtis Blow, released in 1982 through Mercury Records. The recording sessions took place at Greene St. Recording in New York. The album was produced by James B. Moore and Robert Ford Jr.
The album peaked at number 167 on the Billboard 200 and number 38 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums in the United States. Its lead single "Tough" made it to number 37 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
Contents
Critical reception
The New York Times wrote that "though 'Tough' stops short of rage, it nevertheless describes the consequences of unemployment on male self-esteem in devastating detail". Music critic Carl Cooper placed Tough on his ballot for the 1982 Village Voice Pazz and Jop poll.
Personnel
Kurtis Walker – vocals, timbales
James B. Moore – guitar, producer
David Reeves – guitar
Dean Bailin – guitar
Robbie Kondor – piano
Jeff Bova – synthesizer
Lawrence Smith – bass
Seth Glassman – bass
Jimmy Bralower – drums
Trevor Gale – drums
Sam Jacobs – percussion
Brian Brake – cymbal
Robert Ford Jr. – producer
Rod Hui – recording, mixing
Howie Weinberg – mastering
Bob Heimall Inc. – art direction
Mo Ström – design
Lloyd Nelson – cover photo