The only book length biography written about
Run-DMC is returning to print in a new edition. Originally published by New
American Library as a paperback during the spring of 1987, the book is a detailed
account of the groups childhood in Hollis, Queens and their rise to worldwide
popularity.
The book also has detailed stories of such rappers
as Kurtis Blow, Whodini, The Beastie Boys and LL Cool J, all of whom were managed
by Russell Simmons’ Rush Artist Management. Along with the artists stories,
there are stories about the business brains behind Def Jam, Rick Rubin and Russell
Simmons and Lyor Cohen.
The book also features 12 pages of rare photos
and a new introduction by the author, Bill Adler, who wrote it during a brief
leave of absence from his day job as Director of Publicity for Rush Artist Management
and Def Jam Recordings. "Run, DMC, and Russell Simmons have all written
their own books in recent years," notes Adler. "But none of them concentrates
in detail on the glory days of Run-DMC. ‘Tougher Than Leather’ does."
In related news, Run-DMC will release an 18 track
greatest hits album in November and the group is currently recording material
for their untitled album.
DMC recently inked a deal with Def Jam, which
will release his solo album Checks, Thugs and Rock & Roll.
