Tough (Kurtis Blow album)

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.

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