80s NWT Run DMC Adidas Tougher Than Leather Tour t-shirt Large

Chest 22 in.

Length 29.5 in.

Content: 100% cotton

Tag Brand: Adidas

This ultra rare tour tee is deadstock, totally new with tags and it's from Run-DMC's 1988 Tougher Than Leather Tour. The shirt actually comes directly from the collection of a security guard who toured with the rap icons during Hip-Hop's Golden Era. It features big eye-catching graphics, double sided print, and classic Adidas branding from Run-DMC's awesome collab with Adidas.

Tougher Than Leather was RUN-DMC's fourth studio album, released in 1988 alongside a crime film of the same name. The movie starred the group and was directed by Def Jam Records co-founder Rick Rubin. Rubin had been a producer in NYC's punk scene, but he later entered the city's hip-hop scene through a lot of networking and persistence. Once Rubin got hip-hop promoter Russell Simmons to become a co-founder of Def Jam, the label really established prominence in hip-hop music. Some of Def Jam's earliest breakthroughs include signing hip-hop legends like Public Enemy, Beastie Boys, and LL Cool J.

Tougher than Leather was released at the height of the group's popularity. They had just wrapped their Together Forever Tour with the Beastie Boys; their cover of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way" was one of the biggest hip hop hits of all time; and they had earned their own brand of Adidas sneakers. While this era of rappers and hip-hop acts strived to be extravagant and flashy in their style and dress, Run-DMC stood out by blending in with their audience. They sported simple track suits and classic Adidas sneakers.

In a clever combination of marketing and artistry, the group released a track in 1986 titled "My Adidas". They invited Adidas excutives to one of their shows where they performed the song and had the crowd take off their Adidas sneakers and waving them in the air. After seeing the influence the group had on their customers, Adidas signed a deal with Run-DMC immediately.

Fits like a modern unisex adult large. Deadstock, new with tags from 1988!






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