US
1982- Label and catalog number
- Mercury MDS-4020
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
2-56969Label A
2-56974Label B
Kurtis BlowTough
Vinyl pressings
Tough
by Kurtis Blow · 1982
13 pressings3 countriesHip Hop
Tough was first pressed on vinyl in 1982. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of Tough
12 pressings came out in 1982, the album's first year, in 3 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
US
1982- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 76170
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
76170 - 2 - 56969 - BWSide A
76170 - 2 - 56974 - BWSide B
US
1982- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 76170
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
76170 - 2 - 56969 - BWSide A
76170 - 2 - 56974 - BWSide B
US
1982- Label and catalog number
- Mercury MDS-4020
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
2-56974 6400684Label A
2-56969 6400684Label B
US
1982- Label and catalog number
- Mercury 76170
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
76170 - 2-56969 - PRC - C - I - I - I MASTERDISK HW -A-A side - runout (etched)
76170- 2 - 56974 - PRC-C - I - I-I MASTERDISK -B-IIB side - runout (etched)
2-56969A side - label
2-56974B side - label
US
1982- Label and catalog number
- Mercury MK 213
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
MK-213-2-56969-PRC-C-1-1-/ MASTERDISK-B̶-ASide A runout
MK-213-2-56974-PRC-C-1-1 -A̶-B -pSide B runout
2-56969Side A label
2-56974Side B label
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 13 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s13 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | France | Mercury 6170 221First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | France | Mercury 6170 221First year7" | 7" |
| 1982 | UK | Mercury BLOW 1012First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | UK | Mercury BLOW 10First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1982 | US | Mercury MDS-4020First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo |
| 1982 | US | Mercury MK 213First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1982 | US | Mercury 76170First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | US | Mercury MDS-4020First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1982 | US | Mercury 76170 DJFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1982 | US | Mercury 76170First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | US | Mercury MDS-4020First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo |
| 1982 | US | Mercury 76170First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | US | Mercury MDS-402012", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
Tracklist
- ATough (Vocal)6:50
- BTough (Instrumental)4:02
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Tough are there?
13 vinyl pressings of Tough are listed here, from 3 countries.
When was Tough first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in US, UK, France. One of them is Mercury MDS-4020.
How do I tell if my copy of Tough is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MDS-4020, 76170, MK 213, 76170 DJ) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2-56969 and 2-56974. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Tough on vinyl worth?
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
