The New Kids' producer and songwriter Maurice Starr wrote this song inspired by the tough time the boy band had getting things off the ground. Starr assembled the group in 1984, and they released their debut album in 1986. It sold about 5000 copies despite the many showcases where they performed. Starr recalled in 1000 UK #1 Hits by Jon Kutner and Spencer Leigh: "We needed a song that symbolized what we had been through, so I came up with this title, 'Hangin' Tough.'"
The hard work and perseverance paid off in 1988 when New Kids On The Block landed a modest hit with "Please Don't Go Girl," the first single from the Hangin' Tough album. "You've Got It (The Right Stuff)" followed and did a lot better, then they landed a #1 hit in the summer of 1989 with "I'll Be Loving You (Forever)." "Hangin' Tough" was the next single, and in hindsight, peak New Kids. It went to #1 in October amid a hysteria for the group. They had another #1 hit with "Step By Step" in 1990 before their inevitable decline. They broke up in 1994 then re-formed in 2008.
In the UK, "Hangin' Tough" was released before the band caught on, and it flopped peaking at #52 in September 1989. That November, "You Got It (The Right Stuff)" took off going to #1. "Hangin' Tough" was then re-released and went to #1 in January 1990.
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