Kurtis Blow, whose real name is Kurtis Walker, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and DJ. He is widely regarded as one of the pioneering figures in the early days of hip-hop music. Kurtis Blow was born on August 9, 1959, in Harlem, New York City. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Kurtis Blow rose to prominence with his hit singles and albums, becoming one of the first commercially successful rappers. His debut single, “Christmas Rappin'” (1979), was one of the first rap songs released by a major label and gained significant popularity.
Kurtis Blow is best known for his classic track “The Breaks” (1980), which became the first certified gold record rap song. It helped establish rap music as a viable genre in the mainstream music industry. He released several other successful singles during this time, including “Basketball” and “If I Ruled the World.”
Besides his own music, Kurtis Blow also played a crucial role in the development and promotion of hip-hop culture. He became an influential figure in the New York City rap scene, and his performances and DJing skills helped popularize rap music beyond the underground circles.
Throughout his career, Kurtis Blow released numerous albums and continued to contribute to the hip-hop community. He also ventured into production and worked with other artists. In addition to his musical endeavors, Kurtis Blow has been involved in various philanthropic and educational initiatives, using his platform to give back to the community.
Kurtis Blow’s contributions to rap music and his impact on the culture have earned him a well-deserved place in hip-hop history. He is considered a pioneer and an influential figure in the genre, paving the way for future generations of rappers and shaping the direction of hip-hop music.