Kurtis Blow

Kurtis Blow is the first commercially successful rapper and the first to sign with a major record label. He has released 15 albums and is currently an influential figure in hip-hop culture.

Rapper

August 9, 1959

65

Kurtis Blow, a trailblazer in hip-hop music, gained commercial success as the first rapper to sign with a major record label. He is best known for his hit song “The Breaks,” which became the first certified gold record rap song. Throughout his career, he has released 15 albums and remains an influential figure in the music industry. Some of his other notable works include “Hard Times,” “Starlife,” and “Basketball.” In addition to his musical achievements, Kurtis Blow co-founded the Hip Hop Church and was inducted into the Hip Hop Hall of Fame in 2002. He also lent his vocals to the song “Street Rock” by the band Mantronix.