Kurtis Blow
Kurtis Blow, born Kurtis Walker on August 9, 1959, in New York City, is a pioneering figure in the hip-hop genre. Raised in Harlem, he developed an early interest in music, joining a breakdancing crew and later becoming a DJ under the name Kool DJ Kurt. His career took a significant turn in 1979 when he became the first rapper to sign with a major label, Mercury Records, releasing the single "Christmas Rappin'". This track sold over 400,000 copies, marking one of the first commercially successful hip-hop singles.
In 1980, Blow released "The Breaks," which became the first certified gold record rap song, selling over 840,000 copies. Over the next eleven years, he released ten albums, including "Kurtis Blow," "Deuce," "Party Time," "Ego Trip," and "America." His music often fused rap with other genres, such as go-go, and he achieved a top 5 hit on Billboard's R&B chart with "If I Ruled the World."
Beyond his own music, Blow contributed significantly to the hip-hop scene by producing hits for artists like The Fat Boys and Run DMC. He also collaborated with notable figures such as Russell Simmons and Wyclef Jean. In addition to his music career, Blow ventured into acting and film production, working on projects like "Krush Groove" and "The Get Down."
Blow's influence extended beyond entertainment as he actively participated in social causes, speaking out against racism and supporting initiatives like Artists United Against Apartheid. He returned to his radio roots in the 1990s with "Kurtis Blow Old School Show" and later explored Christian rap. Today, Kurtis Blow remains a respected figure in hip-hop, known for his groundbreaking contributions to the genre.
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