Kurtis Blow, born Kurtis Walker, is a pioneering figure in hip-hop music and culture. He was one of the first commercially successful MCs, with a string of hits in the late 1970s and early 1980s that helped to popularize hip-hop music and bring it to a wider audience.
Kurtis Blow was born in Harlem, New York, in 1959. He began his career in music in the early 1970s as a breakdancer and DJ, performing at local parties and events. In 1979, he released his first single, “Christmas Rappin'”, which became an instant hit and helped to establish him as a major talent in the emerging hip-hop scene.
Kurtis Blow’s breakthrough hit came in 1980 with “The Breaks”, which was the first certified gold record rap song. It featured a catchy chorus and a funky beat that helped to make it a crossover hit on both urban and mainstream radio. The song’s success paved the way for a string of hits in the early 1980s, including “Hard Times”, “Starlife”, and “Party Time”.
In addition to his work as a rapper, Kurtis Blow was also a producer and songwriter, working with other artists in the hip-hop and R&B genres. He was a key figure in the development of the “new school” style of hip-hop, which featured more complex rhyming patterns and a greater focus on social and political issues.
Throughout the 1980s, Kurtis Blow continued to release successful albums and singles, and he also became a popular figure on television and in film. He appeared on the TV show “Soul Train” and in the movie “Krush Groove”, which chronicled the rise of the hip-hop industry.
Despite his success, Kurtis Blow faced numerous challenges throughout his career, including struggles with substance abuse and legal issues. However, he continued to be an influential figure in hip-hop culture, and his legacy is still felt today. He is remembered as a pioneer who helped to shape the sound and style of hip-hop in its early years, and as an important figure in the ongoing evolution of the genre.
