Released in 1980, “The Breaks” by Kurtis Blow holds an important place in hip-hop history as one of the first commercially successful rap songs. The single catapulted Kurtis Blow into stardom, marking him as one of the genre’s first crossover artists. Its success, reaching number 87 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming the first certified gold record for a rap song, was a sign that hip-hop was beginning to establish itself in the mainstream music industry.
At a time when hip-hop was still largely a street-based, underground phenomenon, “The Breaks” helped elevate the genre to national prominence, opening doors for other artists to follow. With its infectious rhythm, catchy chorus, and playful lyrics, the song showcased Kurtis Blow’s charisma and made hip-hop accessible to a wider audience. As one of the genre’s first big hits, “The Breaks” set the tone for how hip-hop would evolve, pushing the boundaries of what rap music could achieve commercially while retaining its roots in the culture of the streets.
This article explores the significance of “The Breaks,” its cultural impact, the innovations it brought to hip-hop, and Kurtis Blow’s role as one of the genre’s trailblazers. We’ll also examine the historical context in which the song was released, analyzing how it reflects the era’s social and cultural dynamics.
The Birth of Kurtis Blow
Before diving into the song itself, it’s essential to understand the artist behind it. Kurtis Blow, born Kurtis Walker in Harlem, New York, in 1959, was a pioneer in the rap game. Coming up in the late 1970s, he was part of the first wave of rappers who brought hip-hop from the block parties and parks of the Bronx and Harlem to the recording studio. Blow was heavily influenced by the DJs who spun records at these parties, including DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, and Grandmaster Flash, all of whom helped shape the sound and culture of early hip-hop.
Kurtis Blow’s career got off the ground when he was signed to Mercury Records in 1979. This was significant because he became the first rapper to sign a major record deal, a milestone that showed the music industry was beginning to take hip-hop seriously. His first single, “Christmas Rappin’,” was a moderate hit and demonstrated Blow’s potential as an artist who could take hip-hop beyond its underground origins. But it was “The Breaks,” his second single, that made him a star.
“The Breaks” – A Breakdown of the Song
Released in 1980, “The Breaks” was featured on Kurtis Blow’s self-titled debut album, which also became a landmark in hip-hop history as one of the first successful rap albums. The song’s title, “The Breaks,” plays on the word’s dual meaning. On one hand, “breaks” refers to the breakbeats that DJs would loop during early hip-hop parties, where dancers would show off their moves during the instrumental sections of songs. On the other hand, the word “breaks” also refers to moments of bad luck or unfortunate circumstances, as in the phrase, “those are the breaks.”
This clever wordplay is central to the song’s structure. “The Breaks” is built around a series of anecdotes about life’s ups and downs, particularly focusing on the misfortunes that people experience. Each verse highlights a different “break,” from financial woes to romantic troubles, with Blow reassuring listeners that “those are the breaks” and encouraging them to keep their heads up.
The song opens with a funky guitar riff, quickly followed by Blow’s commanding voice:
“Clap your hands everybody,
If you got what it takes,
‘Cause I’m Kurtis Blow and I want you to know
That these are the breaks!”
The catchy, call-and-response hook, where Blow instructs listeners to “Clap your hands everybody,” engages the audience and makes the song instantly relatable. The hook, combined with the driving rhythm and funky bassline, ensures that “The Breaks” is as much a dance record as it is a rap song. The beat, which was created by musician and producer J.B. Moore, was crucial to the song’s crossover appeal, giving it the kind of infectious energy that could pack dance floors across the country.
Lyrical Themes: Life’s Breaks and Misfortunes
The strength of “The Breaks” lies not just in its groove but also in its universal themes. The song’s lyrics focus on everyday struggles that people can relate to, using humor and wordplay to make light of tough situations. The verses are filled with examples of life’s “breaks,” from being fired from a job to getting a parking ticket to suffering a broken heart.
For example, Blow raps about a man who loses his money and his girl:
“If your woman steps out with another man,
(That’s the breaks, that’s the breaks!)
And she runs off to them to Japan,
(That’s the breaks, that’s the breaks!)”
By using a lighthearted tone to address these problems, Blow offers listeners a way to laugh at their misfortunes and keep moving forward. The repetition of the phrase “That’s the breaks” serves as both a punchline and a form of consolation, turning life’s hardships into a shared experience.
The chorus, which encourages listeners to “break it up, break it up, break it up,” is another example of how the song balances fun with real-life issues. It suggests that, despite the tough times, you can still “break it up” and enjoy yourself. The song’s overall message is one of resilience, reminding listeners that everyone goes through tough times but life goes on.
Production and Musical Innovation
One of the most notable aspects of “The Breaks” is its production, which was groundbreaking for its time. Produced by J.B. Moore and Robert Ford Jr., the song’s funky groove and driving beat were essential to its appeal. The production combined elements of funk, soul, and disco, genres that were still popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with the emerging sound of hip-hop.
The heavy use of live instrumentation, particularly the funky bassline and sharp, snappy drums, gave “The Breaks” a distinct sound that set it apart from other rap songs of the era, many of which relied more heavily on sampled breakbeats. The instrumental breakdowns in the song, where the music shifts into a funk groove, were ideal for dancers, particularly B-boys and B-girls, who would take center stage during these moments at hip-hop parties.
The production also showcased the importance of rhythm and flow in rap music. Blow’s delivery was smooth yet commanding, and he had a natural charisma that made his raps sound effortless. His ability to ride the beat and maintain a steady flow throughout the song helped set a standard for future MCs, showing that rap could be more than just a novelty— it could be a legitimate form of musical expression.
The Breakthrough: “The Breaks” in Popular Culture
When “The Breaks” was released in 1980, it became an instant hit. The song’s commercial success was groundbreaking for the hip-hop genre, which at the time was still largely seen as a passing fad by many in the music industry. Reaching number 87 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 4 on the R&B chart, “The Breaks” proved that rap could be commercially viable. More significantly, it became the first rap single to be certified gold, solidifying Kurtis Blow’s place in music history.
The success of “The Breaks” also helped pave the way for other hip-hop artists to achieve mainstream success. In the early 1980s, the genre was still in its infancy, and most radio stations were hesitant to play rap music. However, “The Breaks” showed that there was a demand for hip-hop, and its success helped change the perception of the genre.
Blow’s ability to appeal to a broader audience while staying true to his roots as a rapper from Harlem was crucial to the song’s success. He didn’t compromise the essence of hip-hop, but he made it accessible and fun, which helped win over listeners who may not have been familiar with the genre. This crossover appeal would become a template for future rap artists who sought mainstream recognition.
Cultural Impact of “The Breaks”
Beyond its commercial success, “The Breaks” had a significant cultural impact. The song became an anthem of sorts for people who felt marginalized or who were going through tough times. Its message of perseverance in the face of adversity resonated with listeners from all walks of life. The song’s playful tone and infectious energy made it a staple at parties and clubs, where it brought people together to celebrate despite life’s difficulties.
At the same time, “The Breaks” became a symbol of hip-hop’s rising influence in popular culture. The early 1980s were a time when hip-hop was beginning to spread beyond New York City, and songs like “The Breaks” played a crucial role in introducing the genre to a wider audience. Hip-hop was no longer just a local phenomenon—it was becoming a global movement.
The song’s success also helped establish Kurtis Blow as one of hip-hop’s first major stars. He became the face of the genre, appearing in magazines, on television, and even touring with big-name acts like The Commodores. Blow’s ability to navigate the mainstream media and maintain his credibility as a rapper set the stage for future hip-hop artists to achieve crossover success.
