Kurtis Blow

Rap | 2014

Kurtis Walker—professionally known as Kurtis Blow—began his career spinning records in the 1970s as Kool DJ Kurt. He is the first commercially successful rapper and the first to sign with a major record label, Mercury. “The Breaks,” a single from his 1980 self-titled debut album, is the first certified gold record rap song. Throughout his career, he has released 15 albums. Besides his own work, Blow has been responsible for hits by The Fat Boys and Run DMC (Run began his career billed as “The Son of Kurtis Blow.”) Lovebug Starski, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Full Force, Russell Simmons, and Wyclef Jean all have been produced by, or collaborated with, Blow.

Kurtis Blow Playlist - The Long Island Music Hall of Fame