Kurtis Blow
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Curtis “Kurtis Blow” Walker, (born on August 9, 1959, in Harlem, New York) is one of the pioneer rappers in the recording industry, and hip hop’s first mainstream star. “The Breaks” (1980) is one of hip hop’s undisputed classics, with its catchy disco tune and rapping style. Blow was influenced by DJ Hollywood.
He became an MC in his own right around 1977, and changed his name to Kurtis Blow (as in a body blow) at the suggestion of his manager, future rap mogul Russell Simmons. Blow began his career in New York City in the mid-1970s, when he was a breakdancer until switching to DJing under the name Kool DJ Kurt and then finally rapping. He was the first rapper to record a full length album on a major label (1979). This occurred after recording “Christmas Rappin”, his first single; during this time, “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang became the first hit for hip hop. The whole field was derided as a fad, though, and thus there was much resistance to signing Blow. In 1980 he opened for reggae legend Bob Marley at the Madison Square Garden where he performed for an audience of 20,000.
He has appeared in several feature films, including Krush Groove and The Show. A duet with rock icon Bob Dylan called “Street Rock”, appeared on Blow’s 1986 album, Kingdom Blow[1] by special arrangement of Wayne Garfield (Garfield and Blow co-wrote, “Reasons For Wanting You” on Kingdom Blow)[2] and Debra Byrd, American Idol’s head vocal coach and former Dylan backup singer (see album credits).
He became an MC in his own right around 1977, and changed his name to Kurtis Blow (as in a body blow) at the suggestion of his manager, future rap mogul Russell Simmons. Blow began his career in New York City in the mid-1970s, when he was a breakdancer until switching to DJing under the name Kool DJ Kurt and then finally rapping. He was the first rapper to record a full length album on a major label (1979). This occurred after recording “Christmas Rappin”, his first single; during this time, “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang became the first hit for hip hop. The whole field was derided as a fad, though, and thus there was much resistance to signing Blow. In 1980 he opened for reggae legend Bob Marley at the Madison Square Garden where he performed for an audience of 20,000.
He has appeared in several feature films, including Krush Groove and The Show. A duet with rock icon Bob Dylan called “Street Rock”, appeared on Blow’s 1986 album, Kingdom Blow[1] by special arrangement of Wayne Garfield (Garfield and Blow co-wrote, “Reasons For Wanting You” on Kingdom Blow)[2] and Debra Byrd, American Idol’s head vocal coach and former Dylan backup singer (see album credits).
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The Best Of Kurtis Blow
Kurtis Blow
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Kurtis Blow
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Best Of / 20th Century
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The Breaks (Re-Recorded / Remastered)
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Shoutbox
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ManDirky I saw him live yesterday in a little club in Germany. Great performer!
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surfinsapo Break it up Break down! You Da Man!!
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Swerveaction Met him 2 years ago. Awesome performer and a good laugh. Peace brother.
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PauloYendo NBA2k12!!!!!
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ClecioWilliam NBA 2K12. :D
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JJMCSPooh It's party time! Oh it's party time :D
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IronPenguin Christmas Rappin' is surely one of the greatest Christmas songs
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Jamesismynamo "Yo' cat!" "Yo' dog!" "I'm just jokin'!" "AHHHHHHH!"
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News
KB Tour
31 Jan 2008 | from blog.myspace.com/kurtisblow3
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We are now taking dates for the states!!!! May and JuneSugar
Hill GangKurtis BlowMele MelGrand Wizard TheodoreWhodiniBig Daddy
KaneHiphopanniversary.comMay 9 Atlanta 29 Detroit 10 Pensacola 30
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- KB Tour 31 Jan 2008 | from blog.myspace.com/kurtisblow3
- KB Tour 31 Jan 2008 | from blog.myspace.com/kurtisblow3
- KB Tour 20 Dec 2007 | from blog.myspace.com/kurtisblow3
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