description Kurtis Blow Overview
Kurtis Blow was a pioneering figure in hip-hop music, credited with popularizing the use of sampling and establishing himself as the first commercially successful solo rapper with his 1980 hit “The Breaks.”
help Kurtis Blow FAQ
What is Kurtis Blow's real name?
Kurtis Blow was born Kurtis Walker. The Grammy profile notes that he began DJing when he was seven years old. [Grammy biography](https://www.grammy.com/news/living-legends-kurtis-blow-hip-hop-pioneer-breakdancing-ministry)
Why is The Breaks important in hip-hop history?
The Breaks became the first rap single to receive a gold certification in 1980. It later appeared on Blow's self-titled debut album, released by Mercury Records. [Kurtis Blow official site](https://www.kurtisblow.org/)
Was Kurtis Blow the first rapper signed to a major label?
Kurtis Blow was the first rapper to sign to a major label, Mercury Records, after his early records helped rap reach a wider commercial audience. His debut album and The Breaks helped establish the solo rapper as a viable mainstream act. [AllMusic biography](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/kurtis-blow-mn0000116388)
How did Kurtis Blow influence sampling?
Blow is widely credited with being an early rap artist to use drum machines, samples, and sample loops as part of the production. His official biography specifically lists those three tools among his hip-hop firsts. [Kurtis Blow official site](https://www.kurtisblow.org/)
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