Kurtis Blow

Kurtis Blow, whose real name is Kurtis Walker, is an American rapper, songwriter, record/film producer, and minister who was born on August 9, 1959, in Harlem, New York City. He is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of hip hop music and was one of the first commercially successful rappers. Kurtis Blow first gained fame in 1979 with his debut single "Christmas Rappin'," which became an instant hit and paved the way for his later successes. He went on to release several other hit songs throughout the 1980s, including "The Breaks," "Hard Times," and "Starlife." In addition to his music career, Kurtis Blow has also worked as a record producer and film producer. He has produced music for artists such as Run DMC and The Fat Boys, and has also produced several films, including "Krush Groove" and "The Show." Later in his career, Kurtis Blow became a minister and began to focus more on his religious faith. He continues to perform and record music, and he is widely regarded as a pioneer and influential figure in the history of hip hop.