The Breaks:Year zero for the rise of commercial Hip-Hop music
Kurtis Blow, the first gold selling commercial Hip Hop artist, released his critically acclaimed single The Breaks in 1980. At the fore front of the hip hop movement, The Breaks was the first commercially successful hit of the Genre. Written as a homage to Break dancers everywhere, the single still maintains its status in the world of Hip hop: It features on over 60 hip hop compilation albums, and has been recently credited by VH1 as being one of the top 10 Hip Hop singles of all time.
Kurtis Blow: In the vanguard of a cultural revolution
There are many things that are now automatically associated with Hip Hop. Of these alliances Kurtis Blow is often credited with the firsts. He was the first hip-hop artist to endorse a product (his 1986 Sprite advert is available to view on you tube.) The first to create a hip hop music video, the first to use drum machines and samplers, and the first to hit that millionaire status - had the iPhone been around in the 80's there's no doubt he'd have had the first App! The Present: Kurtis Blow in 2010
As well as preparing for the autumn tour, Kurtis Blow is currently collaborating with Leeroy Thornhill (x Prodigy) on original material. He is also the founder and an active minister in the Hip Hop Church in the states.
Kurtis Blow on the forthcoming tour:
''All in all, the tour is set up as an anniversary - we are celebrating and the theme is to say thanks to all who love hip hop. We want to celebrate in peace and love!!! Thank you for the support all these years and those who love Hip Hop, must come out and have a toast. We want to set a vibe of fun and love and harmony like we used to do in the 80's. ''
Performers:
Kurtis Blow
DJ Mark Anthony
Blow Jr
the son of Kurtis Blow. Blow Jr. is sure to draw the youth with his appealing swagger. Rappin since the age of nine, KBJ has recently landed hit songs on various mix tapes, including "I Do It" and "Never Lie" featuring recording artist Drake.
