What makes Kurtis Blow by Kurtis Blow notable?

The album is notable for its influence on the burgeoning hip-hop genre, featuring one of the first certified gold records in rap with 'The Breaks'. Additionally, it showcased the potential of rap music for commercial success, paving the way for future artists and albums in the genre. Kurtis Blow's debut album, released in January 1980, marked his entry into the hip-hop scene just as the genre was beginning to gain mainstream attention. This project followed his successful single 'Christmas Rappin’', which helped establish him as one of the first commercially successful rappers.

Who is Kurtis Blow for?

Kurtis Blow works well if you're into playful narrative storytelling, dynamic rhythmic exploration and long, immersive listening sessions.

How many songs are on Kurtis Blow?

Kurtis Blow has 9 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Kurtis Blow

Kurtis Blow · 1980

50 min · 9 tracks · hip-hop

A pioneering blend of catchy hooks and rhythmic storytelling that defined the early sound of hip-hop.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Breaks — 'The Breaks' stands out as a cornerstone track that highlights Blow's playful lyrics and infectious beat, becoming a defining anthem of early hip-hop.
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Rappin’ Blow, Part 2 — This track exemplifies Blow's charismatic delivery and storytelling abilities, serving as an engaging introduction to his style and lyrical themes.
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Hard Times — 'Hard Times' addresses socio-economic struggles with poignant lyrics, showcasing hip-hop's capacity for social commentary while maintaining an upbeat vibe.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

This debut album showcases early hip-hop's catchy hooks and storytelling, marking its distinct sound and influence.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate call-and-response elements, engaging the listener directly and inviting participation.
The production includes simple drum machine beats and bass lines that create a foundational groove, allowing the vocals to take center stage.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

playful narrative storytelling
dynamic rhythmic exploration
long, immersive listening sessions
nostalgic and reflective vibes

Where this album fits

Career context: Kurtis Blow's debut album, released in January 1980, marked his entry into the hip-hop scene just as the genre was beginning to gain mainstream attention. This project followed his successful single 'Christmas Rappin’', which helped establish him as one of the first commercially successful rappers.
Stylistic neighbors: Grandmaster Flash· Afrika Bambaataa· LL Cool J

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Rappin’ Blow, Part 2 4:42
2 The Breaks 7:43
3 Way Out West 7:43
4 Throughout Your Years 5:21
5 Hard Times 4:38
6 All I Want in This World (Is to Find That Girl) 5:00
7 Takin’ Care of Business 5:31
8 Christmas Rappin’ 3:57
9 The Breaks (instrumental) 5:51

What to play next

Listen next

Deuce

1981

Full Kurtis Blow discography Artists like Kurtis Blow

hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata