Early life
A Harlem native, Kurtis Walker became the first commercially successful rapper and the first signed to a major label.
Career
His 1980 single "The Breaks" became the first certified gold rap record, and he later produced and mentored younger artists.
Major achievements
He achieved hip-hop's first gold single and helped prove rap's commercial viability.
Legacy
Kurtis Blow opened the commercial door for hip-hop as the genre's first mainstream star.
References
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