H.R.1045

The Illinois House of Representatives commends Kurtis Blow for his contributions to music, culture, and community service.

The Illinois House of Representatives commends Kurtis Blow for his contributions to music, culture, faith, and community service. Kurtis Blow helped shape hip hop's rise from the streets of New York into a global cultural movement, breaking barriers and paving the way for generations of artists. He became the first rapper signed to a major record label, Mercury Records, in 1979, and his landmark recording, "The Breaks", became the first rap single certified gold.