Kurtis Blow - The Breaks (12") [Single]

"The Breaks" is a single from Kurtis Blow's 1980 debut album, and is the first certified gold rap song. Unlike most hip-hop songs which sample prerecorded funk, the funk beat in this song is an original one. It has, in turn, been sampled by many subsequent musicians.


Among the firsts credited to Kurtis Blow: first rapper to sign to a major label, first certified gold record for rap (“The Breaks”), first rapper to tour US & Europe (with The Commodores, 1980), first rapper to record a national commercial (Sprite), first rapper to use the drum machine, sample and sample loop, and the first rap music video (“Basketball”).

A. The Breaks
B. The Breaks (Instrumental)

Kurtis Blow - The Breaks (12") [Single]