One of Kurtis' contributions to Hip Hop is the popularity of the generic rap call-out, "Everybody in the house say 'Ho!'" Kurtis Blow is (arguably) considered rap's first crossover star (though some remember Run-DMC as the first). He began doing both social protest/Afrocentric material and boasting and posturing material, though not to the degree that has become the "norm" in the '90's.

His landmark recording, "The Breaks," was an eye-opener for its time in terms of pace, verbal dexterity, and its rhythm track. Blow was also a big-time producer at one point, using the likes of Bob Dylan and George Clinton in guest stints and incorporating just about everything (TV bites, Donald Duck, party sounds, Emulator gimmickry, etc.) into his music.

His most popular songs include: "The Bronx," "Basketball," "8 Million Stories" and "If I Ruled the World."

At the height of his career, he went on tour with several other artists from Russell Simmons' Def Jam Records. The tour included: Whodini, Run DMC, The Fat Boys and Newcleus. The acts went on a thirty city venue called "The New York City Fresh Fest" tour in 1985.

As a hip-hop pioneer, statesman and historian, his input to both the music and the culture is substantial.

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