What is Kurtis Blow's Net Worth?
Kurtis Blow, a pioneering American rapper and record producer, boasts a net worth of $5 million. Recognized as the first rapper to sign a major record label contract, Blow paved the way for future generations, illustrating that a rap career was viable. Notably, he was also the first rapper to become a millionaire, create a rap music video, and be featured in a soap opera.
Blow's breakthrough came with his debut album "The Breaks" via Mercury Records in 1980. The title track of the album was the first rap song to receive gold certification. Throughout his career, he released 15 albums. Beyond rapping, Blow succeeded as a b-boy, DJ, songwriter, public speaker, and minister. Currently, he focuses on his role as an ordained minister.
Universal Hip Hop Museum
Kurtis Blow co-founded the Universal Hip Hop Museum, which is set to open in 2023, thanks to a $3.5-million grant from New York State. Blow has shared that the museum will feature cutting-edge technology like avatars, holograms, and virtual reality.
Early Life
Born Kurtis Walker on August 9, 1959, in New York City, Blow grew up in Harlem. He attended CCNY and Nyack College after high school, studying communications, film, and ministry.
Career
Adopting the stage name Kurtis Blow, Walker began his rapping career in 1979 at the age of 20. Mercury Records quickly signed him and released his single "Christmas Rappin", which sold over 400,000 units. His album "The Breaks" later earned gold certification.
Over the next 11 years, Kurtis released ten more albums, including "Kurtis Blow", "Deuce", and "Party Time". In 1985, he gained further attention with his music video for "America" and the hit track "If I Ruled the World", later covered by Nas in 1996.
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By 1983, Blow shifted towards production, working with artists like Run DMC and The Fat Boys. He later produced music for Russell Simmons, Wyclef Jean, and Full Force. Blow also explored acting, appearing in films like "Krush Groove" and producing documentaries such as "Slippin, Ten Years with the Bloods". He produces for the Netflix show "The Get Down".
In recent years, Kurtis has devoted himself to Christianity, becoming a born-again Christian in 1994. He founded the Hip Hop Church in Harlem and now serves as a worship leader and licensed minister.
Health Issues
In 2020, Blow successfully recovered from heart transplant surgery in Los Angeles, following a cardiac arrest in 2016 saved by quick-thinking police officers. In 2019, he underwent aortic artery repair surgery but faced complications requiring urgent additional surgery.
