While he wasn't the first to put out a rap record, Kurtis Blow was undoubtedly the first rap superstar. With the backing of a major record label, Blow became an international sensation and helped this new musical genre break out into the mainstream.

Robert Ford's article for the July 1, 1978 issue of Billboard Magazine, the first time hip-hop is discussed in print, but before it was given a name

Robert Ford's Billboard Magazine article from May 5, 1979, discussing early, influential artists like Eddie Cheeba, DJ Hollywood, Love Bug Starski, and Kurtis Blow

Kurtis Blow's live performance on Soul Train

Kurtis Blow's performance on Top of the Pop

The video for Basketball (1984)

Kurtis Blow raps about his love for Sprite

The music video for King Holiday