My Morning Jacket - Sooner
Who was the first rap artist to…
…become a millionaire?
…become a producer?
…obtain a certified gold record for rap?
…record a national commercial?
…sign to a major label?
…use the sample loop?
Curtis “Kurtis Blow” Walker is not only an accomplished recording artist he is also a rap pioneer turned hip-hop apostle. With more than 25 years of industry experience, Walker, known simply as Kurtis Blow, has 10 albums to his credit and a host of accomplishments that won him music, film, and television acclaim in the 80’s.
Over the years, Blow maintained his rap association while evolving into an advocate for social justice. Today, he speaks empathetically against racism, drugs, and alcohol. His community initiatives include supporting The National Ad Counsel and Phoenix House of California. In addition to having aided international campaigns such as the Sun City Artist Against Apartheid record, Blow supports U.S. troops. After 9/11, Blow went on a 17-show Armed Forces tour (www.armedforcesentertainment.com) to the Middle East. The tour included stops in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Jordan, Krgystan, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Though very active socially, Blow has not left his first love. When he is not working on Backspin 43, Sirius Satellite Radio’s Classic Old School Hip-Hop station, the former break dancer serves as rapper, DJ, and worship leader at the Hip-Hop Church he co-founded in Harlem, New York. Reportedly, Blow adds a tenth accomplishment to his list of firsts: a rapper who holds the office of a pastor. * Although it may seem like a conflict of interest to some, it is a natural fit for Blow. “I’ve always noticed there is spirituality in hip-hop,” he commented. Like many modern churches, Blow sees hip-hop as a means to bring “young people who love God but do not like to go to church…back to the church.”
In addition to a CD collaboration with hip-hop pioneer, Christopher “Play” Martin and holy hip-hop recording artist Canton Jones, Blow continues to be a trendsetter. Recently, he launched www.HipHopMinistry.com, a global portal that serves as an online music hub for holy hip-hop music. Last month, Blow took his Hip-Hop Church America on the road. A concert featuring DJ Battlecat, 2Five, Eastwood, Takim, and TraCee was held at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California (October 21, 2006). Founded by Dr. Robert Schuller, the Crystal Cathedral has been a mainstay for conservative Christians for half a century. “By bringing Hip-Hop Church America here, we’re showing that hip-hop can be both cool and fun, but also have a positive message,” Schuller’s son Robert commented.
* A trend popularized five years ago by then Bad Boy recording artist, MA$E (Mason Betha), Kurtis Blow is not hip-hop’s only apostle. Betha pastors S.A.N.E. Church International in Atlanta, Georgia. Former Three 6 Mafia member, Mr. Del is also a rapper who pastors City of Refuge in Memphis, Tennessee. While he does not formally pastor a church, Reverend Run of Run DMC fame is an ordained minister.
As hip-hop apostles grow in number and visibility, the influence of hip-hop in the church and vice-versa becomes more evident.
For more on Kurtis Blow Ministries, visit: http://www.hiphopchurch.org
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