When we talk about pioneers in hip hop, very few can claim that title. Of that elite group, even fewer can say they have helped propel the culture as much as Kurtis Blow. You could argue that he is the person that made hip hop commercially viable. Among numerous accolades, he is most known for being the first hip hop artist to sign with a major record label. In addition, Kurtis also became the first hip hop artist with a certified gold record for rap with his classic song "The Breaks". Other songs that helped make Kurtis Blow the legend he has become include "Christmas Rappin'" and "Basketball". He has also worked with, produced for, and/or been instrumental in the careers of other prominent figures in hip hop such as Run-DMC, Russell Simmons, The Fat Boys, Wyclef Jean, and many others.