A true legend, Kurtis Blow was just 20 when he became the first rap star signed by a major label. Mercury released “Christmas Rappin,” and it sold more than 400,000 copies and became an annual classic. Its gold follow‑up “The Breaks” helped ignite a still‑spreading international “Rap Attack.” He released 10 Albums over 11 years, including the self-titled “Kurtis Blow,” “Party Time,” “8 Million Stories,” “AJ,” and “Basketball.”