The Breaks

Recorded in 1979 at Greene Street Recording Studios in New York City for Kurtis Blow’s self-titled Mercury debut, with production by J.B. Moore and Robert Ford Jr. The track was cut with Larry Smith and Russell Simmons involved in the writing and production circle around the session. Released in 1980, it became one of hip-hop’s first major-label breakthroughs and the first rap single certified gold. It also gave Kurtis Blow one of his biggest crossover hits, reaching the Billboard Hot 100. The song remains a touchstone of early rap because of its iconic opening and drum break, both of which were heavily sampled later. It has been repeatedly referenced, covered, and used in films and video games.