| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| Salary | N/A |
| Birthdate | August 9, 1959 |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | N/A |
| Profession | Rapper, record producer, b-boy, DJ, songwriter, public speaker, minister |
| Nationality | American |
What is Kurtis Blow’s Net Worth?
Kurtis Blow, an American rapper and record producer, has an estimated net worth of $5 million. As one of the pioneers of hip hop, Blow is known for his contributions to the genre and his entrepreneurial ventures. His successful career and various endeavors have contributed to his impressive net worth.
Highlights
Throughout his career, Kurtis Blow has achieved several notable highlights and achievements. Here are some of the notable moments in his career:
- Kurtis Blow was the first rapper to sign a major contract with a record label, paving the way for future rappers.
- He was the first rapper to become a millionaire.
- Blow holds the honor of creating the first rap music video and being the first rapper featured in a soap opera.
- His debut album, “The Breaks,” featured the first rap song to earn gold certification.
- Kurtis Blow is one of the co-founders of the Universal Hip Hop Museum, which is set to open its doors in 2023.
Early Life
Kurtis Blow, born as Kurtis Walker on August 9, 1959, in New York City, grew up in Harlem. After graduating from high school, he attended CCNY and Nyack College, studying communications, film, and ministry.
Career
Adopting the stage name Kurtis Blow, Walker began his rapping career in 1979 at the age of 20. He was signed by Mercury Records, which released Blow’s first major single, “Christmas Rappin.” The single quickly sold over 400,000 units, becoming a commercial success and a Christmas staple. This was one of the first commercially successful hip hop singles. He then released his debut album, “The Breaks,” which featured the title track that sold over half a million copies, earning gold certification.
Over the next decade, Kurtis Blow released several albums, including “Kurtis Blow” and “Deuce,” which showcased his versatility with a more pop-inspired sound. His album “Party Time” combined rap and go-go music. He also ventured into production, working with artists like Run DMC, The Fat Boys, Russell Simmons, Wyclef Jean, and Full Force. Blow also explored acting opportunities, appearing in movies like “Krush Groove” and producing films and documentaries.
Personal Life
Kurtis Blow experienced some health issues in recent years. In 2016, he survived a cardiac arrest thanks to the efforts of four police officers. In 2019, he had surgery to repair an aortic artery but faced complications during the recovery, necessitating a second urgent surgery. In 2020, he successfully recovered from a heart transplant surgery in Los Angeles.
In addition to his music career, Kurtis Blow is heavily involved in the Christian faith. He became a born-again Christian in 1994 and went on to found the Hip Hop Church in Harlem. He now serves as a worship leader and licensed minister.
Net Worth Over Time
Kurtis Blow’s net worth has evolved throughout his career, influenced by various factors such as album sales, royalties, business ventures, and personal investments. While he made significant earnings from his music career, his net worth also comes from his roles as a producer, public speaker, minister, and co-founder of the Universal Hip Hop Museum.
Components of Net Worth
Kurtis Blow’s net worth comprises various components, including:
- Earnings from music sales, including albums and singles.
- Royalties from his extensive catalogue.
- Income from producing music for other artists.
- Earnings from acting in movies and producing films and documentaries.
- Income from his role as a public speaker.
- Revenue generated through his entrepreneurial ventures, such as co-founding the Universal Hip Hop Museum.
- Income from his role as a minister and worship leader.
Overall, Kurtis Blow’s net worth reflects his success as a music pioneer, his talent as a producer, and his diverse career ventures.