Why you should go see Kurtis Blow at The Crazy Donkey

Anyone over the age of 31 already knows why they should go see old-school rapper Kurtis Blow perform at The Crazy Donkey in Farmingdale this Thursday, May 6.

But for those of you raised in the era of Lil' Whosie-Whats and Young What's His Face, there are lessons to be learned.

Kurtis Blow was an early innovator in rap music, rising to prominence in the 1980s with hits such as "Basketball," "The Breaks," "Christmas Rappin'" and "If I Ruled the World."

That's right, folks. Before Nas ruled the world, it was Kurtis Blow.

Before Jay-Z was paying Dwyane Wade and LL Cool J was hangin' em high, Kurtis Blow was rapping about basketball. "Dantley and Wilkins are on the scene, and Ralph Sampson is really mean / Bill Russell didn't take no junk, and Darryl Dawkins got a monster dunk."

While the Sugarhill Gang was taking a dip in the pool after school with their top 40 hit "Rapper's Delight" in 1979, it was Kurtis Blow who became the first rapper signed to a major record label (Mercury).

There's plenty more to learn about the Harlem-born Kurtis Blow. But for now, just go the Donkey on Thursday night and enjoy.

Watch the "Basketball" video below, and read more about Kurtis Blow at kurtisblow.net.

Handout Photo