Kurtis Blow's Top Five Underrated Hip-Hop Classics

"The Breaks," Kurtis Blow
May be the funkiest rap song ever made—the breaks in this song are classic b-boy/hip-hop.

"Give it Up or Turn it Loose," James Brown
The anthem for hip-hop, and many don't know this.

"It's Just Begun," Jimmy Castor and the Castor Bunch
My mentor in the business. He was called "the imam," because he played every instrument, like Prince.

"Rock Box," Run-D.M.C.
Classic rock 'n' roll and hip-hop fusion.

"The Mexican," Babe Ruth
My tribute to the Latinos of hip-hop. Thanks!!!

SEE IT: Kurtis Blow plays Mount Tabor Theater on Thursday, Jan. 13, and Friday, Jan. 14. 9 pm. $12 advance, $15 day of show. 21+. See Music Listings for openers and more information.

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