Kurtis Blow is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He released the albums Kurtis Blow, Back By Popular Demand, and Kingdom Blow. He is known for popular songs including Joy and Pain with Frankie Beverly, Express Yourself, and The Breaks. Blow was the first rapper to attain chart success as a solo MC, inspiring LL Cool J and Run DMC. He has appeared in the documentary Rhyme & Reason, the film Krush Groove, and the series Youngers.