(May 2, 2019) Legendary rapper Kurtis Blow has undergone a major heart procedure at a Los Angeles hospital. Blow posted on social media:
“To all my friends and family. I am in the hospital at UCLA Medical. I am preparing for an oaor5tic artery repair procedure. The procedure will stabilize the artery from further damage caused by the hematoma I contracted from my recent travels to China. Dr. Kwon is an incredible surgeon with hundreds of these procedures under his belt. I trust that God will use him as a toll of success tomorrow. Please keep me in prayer. I will see you all soon!!!! Encouraged!!! KB’
We were very happy to hear from our good friend, Bowlegged Lou of Full Force that the surgery went well, and that Kurtis is recovering.
The 59 year old Kurtis Blow, born as Kurtis Walker, is undoubtedly one of the great pioneers of hip hop music, and is arguably rap’s first superstar artist. His 1980 single, “The Breaks,” was the first certified gold rap record, and the New York-born rapper is still revered today, nearly 40 years after he first broke out.
In addition to his solo work, Blow worked other musical giants of the 80s, including Run DMC, Full Force and Rene & Angela.
He is also an ordained minister and founder of The Hip Hop Church in Harlem.
We at SoulTracks will be praying for a speedy recovery for Kurtis! More as we hear it.