Legendary rapper Kurtis Blow is returning to the holiday spotlight with The Hip Hop Nutcracker, a high-energy performance that blends classic Christmas themes with the pulse of hip-hop. The show will take the stage at the Mahalia Jackson Theater on November 29, marking another chapter in Blow’s decades-long legacy of festive hip-hop contributions.
Blow’s deep connection to holiday music dates back to 1979 when the then-rising star was asked to feature on a Christmas rap song. The result, “Christmas Rappin’,” became his debut single and set the stage for a groundbreaking career. Co-written with producers Robert Ford and J.B. Moore, the track was a holiday house party in hip-hop form, infusing Christmas cheer with the bold rhythm of rap.
While hip-hop was still carving out its place in the mainstream, “Christmas Rappin’” became an unexpected hit, selling 370,000 copies in its first year. The song’s success earned Blow a deal with Mercury Records, making him the first rapper to sign with a major label—a milestone that helped solidify his role in hip-hop history.
Now, with The Hip Hop Nutcracker, Blow continues to blend his love for the holidays with his pioneering influence on rap music, bringing a new, energetic twist to a beloved seasonal tradition.
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