Kurtis Blow BEST OF/20TH CENTURY

Producers: J.B. Moore, Robert Ford, Jr., Kurtis Blow, Robert Reed.
Compilation producer: Harry Weinger.
Includes liner notes by Nelson George.
Liner Note Author: Nelson George.
Photographers: Anastasia Pantsios; Tom Terrell.
Arrangers: Denzil Miller; J.B. Moore; Larry Smith .
Some 20th Century Masters collections simply were not meant to be made. While there are some that most definitely deserve recognition and due diligence, there are others that are simply one-hit wonders padded with filler material. However, this is fortunately not one of those times, as Kurtis Blow's brilliant but short career is accurately surveyed in this compact volume. Kicking off with the classic anthem "The Breaks" and ending with "If I Ruled the World," every major hit Blow put out is on here; it is probably one of the most comprehensive collections of his work in print. It's an amazing release that pays proper tribute to the boy from Harlem who became one of hip-hop's first superstars. ~ Rob Theakston

• Format: CD