Legendary rapper who was a pioneer in the hip hop genre and who released the first-ever gold-certified rap single, 'The Breaks', in 1980. He is also known for his songwriting and producing as he is responsible for hits by The Fat Boys and Run DMC.

Before Fame

When he was twenty he was signed by Mercury Records in 1979, becoming the first rapper signed to the label.

Trivia

He was the Guest MC for the world premiere of The Hip Hop Nutcracker at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in 2014. After he ended his rap career he founded The Hip Hop Church and became a licensed minister.

Family Life

He was married to Shirley Walker and has a brother named Joseph.

Associated With

He was a longtime collaborator with fellow hip-hop legend Grandmaster Flash.

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