Kurtis Walker (born August 9, 1959), professionally known by his stage name Kurtis Blow, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record/film producer, b-boy, DJ, public speaker and minister. He is the first commercially successful rapper and the first to sign with a major record label. Throughout his career he has released 17 albums and is currently an ordained minister. Kurtis became an ordained minister on August 16, 2009. As the founder of the Hip Hop Church in Harlem, Kurtis serves as rapper, DJ, worship leader and licensed minister.