Kurtis Blow’s 1980 single “The Breaks” became the first rap single certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Released on Mercury Records, the song is built around repeated uses of the word “breaks,” celebrating different kinds of good fortune while showcasing Blow’s rhythmic delivery. Its accessible chorus and disco-influenced backing helped it reach listeners beyond New York’s emerging hip-hop scene.
The record followed Blow’s “Christmas Rappin’,” his 1979 debut single. “The Breaks” was the bigger breakthrough and became a landmark in rap’s transition from local party music into a commercially recognized genre.
Gold certification refers to sales, not a Grammy or chart position. The RIAA’s certification system has changed over time, but the historical claim identifies “The Breaks” as the first rap single to receive that recognition.