Year after year, The Source Awards, the only awards to exclusively cover Hip-Hop, single out the most powerful, dominant and innovative talents who have impacted the music, culture and lifestyle of contemporary Hip-Hop.

The Pioneer Award pays tribute to those outstanding individuals who have, over time, positively and creatively influenced this provocative and unstoppable musical revolution.

This Pioneer Award will be presented at The Source Awards on October 13th at the Miami Arena and will be broadcast in primetime during sweeps on Tuesday, November 11th on BET.

“As a man who has actively shaped the past, present and future of Hip-Hop, Kurtis Blow is a legendary and vital part of Hip-Hop history, “ said David Mays, co-founder and CEO of The Source and The Source Awards. “The Source is proud to have the opportunity to honor his indelible contributions to our music and our culture.”

Kurtis Blow, a trailblazing voice in Hip-Hop, has been there from the beginning. In 1979, at the age of twenty, Blow became the first Rapper to be signed by and release a single with a major record label. “Christmas Rappin,’” sold more than 400,000 copies and, along with the follow-up gold record “The Breaks,” became an instant classic. Blow went on to release ten albums over eleven years. In addition to his own performances, Blow has produced and worked with The Fat Boys, Run DMC, Full Force, Russell Simmons and Wyclef Jean—to name just a few. Of the honor Blow says, “after more than thirty years of Hip-Hop in my life, it’s an honor to accept The Source Pioneer Award. Rap will live forever!

Along with his enduring musical influence, Blow has translated his love for Hip-Hop and urban culture into various creative projects along a broad spectrum. He has acted and coordinated music in such movies as “Cry of the City” and “Krush Groove,” to much acclaim. As a strong cultural and social critic, Blow has contributed to various documentaries focusing on inner-city justice and the state of Hip-Hop, including “Das Leben Amerikanischer Gangs,” which he hosted and co-produced and the Miramax film “Rhyme and Reason.” He also speaks out compellingly against racism, alcohol and drug addiction. He has participated in campaigns to educate young people and the world at large on urban initiatives and alcohol and drug prevention. As a member of the music industry and the urban community, Kurtis Blow is a singular individual who has paved the way for today’s Hip-Hop artists to make a difference, both creatively and culturally.

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