Burning The Ground Exclusive 1980
“The Breaks” is a 1980 single by American rapper Kurtis Blow from his self-titled debut album. It peaked at #87 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was the first certified gold rap song, and the second certified gold 12-inch single. In 2008, the song ranked #10 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs.
“The Breaks” repeats the word “break” (or any of its homophones) 84 times over six and a half minutes. It features six breakdowns (seven including the outro) while there are three definitions for “break,” “to break” or “brakes” used in the lyrics. Unlike most hip-hop songs which sample prerecorded funk, the funk beat in this song is original (contrary to suggestions that it sampled “Long Train Runnin'” by The Doobie Brothers).
The single hit #87 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, #4 on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart, and #9 on the U.S. Billboard dance chart.
It sold over 500,000 copies, becoming the first rap song to earn a gold certification from the RIAA and the second 12-inch single to earn a gold certification, following “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)” by Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer.
SIDE A:
The Breaks (Vocal) 7:46
SIDE B:
The Breaks (Instrumental/Do It yourself) 5:52
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | The Breaks | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #87 |
| 1980 | The Breaks | U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles | #4 |
| 1980 | The Breaks | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance /disco Club Songs | #9 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Mercury – MDS-4010, Mercury – 6167.941
Format:
Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, 19 – Bestway Pressing
Country: US
Released: 1980
Genre: Hip Hop
Style: Funk / Soul
CREDITS:
Lacquer Cut By –HW*
Producer – J.B. Moore, Robert Ford Jr.
Written-By – J. Moore, K. Walker, L. Smith, R. Ford, R. Simmons*
NOTES:
Printed in U.S.A.
Find the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC)
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon 2M Black
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro-Ject Acryl-It platter
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 3.0 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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He looks like a 70’s Chris Rock. 🙂
Thank you very much Paul.
Thank you very much for this sensational contribution and for the unbeatable sound quality. Great job!!!!
Awesome track – thank you! Random trivia and history for y’all: The funky bass on this track is played by none other than Tommy ‘T-Bone’ Wolk. A year later he auditioned for Daryl Hall & John Oates. I remember Daryl saying he was sold on T-Bone once it was revealed it was him playing on ‘The Breaks’. T-Bone went on to become their bandleader and studio producer, roles he maintained until his demise in 2010. He played a few similar bass lines in H&O songs, such as Method Of Modern Love. When H&O de-formed for a few years in 1985,… Read more »
OMG !! Another excellent post in a row – each one of these early-hip-hop posts are really taking me back and I’m reveling in it… thank you!!
excellent, thanks Paul
you’re welcome soundstory 🙂
Good morning, Paul. Kurtis Blow is another shot into the time warp! So many Rap pioneers had their hands in the production of this record. I was listening to Public Enemy and Grandmaster last night for several hours. I can’t wait to hear The Breaks today! Btw, today’s Kurtis Blow sharing has reminded me of another release, from 1985 called “Rappin’ Duke,” a parody spoof on the contemporary rap scene. The Rappin’ Duke record got major airplay on the West Coast. Kurtis Blow, Run DMC and several other major Rap acts of the day were name dropped. https://www.discogs.com/master/199182-Rappin-Duke-Rappin-Duke You wouldn’t… Read more »
Good choice Muff Diver that is a fun song. I don’t have it though but will add it to my wantlist.
I am just catching up with your latest posts this week. Thanks Paul for these Hip Hop delights.
I love the diversity of 80s music on this site. 😎
Thank you, Mark 🙂
Dear Paul, very good theme, tremendous contribution, I will enjoy it at full volume, greetings that you are very well together with the community of those of us who enjoy the 12″ versions.
Thank you, transito 🙂
WOW!!! Paul, I almost forgot about this record, and what a slice of rap heaven this is. Kurtis Blow was amazing. Great rapping with hooks galore. Most handsome too!! Love the beats and drum breaks. So original and so much fun to rap along with. Tons of praise over this one Paul. Love it so!!!
Jeff
I love the jungle drums in this one so infectious it is the gold standard for what a rap track should be 🙂
Amen to that!!!
Jeff