Kurtis Blow Hosts 'No Profanity Concert'

By Tai Saint Louis

Several Hip-Hop pioneers are coming together with officials in the birthplace of Hip-Hop to celebrate “No Profanity Day” on Friday, May 23, following a unanimous resolution passed by the New York State Assembly last week.

On that date, a number of Hip-Hop greats, lead by Minister Kurtis “Blow” Walker, will gather in the Bronx for a groundbreaking concert, the No Profanity Hip-Hop Anniversary Tour, at Utopia’s Paradise Theater.

Sponsored by VisitFlorida.com and promising three hours of Hip-Hop with no profanity, the concert will feature performances by some of the most recognized names in the culture’s early history, including Afrika Bambaataa & the Soul Sonic Force, Grand Wizard Theodore, Grandmaster Mele Mel, Lovebug Starski, and of course, Kurtis Blow himself.

Also scheduled to take the stage are Spoonie Gee, Rob Base, Dana Dane, DJ Hollywood, Positive K, the Force MDs, The Air Force Crew, and new comers Rew York and Kurtis Blow, Jr.

“I’ve always been a stickler for being more conscious of the lyrics in Hip-Hop,” Kurtis Blow told AllHipHop.com. "Not only do I think it’s important to support no profanity in Hip-Hop and rap music, but also it’s more important to support no profanity in everyday life because in our society, most violence starts with the way we talk to each other."

Kurtis Blow, who has recorded over 150 songs without any profanity, is also the co-founder of Harlem’s Hip-Hop Church.

Tomorrow (May 22), Kurtis Blow will receive an official copy of the resolution on the steps of the Bronx Supreme Court House at Bronx Borough Hall.

The presentation will be made by New York Assemblyman Ruben Diaz, Jr., who submitted the resolution on behalf of the legendary rapper and producer.

The festivities will resume on Friday morning with a prayer service at the Greater Hood Memorial AME Zion Church in Harlem, and will conclude with the all-star concert at 8:00pm at Utopia’s Paradise Theater in the Bronx.