Kurtis Blow “The Breaks” (Mercury Records)

“Clap your hands everybody, if you got what it takes…”

Released in 1980, “The Breaks” by Kurtis Blow wasn’t just a song — it was hip hop history in the making. It became the first rap single to be certified gold, breaking barriers and setting the stage for hip hop’s mainstream future. Built on funky drum breaks, catchy crowd chants, and Kurtis Blow’s charismatic delivery, the track helped bring the energy of park jams into living rooms across America.

More than a party track, “The Breaks” was a celebration of rhythm, resilience, and raw style. It introduced the concept of the “break” to a wider audience — not just musically, but culturally — cementing its role in DJing, B-boying, and MCing.

Released on Mercury Records, this 12-inch single was a bold move by a major label at the time — one that paid off and helped bring hip hop from the underground into the spotlight. The Mercury label featured its sleek, futuristic branding — now preserved on this tee just as it appeared on the original vinyl press.

From breakbeats to breaking ground — this is the record that did both. Wear “The Breaks” and rep the start of something legendary.

• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
• Ash color is 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
• Athletic and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Heather Prism colors are 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Side-seamed

Size guide