Sylvia Robinson, also known as the “Mother of Hip-Hop”, was a prominent American singer, songwriter, record producer, and businesswoman. She was a key figure in the then-burgeoning rap genre, paving the way for many artists who followed in her footsteps. Among these artists was Kurtis Blow, who became one of the first commercially successful rappers in the music industry. And behind Kurtis Blow’s success was the talented and influential producer, Larry “Luv” Moore.
Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1953, Larry Moore was a multi-talented musician, producer, and songwriter. He started his musical journey at a young age, playing the guitar and piano. But it was his interest in hip-hop that led him to become a leading figure in the industry. Moore’s musical style was a fusion of funk, R&B, and disco, which became the signature sound of early rap music.
Moore’s partnership with Sylvia Robinson began in the late 1970s when he joined her record label, Sugar Hill Records. Robinson recognized Moore’s talent and gave him the opportunity to work on the label’s first rap single, “Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugarhill Gang. The song became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and selling over 8 million copies worldwide. This success solidified Moore’s position as a top producer in the rap genre.
But it was with Kurtis Blow that Moore truly made his mark. In 1979, Kurtis Blow released his debut single, “Christmas Rappin'”, which became one of the first rap songs to be played on mainstream radio. The song was co-written and produced by Moore, and it was a huge success, selling over 500,000 copies. This was followed by another hit single, “The Breaks”, which was also co-written and produced by Moore. The song became the first certified gold rap single and remains a classic in the genre.
Moore’s contribution to Kurtis Blow’s success did not stop there. He also produced his debut album, “Kurtis Blow”, which was released in 1980. The album featured the hit singles “Christmas Rappin'” and “The Breaks” and became the first certified gold rap album. Moore’s production on the album was praised for its unique sound and solidified his reputation as one of the leading producers in the rap industry.
Moore’s work with Kurtis Blow not only brought success to both of them but also opened doors for other artists in the rap genre. He continued to work with Kurtis Blow on his subsequent albums, “Deuce” and “Tough” and produced hit singles like “If I Ruled the World” and “Basketball”. Moore’s production skills were also sought after by other artists, and he went on to work with renowned artists like Run-D.M.C, The Fat Boys, and Grandmaster Flash.
Apart from his work with Kurtis Blow, Moore also produced hits for other artists on Sugar Hill Records. He co-wrote and produced “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, which is considered one of the greatest rap songs of all time. He also worked with The Sequence, Funky Four Plus One, and Crash Crew, among others, solidifying Sugar Hill Records as a leading label in the early days of rap music.
Larry Moore’s influence on the rap genre cannot be overstated. He pioneered the fusion of different music genres in rap music, which is still evident in today’s rap songs. His production style also set the standard for other producers in the industry, and he was known for his attention to detail and creative approach to music.
In 1985, Moore left Sugar Hill Records to start his own label, Luv Records. He continued to produce music and worked with emerging artists, but his contribution to the rap genre will always be remembered. Sadly, Moore passed away in 1992, but his legacy continues to live on through his music and the artists he influenced.
In conclusion, Larry “Luv” Moore was a key figure in the then-burgeoning rap genre, and his contribution to the success of Kurtis Blow and other artists cannot be overlooked. His talent, creativity, and passion for music played a significant role in shaping the rap genre into what it is today. He will always be remembered as one of the pioneers of rap music, and
