Afrika Bambaataa, the pioneering rapper, producer and DJ who created arguably the first fusion of rap and electronic music with 1982’s “Planet Rock” and others hits, has passed away at 67.
Born Lance Taylor, he died from complications of cancer in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, according to TMZ. Born April 17, 1957, in the Bronx River Houses in New York City, Bambaataa emerged from a turbulent era of gang activity and urban decline. He infamously transformed members of the Black Spades gang into a global cultural organization, the Universal Zulu Nation. Through music, knowledge and organization, he helped establish Hip-Hop as a lifestyle and even a philosophy. Bambaataa’s biggest musical breakthrough came with 1982’s “Planet Rock. The futuristic anthem that fused electronic music like Kraftwerk’s “Trans-Europe Express” (1977) and “Numbers” (1981) with Hip-Hop. The record’s use of drum machines and synthesizers helped shape everything from dance music to modern production.
The Hip-Hop Alliance, headed by veteran rapper Kurtis Blow, wrote on Instagram,
“Today, we acknowledge the transition of a foundational architect of Hip Hop culture, Afrika Bambaataa. As the founder of the Universal Zulu Nation, Afrika Bambaataa helped shape the early identity of Hip Hop as a global movement rooted in peace, unity, love, and having fun…At the same time, we recognize that his legacy is complex and has been the subject of serious conversations within our community. As an organization committed to truth, accountability, and the preservation of Hip Hop culture, we believe it is important to hold space for all voices while continuing to uplift what empowers and protects the people.”
Known as one of the three primary architects of Hip-Hop culture alongside DJ Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash, Bambaataa helped transform a movement born in the Bronx into a global cultural force that reshaped music, fashion, dance and identity. The song became one of the most influential records in Hip-Hop history and helped expand the culture beyond New York into Europe, Asia and beyond. Beyond his own music, Bambaataa was renown as a DJ as a cultural tastemaker. Dubbed as the “Master of Records,” he had deep knowledge of music across genres including funk, soul, rock and electronic sounds.
Through the Universal Zulu Nation, Bambaataa organized DJs, MCs, breakers and graffiti writers into a unified cultural force. His efforts helped frame Hip-Hop’s four elements and promote the idea that the culture could be a tool for social change. Notable members, past and current, included Grandmaster Flash, Kurtis Blow, DMC, 9th Wonder, Russell Simmons, KRS-One, the Cold Crush Brothers and a slew of others.