Afrika Bambaataa, whose real name was Lance Taylor, died of prostate cancer, according to his lawyer. Sources told TMZ that he died around 3 a.m. local time. TMZ was first to report the death, citing sources, and friend and music colleague Mick Benzo confirmed the reports late Thursday evening.
Afrika Bambaataa was one of the founding fathers of hip-hop culture. He was a founder of Universal Zulu Nation in the 1970s, and Universal Zulu Nation played a crucial role for the emerging hip-hop culture in New York at the time. Rapper Fat Joe noted, 'When you talk about Afrika Bambaataa, Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, these are the three founding fathers of the whole culture.' The Hip-Hop Alliance stated, 'Today, we acknowledge the transition of a foundational architect of Hip Hop culture, Afrika Bambaataa.'
When you talk about Afrika Bambaataa, Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, these are the three founding fathers of the whole culture.
Musically, Afrika Bambaataa released the groundbreaking album 'Planet Rock' in 1986. According to major media, his debut single, Zulu Nation Throwdown, was released in 1980. According to The Independent - Main, Afrika Bambaataa described his DJing style: 'We was playin’ everything, everything that was funky.' He also told The Independent - Main that he and his crew changed records frequently, saying, 'Other DJs would play they great records for fifteen, twenty minutes. We was changing ours every minute or two. I couldn’t have no breakbeat go longer than a minute or two.'
In terms of background, according to major media, Afrika Bambaataa had Jamaican and Barbadian heritage. He was raised in a low-income public housing complex by his mother, according to an interview he gave Frank Broughton in 1998. He was a member of a gang called the Black Spades, according to multiple reports. According to major media, he started throwing South Bronx block parties in the 1970s and was involved in the production of the Artists United Against Apartheid 1985 album Sun City.
We was playin’ everything, everything that was funky.
His legacy, however, is marred by sexual abuse allegations. In spring 2016, a man accused Taylor of subjecting him to sexual abuse when he was little, and Taylor denied the accusations through a public statement. Since then, several more people have directed similar accusations against Taylor. According to major media, numerous men who knew Bambaataa when they were boys accused him of sexual abuse, and multiple men accused him of sexual abuse during the 1980s and 1990s. Political activist Ronald Savage said in May of 2016 that Bambaataa had molested him when he was 15 in 1980, according to major media.
The Hip-Hop Alliance acknowledged this complexity, stating, '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.' The organization added, 'At the same time, we recognize that his legacy is complex and has been the subject of serious conversations within our community.' It continued, '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.'
Other DJs would play they great records for fifteen, twenty minutes. We was changing ours every minute or two. I couldn’t have no breakbeat go longer than a minute or two.
There is a discrepancy regarding his age at death: some reports state he died at 67, while others say 68, affecting the factual reporting of this basic biographical detail. The exact cause of death beyond cancer, such as specific complications, has not been confirmed. It is unknown whether there will be any official investigation or statement from authorities regarding the death. The current status or outcome of the sexual abuse allegations against him remains unclear, and details about his family's reaction or funeral arrangements have not been disclosed. The impact of his death on the Universal Zulu Nation and hip-hop community moving forward is also uncertain.
The Hip-Hop Alliance extended condolences, saying, 'Today, we extend our condolences to all who were impacted by his life, his work, and his presence.' It concluded, 'Hip Hop was built on truth, and through truth the culture continues to grow, heal, and evolve. Rest in Power Bam.'
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.
Today, we extend our condolences to all who were impacted by his life, his work, and his presence.
Hip Hop was built on truth, and through truth the culture continues to grow, heal, and evolve. Rest in Power Bam.