Hip-Hop Pioneer Afrika Bambaataa Dies At 67

Afrika Bambaataa, the influential rapper and DJ who helped create hip-hop culture, died Thursday from cancer complications in Pennsylvania at age 67. Born Lance Taylor, he founded the Universal Zulu Nation and pioneered electronic-rap fusion with his 1982 hit "Planet Rock," which sampled Kraftwerk's "Trans Europe Express." The Bronx native also collaborated with James Brown and John Lydon, appearing in "Beat Street" and contributing to the anti-apartheid "Sun City" album. Despite his musical legacy, Bambaataa's reputation was damaged by sexual abuse allegations from 2016. Multiple men accused him of misconduct, leading to his resignation from the Universal Zulu Nation. He paid a settlement in 2025 after a court default judgment. The Hip-Hop Alliance acknowledged his complex legacy while recognizing his foundational role in hip-hop's global movement.