Afrika Bambaataa speaks during a press conference to announce the launch of The Smithsonian's 'Hip-Hop Won't Stop: The Beat, The Rhymes, The Life' at the Hilton Hotel February 28, 2006 in New York City. SCOTT GRIES / AFP
Groundbreaking US hip-hop artist and DJ Afrika Bambaataa, known for his 1982 hit "Planet Rock," has died at age 68, his former record label said on Thursday, April 9. "With his passing, we reflect on his contributions to the genre and broader culture, which continue to this day," Tommy Boy Records said in an Instagram post alongside a picture of Bambaataa.
Celebrity news site TMZ, citing unnamed sources, reported that Bambaataa died from complications of cancer at about 3 am Thursday in Pennsylvania.
Born in housing projects of the Bronx borough of New York City as Lance Taylor, the hip-hop icon got his start in entertainment by hosting block parties and drawing inspiration from early electronic music. After growing up during a time rife with gang violence, Bambaataa co-founded the Zulu Nation in 1973, which used hip-hop to promote peaceful values.
Viewing this content may result in the use of cookies by the third-party operator hosting it. Because of the choices you have made regarding the use of cookies, we have blocked the display of this content. If you wish to access it, you must accept the "Third-party content" category of cookies by clicking on the button below.
