Afrika Bambaataa Dies Following Cancer Complications at 67 -

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Afrika Bambaataa, the influential rapper, DJ, and founding force behind the Universal Zulu Nation, has died. He was 67.

TMZ reported that Bambaataa, born Lance Taylor, died in Philadelphia around 3 a.m. local time after complications from cancer.

The Bronx native became one of hip-hop’s defining early figures during the 1980s, helping bring electronic music into the genre with 1982’s “Planet Rock.” The track sampled Kraftwerk and became a club sensation, helping launch electro-funk.

Bambaataa also worked with artists including John Lydon, George Clinton and James Brown. In 1985, he joined Artists United Against Apartheid for the protest album Sun City alongside Bob Dylan, Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Run-DMC and Lou Reed.

Following news of his death, the Hip-Hop Alliance, led by Kurtis Blow, shared a statement on Instagram.

“Today, we acknowledge the transition of a foundational architect of hip-hop culture, Afrika Bambaataa,” the organization wrote. “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 statement added, “his legacy is complex and has been the subject of serious conversations within our community.”

Bambaataa faced allegations of child sexual abuse in later years. In 2016, several Bronx men accused him of molestation. He denied the claims, saying they “are baseless and are a cowardly attempt to tarnish my reputation and legacy in hip-hop at this time” publicly after the accusations surfaced.

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