Afrika Bambaataa, Influential DJ and Rap Innovator, Passes Away at 67

Afrika Bambaataa, a groundbreaking rapper and DJ who played a crucial role in the development of hip hop, has passed away, TMZ reports.

According to sources with direct knowledge, Bambaataa died from cancer-related complications at approximately 3 AM today in Pennsylvania.

Born in The Bronx, Bambaataa became a member of the local gang, the Black Spades, where he quickly advanced to the rank of "warlord."

Starting in the 1970s, Bambaataa began organizing parties that became the breeding ground for hip hop culture, evolving into massive block parties throughout the South Bronx.

He released his debut single in 1980 titled "Zulu Nation Throwdown," named after the Universal Zulu Nation, an artistic collective comprising socially conscious rappers, graffiti artists, B-boys, and others involved in hip hop culture. His 1982 hit "Planet Rock" climbed to Number 4 on the U.S. R&B chart.

In 1985, Bambaataa contributed to the anti-apartheid album "Sun City," collaborating with notable artists such as Joey Ramone, Run-D.M.C., U2, and many others.

Toward the end of his life, Afrika Bambaataa faced numerous legal challenges after several men accused him of sexual abuse during the 1980s and 1990s. In 2025, he was required to pay a settlement to a man who accused him of sex trafficking from the 1990s, following a judge’s default judgment when Bambaataa failed to appear in court.