Afrika Bambaataa Legendary Hip Hop Figure Dies At 68

Hip hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa, born Lance Taylor, has passed away at 68. According to TMZ, which first shared the report, the “Planet Rock” artist died on Thursday, April 9, due to complications related to cancer.

Raised in The Bronx, Bambaataa started out DJing block parties in the South Bronx during the early 1970s. That period helped establish him as one of the key figures behind breakbeat DJing and a foundational force in hip hop culture, alongside pioneers such as DJ Kool Herc.

During his teenage years, Bambaataa stepped away from his involvement with the Black Spades gang and went on to establish the Universal Zulu Nation after traveling to Africa. He later created rap groups including Jazzy 5 and the Soulsonic Force, and helped bring hip hop to wider audiences through his first tour in 1982.

Afrika Bambaataa joined forces with Soulsonic Force for the 1982 track “Planet Rock.” The song blended electronic elements with hip hop and became his only entry on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching No. 48 in September of that year. It later appeared in NBA 2K7 in 2006. Remixes of “Planet Rock” also climbed to No. 4 on the Hot R&B Hip Hop Songs chart in July 1982.

Throughout his career, Bam collaborated with artists such as George Clinton and James Brown. His track “Unity” with James Brown reached No. 87 on the Hot R&B Hip Hop Songs chart in 1984.

Known as the Godfather of Hip Hop, he was also involved with Artists United Against Apartheid and contributed to the 1985 album Sun City, which peaked at No. 31 on the Billboard 200.

Afrika Bambaataa also made an impact on the Dance Club Songs chart, earning a top five hit in 1991 with “Just Get Up and Dance,” which reached No. 4.

News of the pioneering DJ’s passing was confirmed by The Hip Hop Alliance on Thursday through an official statement.

“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. His vision transformed the Bronx into the birthplace of a culture that now reaches every corner of the world,” said executive director Rev. Dr. Kurtis Blow Walker.

“Through his music, leadership, and influence, he contributed to the foundation of Hip Hop’s core principles, inspiring generations of MCs, DJs, breakers, and cultural leaders. His imprint on Hip Hop history is undeniable and will forever remain part of the culture’s origin story.”

Walker continued: “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.”

In recent years, Afrika Bambaataa’s legacy became more complicated due to multiple allegations of sexual abuse involving minors. He stepped down from his role leading the Universal Zulu Nation in 2016 after accusations from activist Ronald Savage, who claimed Bambaataa had abused him at age 15 before later withdrawing those claims.

Solo of The Assassin Collective also accused Bambaataa of abuse when he was 15. In addition, Bambaataa faced a civil lawsuit in which an anonymous accuser, referred to as John Doe, alleged sexual abuse and trafficking as a minor. The case resulted in a default judgment against Bambaataa in 2025.

Billboard has reached out to Afrika Bambaataa’s representatives for comment.