American rapper and DJ Afrika Bambaataa has died aged 67, his former record label confirmed on Friday.
“Afrika Bambaataa was an influential figure in Tommy Boy’s early days and widely considered a pioneer of hip-hop and electro music,” Tommy Boy Records said in an Instagram post alongside a picture of Bambaataa.
“With his passing, we reflect on his contributions to the genre and broader culture, which continue to this day.”
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According to TMZ, Bambaataa died from complications of cancer in Pennsylvania.
The Bronx native played a key role in shaping hip-hop in the 1980s, notably with the 1982 hit Planet Rock.
He collaborated with a range of artists including John Lydon, also known as Johnny Rotten, George Clinton and James Brown.
Born Lance Taylor, he formed the hip-hop collective Universal Zulu Nation in the late 1970s, inspired by “father of hip-hop” DJ Kool Herc as well as the solidarity of the Zulu people of southern Africa.
He was widely considered one of the pioneers of hip-hop culture and helped introduce the electro-funk sound into the genre.
Some of his most famous tracks include Looking for the Perfect Beat, Renegades of Funk, famously covered by Rage Against the Machine in 2000, and Unity.
In later life, the musician was accused of child sexual abuse and trafficking.
In 2016, multiple men accused Bambaataa of molestation.
The musician denied the accusations in a statement, saying they “are baseless and are a cowardly attempt to tarnish my reputation and legacy in hip-hop at this time”.
In May 2025, an anonymous plaintiff accused Bambaataa of four years of sexual abuse which started in 1992 when the plaintiff was 12 years old.
The hip-hop artist lost the civil case by default after he failed to appear in court.
“Today, we acknowledge the transition of a foundational architect of hip-hop culture, Afrika Bambaataa,” the Hip-Hop Alliance, a group headed by musician Kurtis Blow, posted on Instagram.
“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.
“At the same time, we recognise that his legacy is complex and has been the subject of serious conversations within our community.
“As an organisation 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.”
