Afrika Bambaataa, founder of Zulu Nation and pioneer of blending electronic sounds into hip-hop, has passed away aged 67.
According to TMZ, the DJ died from complications related to cancer. His reputation was damaged by allegations of sexual abuse in 2016.
Mick Benzo, a fellow band member, confirmed Bambaataa’s passing on social media. He wrote: “Two days ago, I spoke with Afrika Bambaataa and found him in high spirits… It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Afrika Bambaataa, a pioneering architect and global ambassador of Hip Hop culture.”
Bambaataa was instrumental in introducing electro funk into hip-hop. His hits include “Looking for the Perfect Beat,” “Renegades of Funk” and “Unity”, along with his breakthrough track “Planet Rock.”
Despite facing multiple allegations of sexual assault and trafficking young men, Bambaataa denied these claims, stating they were baseless attempts to tarnish his reputation in hip-hop.