Hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa has died at the age of 67.
The legendary rapper and DJ passed away on April 9 in Pennsylvania due to complications from cancer, according to reports.
His death was announced by friend and fellow Zulu Nation member Mick Benzo in a post shared on Instagram.
Hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa died Thursday from complications related to cancer, according to reports. He is pictured here in October 2007.
He was 67 years old. He is pictured here in April 2012.
“Two days ago, I spoke with Afrika Bambaataa and found him in high spirits. Today, however, I began receiving calls about his passing,” he wrote. “Concerned, I reached out to him but received no response. My worries deepened, and I was heartbroken to learn it was true—he had peacefully fallen asleep and did not wake up.”
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Afrika Bambaataa, a pioneering architect and global ambassador of hip-hop culture.”
Bambaataa’s last Instagram post was on March 18, when he wished the late Sly Stone a “happy heavenly birthday.”
Bambaataa, whose real name was Lance Taylor, grew up in The Bronx in New York City and rose to prominence hosting parties in the 1970s.
Bambaataa, whose real name was Lance Taylor, is widely regarded as one of the key figures who helped shape the early identity of hip-hop.
He released his iconic single, Planet Rock, in 1982. He is seen here performing in April 2016.
In the late 1970s, Afrika Bambaataa founded the Universal Zulu Nation, a collective of socially and politically conscious rappers and artists involved in hip-hop culture.
His track “Planet Rock” became a major hit, reaching No. 4 on the U.S. R&B chart and helping to define the sound of early hip-hop.
Later in life, multiple men accused him of sexual abuse dating back to the 1980s and 1990s. He denied the allegations in 2016, telling Rolling Stone they were “baseless and are a cowardly attempt to tarnish my reputation and legacy in hip-hop at this time.”
In a statement on Thursday, the Hip Hop Alliance — led by figures including Kurtis Blow, Chuck D and KRS-One — acknowledged his complicated legacy.
Afrika Bambaataa — seen here in July 2009 — denied the allegations, calling them “baseless.”
“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 reads. “His vision transformed the The Bronx into the birthplace of a culture that now reaches every corner of the world.”
“His imprint on hip-hop history is undeniable and will forever remain part of the culture’s origin story,” it continued. “At the same time, we recognize that his legacy is complex and has been the subject of serious conversations within our community.”
“Today, we extend our condolences to all who were impacted by his life, his work, and his presence.”
