Afrika Bambaataa

Afrika Bambaataa, born Lance Taylor on April 17, 1957, is an American DJ, rapper, and producer from the South Bronx, New York. He gained recognition for releasing influential electro tracks in the 1980s that played a significant role in shaping hip hop culture. Bambaataa is considered one of the pioneers of breakbeat DJing. He played a crucial role in spreading hip hop culture globally by transforming the street gang Black Spades into the Universal Zulu Nation, which focused on music and culture. In May 2016, Bambaataa stepped down from his position as head of the Universal Zulu Nation following allegations of child sexual abuse dating back to the 1970s. Born to Jamaican and Barbadian immigrants, Bambaataa was raised in the Bronx River Projects and was exposed to the black liberation movement from a young age.