Afrika Bambaataa, hip-hop pioneer and Zulu Nation founder, dies
Source: USA Today
Updated April 9, 2026, 5:42 p.m. ET
New York hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa has died at 68.
TMZ reported he died from complications of cancer early April 9, just days away from his April 17 birthday, in Pennsylvania. USA TODAY has reached out to Bambaataa's representatives.
The Bronx-native DJ played a seminal role in shaping hip-hop through his plethora of music, most notably the hit 1982 track "Planet Rock." He collaborated with many innovative funk artists, from James Brown and John Lyndon to George Clinton.
Before recording music in 1980, Bambaataa was already an established DJ in the block party scene in the mid to late 1970s. The success of "Planet Rock" transcended his fame to new heights as he delved into the electro-oriented rap genre.
Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2026/04/09/afrika-bambaataa-died/89539257007/
A big musical loss despite his apparent recent checkered past. His song "Planet Rock" with the Soul Sonic Force, was epic.
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