Afrika Bambaataa

Born Lance Taylor, Bambaataa grew up in the Bronx River Projects, a kid who once rallied friends to go hunting rabbits along the Bronx River with bows and arrows and who was throwing parties by age 11. He rose to warlord in the Black Spades, the city's largest gang, before winning an essay contest that sent him to Africa; the trip, along with seeing the film 'Zulu,' changed his direction entirely.

The full story is in Early New York Hip-Hop.

At a glance

Active

1976–2016

From

Bronx, New York

Listening guide track

“Planet Rock”

Listen

In the Early New York Hip-Hop listening guide: “Planet Rock”

In the issues

• 012
  Early New York Hip-Hop

  Principal · 1973-1986 · Members

  Early New York Hip-Hop is a music scene from New York City, USA, 1973–1986. Its principal artists include DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. This issue covers 9 essential albums and 13 dated events.

Places

• The Bronx River Community Center
  The Bronx · 1973-1985 · Early New York Hip-Hop
• T-Connection
  The Bronx · 1977-1982 · Early New York Hip-Hop

Terms

MC

A performer who raps or chants rhythmically over music, often hosting a set by hyping the crowd, introducing tracks, or delivering lyrics.