Afrika Bambaataa survived the ruthless streets of the South Bronx in the late 60’s and early 70’s.   He lived in the legendary Bronx River Projects and rose to divisional gang leader of the Black Spades. 

After a life changing visit to Mother-Africa, he decided to use his street leadership to turn those involved in gang life into something positive through Hip Hop.  This began the development by him of the Universal Zulu Nation, a group of racially and politically aware people involved in hip hop culture.   He would go on to become one of the most important and beloved international leaders of the late 20 th century through the UZN movement which combined Hip Hop Culture, Peace, Justice and Knowledge.   

His name Bambaataa which translates to “affectionate leader” was influenced by the bravery of the Zulu warriors which resisted the oppressive British troops. 

By 1977, Bambaataa had begun organizing block parties all around the South Bronx.   He became known as “Master of Records” where his collection was more than 20,000 records strong.

He put the Funk in Hip Hop.   In 1982, he released the groundbreaking hit Planet Rock.  The song melded  never heard before electronic hip hop beats with Kraftwerk’s Trans-Europe Express creating a new style of music altogether, called electro-funk.

Afrika Bambaataa organized the very first international hip hop tour.  He literally carried Hip Hop on his shoulders from his South Bronx hood to countries and kingdoms around the world.

Respect Where It All Began