The 1982 electro-rap single recorded by Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force was “Planet Rock.”
Released by Tommy Boy Records, the track was produced by Arthur Baker and built around electronic textures, Roland TR-808 drum programming, and motifs associated with Kraftwerk. John Robie helped create its synthesizer-driven sound, while Soulsonic Force members supplied the vocals.
“Planet Rock” became a landmark in the development of electro, a style that fused hip-hop with electronic dance music. Its sound was strikingly different from the disco-oriented rap records common at the time, helping establish a futuristic template later heard in electro-funk, Miami bass, and other dance styles.
A common mix-up is confusing the song with “Looking for the Perfect Beat,” another Afrika Bambaataa and Soulsonic Force single released later in 1982. “Planet Rock” was also eventually included on the 1986 album Planet Rock: The Album, although the single itself came first. It reached No. 48 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 on the U.S. R&B chart.