Afrika Bambaataa founded the Universal Zulu Nation, an influential early hip-hop organization.
Born Lance Taylor in the Bronx, Bambaataa became a major DJ and community organizer during hip hop’s formative years. He developed a broad musical approach, combining funk, soul, electronic music, and records from around the world in his sets.
The Universal Zulu Nation grew from the Bronx street organization formerly known as the Black Spades. It promoted hip hop’s cultural elements, including DJing, emceeing, breakdancing, and graffiti, while emphasizing knowledge and community identity.
Bambaataa is also associated with “Planet Rock,” recorded with the Soulsonic Force in 1982. That record helped bring electro-funk into hip hop. The organization and the song are separate achievements, although both contributed to his historical reputation.