Looking For The Perfect Beat (Vocal) / Looking For The Perfect Beat (Instrumental)

“Looking For The Perfect Beat (Vocal) / Looking For The Perfect Beat (Instrumental)” is a two-track vinyl released in 1983 by Afrika Bambaataa & Soul Sonic Force. Released under Tommy Boy, this vinyl was produced by Arthur Baker and John Robie. 

Leader of the Zulu Nation and known as one of the “Godfathers of Hip-Hop,” Afrika Bambaataa (Lance Taylor, b. 1957) is a DJ, producer, rapper, and songwriter from the Southeast Bronx. As a former gang member, Afrika Bambaataa began DJing at local parties in the early 1970s, playing Funk and Disco records but stood out as a unique and eclectic DJ because he would play records across different genres like Rock, Pop, Salsa, African, and Latin. Afrika Bambaataa also established two Rap crews: the Jazzy 5 and the Soul Sonic Force. Afrika Bambaataa crafted the foundation of Hip-Hop by establishing the five elements or five pillars: DJing, MCing, b-boying, graffiti, and knowledge. Afrika Bambaataa’s impact on Hip-Hop culture has defined the genre as a staple of creativity and expression emerging out of the Bronx. 

The Soul Sonic Force also included Mr. Biggs (Ellis Williams, b.1960), Pow Wow (Robert Darrell Allen, b. unknown), The G.L.O.B.E (John Miller, b. unknown), and DJ Jazzy Jay (John Byas, b. 1961). The Soul Sonic Force began as a nine-piece affair with MCs gradually dropping out, including Lisa Lee. She would remain with Bambaataa as part of Cosmic Force and appear on four hugely influential singles, “Zulu Nation Throwdown Part 2,” “Planet Rock,” “Looking For The Perfect Beat,” and “Renegades Of Funk.” Pow Wow also had a hand in producing ‘Planet Rock’, while G.L.O.B.E. was responsible for patenting the ‘MC popping’ technique, a description he preferred over rapping, where he would drop in and out of rhymes at short notice, producing a unique sound effect that resembled ad-libs. He was also responsible for many of the group’s lyrics. The Soul Sonic Force adapted musical and fashion styles that resembled the fashion of Sly and the Family Stone and Parliament-Funkadelic. Many members of the Zulu Nation dressed in African-style clothing, pan-African colors, and many other cultural garbs from countries around the world.