Zulu Nation Throw Down

“Zulu Nation Throw Down” is a track released in 1980 by Afrika Bambaataa, Zulu Nation, Cosmic Force/ Harlem Underground Band. Released under Paul Winley Records, this track was produced by Ninny. This is the first volume of the Zulu Nation Throw Down on vinyl (7:05 version). 

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.