Planet Rock Cape Worn by Afrika Bambaataa

Afrika Bambaataa (Lance Taylor, b. 1957) wore this cape in the 1986 video “Planet Rock,” featuring the Soul Sonic Force. The elaborate electro-funk space gear worn by Bambaataa during the early 1980s is reminiscent of the sci-fi costumes donned by Sun Ra, George Clinton and The Parliament-Funkadelic crew of the 1960s and 1970s. 

Leader of the Zulu Nation and known as one of the “Godfathers of Hip-Hop" Afrika Bambaataa is a DJ, producer, rapper, and songwriter from the Southeast Bronx, New York. As a former gang member, 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 including Rock, Pop, Salsa, African, and Latin. He also established two rap crews: the Jazzy 5 and the Soul Sonic Force. Bambaataa has crafted the foundation of hip-hop by establishing the five elements or five pillars of hip-hop: DJing, MCing, b-boying, graffiti, and knowledge. Afrika Bambaataa’s impact on hip-hop culture has defined the genre as a staple of American cultural ingenuity, creativity, and expression.