Panasonic RS-261US Stereo Cassette Tape Deck Used by Afrika Bambaataa

This Panasonic RS-261US stereo cassette deck was first sold by Panasonic in 1973. The main features of the Panasonic RS-261US are: 2 heads, tape type selection capable of handling normal tapes and belt driven single-capstan transport. To make live recordings this deck has 2 microphone inputs to connect a microphone with a mini-jack connector. 

Owned by Afrika Bambaataa, this tape recorder, like many others during the birth of hip-hop, were notably used to record DJ sets and MC performances at local parties. Attendees of the parties would record the performances and then make copies and share or sell the tapes across neighborhoods. Many of the early tapes would include the mixing sessions and battles of various MCs and rap groups. The tapes were a great way for DJs, MCs and groups to get their name out in the community and local radio play—if they got their tapes into the right hands.

Leader of the Zulu Nation and the “Godfather 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 70s 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. He established two rap crews: the Jazzy 5 including MCs Master Ice, Mr. Freeze, Master Bee, Master D.E.E, and AJ Les, and the second Crew referred to as Soul Sonic Force including Mr. Biggs, Pow Wow and Emcee G.L.O.B.E Afrika Bambaataa has also 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 creativity and expression emerging out of the Bronx.