Afrika Bambaataa
Visual image
Afrika Bambaataa
Datec. 1985
Mediumink; paper (fiber product)
DimensionsOverall (HWD): 11 × 8 1/2 in. (27.94 × 21.59 cm)
Credit LineMoPOP permanent collection
Object number1995.91.1689
Text EntriesLeader 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. He 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 has 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.
Black and yellow promotional portrait photo of Afrika Bambaataa looking at the camera.
CopyrightThis work is issued under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) License. For more information, go to https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/
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Afrika Bambaataa
Date: c. 1979
Medium: ink; paper (fiber product)
Object number: 2002.396.31
![The Zulu Nation present their 3rd Annual Disco Tribute to James Brown: DJ Afrika Bambaataa, Zambo, MC Mr. Biggs, at Bronxriver Community Center [i.e. The Bronx River Center], Bronx, NY, November 10, 1978](/internal/media/dispatcher/411259/postagestamp)
Afrika Bambaataa
Date: 1978
Medium: ink; paper (fiber product)
Object number: 1998.854.4
Afrika Bambaataa & Soul Sonic Force
Date: 1982
Medium: paper (fiber product); ink
Object number: 1998.854.12
Afrika Bambaataa
Date: c. 1985
Medium: ink; paper (fiber product)
Object number: 1995.91.1672
Afrika Bambaataa
Date: 1978
Medium: ink; paper (fiber product)
Object number: 1999.123.6
Afrika Bambaataa
Date: 1982
Medium: ink; paper (fiber product)
Object number: 1999.733.23
Afrika Bambaataa
Date: 1981
Medium: ink; paper (fiber product)
Object number: 1999.757.26
Afrika Bambaataa
Date: 1982
Medium: ink; paper (fiber product)
Object number: 1999.733.147
Afrika Bambaataa & Soul Sonic Force
Date: October 24, 1981
Medium: ink; paper (fiber product)
Object number: 2000.665.19
Afrika Bambaataa
Date: 1978
Medium: ink; paper (fiber product)
Object number: 2002.396.9
Afrika Bambaataa
Date: 1978
Medium: ink; paper (fiber product)
Object number: 2002.396.10
Afrika Bambaataa
Date: 1981
Medium: ink; paper (fiber product)
Object number: 1999.757.52
