Oral History Interview with Afrika Bambaata and Alien Ness in the Sound & Vision Theater, Museum of Pop Culture, Seattle, WA, October 29, 2000

Alien Ness (Luis Roberto Martinez Jr. B. unknown), is a world-renowned b-boy who has earned praise and recognition from prominent breakers across several generations. Kid Ness was a nickname passed down to him by Mr. Ness of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Alien Ness earned himself mentorship from many conic dancers of the early Hip-Hop era along with Buck4 and Mr. Freeze of the Rock Steady Crew, as well as first-generation B-Boy pioneers such as Fantasy Fast of Ready to Rock, and Trac2 of the famed Starchild-La-Rock.

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. 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.