Afrika Bambaataa, an influential DJ, rapper and producer whose music helped revolutionize hip-hop, but later had his legacy tarnished when he was accused of sexual abuse by multiple men, has died. He was 67.
TMZ reported that Bambaataa died from complications of cancer. Mick Benzo, his friend and fellow member of the Zulu Nation, also confirmed his death on social media Thursday.
“Two days ago, I spoke with Afrika Bambaataa and found him in high spirits,” Benzo wrote in a lengthy tribute. “Today, however, I began receiving calls about his passing. Concerned, I reached out to him but received no response. My worries deepened, and I was heartbroken to learn it was true—he had peacefully fallen asleep and did not wake up. It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Afrika Bambaataa, a pioneering architect and global ambassador of Hip Hop culture.”
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