A Bronx, New York-based disc jockey (DJ) in the mid-1970s and the creator of a few popular hip-hop songs in the early 1980s, Afrika Bambaataa is one of the most important figures in the development of hip-hop music. Born April 10, 1960, Bambaataa developed a following in the mid-1970s by DJ-ing at events that led to the evolution of hip-hop music as it is known today. At these events, dancers developed a unique style of dancing called breakdancing, the rhythmic vocal style called rapping was cultivated, and DJs such as Bambaataa, Kool DJ Herc, and Grandmaster Flash demonstrated how turntables could be used as a musical instrument. In 1982, Bambaataa had a big hit in the Billboard Black charts with his single "Planet Rock."

Further Reading:

Rose, Tricia. Black Noise: Rap Music and Black Culture in Contemporary America. Hanover, UP of New England, 1994.

Toop, David. Rap Attack 2: African Rap to Global Hip-Hop. New York, Serpent's Tail, 1991.