DJ Kool Herc

Afrika Bambaataa, an American DJ and rapper, is considered a foundational architect of hip-hop culture. He founded the Universal Zulu Nation and was a highly influential figure in the genre's development. He is newsworthy due to his recent death at the age of 67 or 68 (sources vary) from complications related to cancer. News outlets reported his passing on April 10, 2026. While celebrated for his contributions to hip-hop, Bambaataa had also been accused of sexual assault of minors in recent years, a controversy that casts a shadow over his legacy. Despite the allegations, his impact on the creation and popularization of hip-hop remains significant, solidifying his place in music history.