Afrika Bambaataa dead: Hip hop legend passes away at 67 after cancer battle

Influential musical artist Afrika Bambaataa died in Pennsylvania on Thursday at the age of 67 after battling cancer.

The Zulu Nation founder, whose real name was Lance Taylor, passed away due to complications from his cancer battle at around 3 a.m. local time, sources told TMZ. 

'Today, we acknowledge the transition of a foundational architect of Hip Hop culture, Afrika Bambaataa,' the Hip-Hop Alliance said in a statement on Instagram about the late Planet Rock performer. 

The group, headed by Kurtis Blow, continued, 'As the founder of the Universal Zulu Nation, Afrika Bambaataa helped shape the early identity of Hip Hop as a global movement rooted in peace, unity, love, and having fun.'

The group acknowledged legal issues the artist-producer encountered in his later years involving allegations of sexual misconduct against multiple young men.

'At the same time, we recognize that his legacy is complex and has been the subject of serious conversations within our community,' the group said. 

The Hip-Hop Alliance added, 'As an organization committed to truth, accountability, and the preservation of Hip Hop culture, we believe it is important to hold space for all voices while continuing to uplift what empowers and protects the people.'

The group ended its statement in saying, 'Today, we extend our condolences to all who were impacted by his life, his work, and his presence.

'Hip Hop was built on truth, and through truth the culture continues to grow, heal, and evolve. Rest in Power Bam.'

In his earlier years, the New York City-born entertainer was a member of a gang called the Black Spades, the outlet reported.

Bambaataa stated throwing South Bronx block parties in the 1970s which eventually took shape as a key backdrop amid the rise of the musical genre.

Bambaataa's debut single, Zulu Nation Throwdown, was released in 1980, in a reference to his hip hop art collective, the Universal Zulu Nation.

The track paved the way for Bambaataa's most successful commercial performance with 1982's Planet Rock.

Bambaataa was also involved in the production of the Artists United Against Apartheid 1985 album Sun City led by musician-actor Steven Van Zandt.

Other notable names involved in the project included late legends such as Miles Davis, Clarence Clemons, and Lou Reed; as well as musical icons such as Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Peter Gabriel and Bruce Springsteen.