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Afrika Bambaataa is an American DJ from the South Bronx, who was instrumental in the early development of hip hop throughout the 1980s.Afrika Bambaataa is one of the three originators of break-beat deejaying, and is respectfully known as the "Grandfather" and "Godfather" and The Amen Ra of Universal Hip Hop Culture as well as The Father of The Electro Funk Sound. Through his co-opting of the street gang the Black Spades into the music and culture-oriented Universal Zulu Nation, he is responsible for spreading hip hop culture throughout the world.On September 27, 2007, he was nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Afrika Bambaataa grew up in one of the 15-story towers of the Bronx River Projects, with an activist mother and uncle.As a child, he was exposed to the black liberation movements of the era, and witnessed debates between his mother and uncle regarding the conflicting ideologies of the movements.Most of all he was exposed to his mother's record collection.Due to the official policy of neglect in regards to the Bronx in the 1970's, most people joined gangs for safety reasons.

The gangs became the law in the absence of law, clearing their turf of drug dealers, assisting with community health programs and both fighting and partying to keep members and turf.[1] Bambaataa was a founding member of the Bronx River Projects-area street gang The Savage Seven. Due to the explosive growth of the gang, it later became known as the Black Spades, and Bambaataa quickly rose to the position of warlord.

After Bambaataa won an essay contest that earned him a trip to Africa, his worldview shifted. He had seen the movie "Shaka Zulu" and had been impressed with the solidarity exhibited by the Zulu in that film. During his trip to Africa, the communities he visited inspired him to stop the violence and create a community in his own neighborhood.[1] He changed his name to Afrika Bambaataa Aasim, adopting the name of the Zulu chief Bhambatha, who led an armed rebellion against unfair economic practices in early 20th century South Africa that can be seen as a precursor to the anti-apartheid movement. He told people that his name was Zulu for "affectionate leader".A young Afrika Bambaataa began to think about how he could turn his turf-building skills to peacemaking. He formed the "Bronx River Organization" as an alternative to the Black Spades.

I enjoyed researching this one. I love Planet Rock and his music, but mostly I enjoyed Africa Bambaataa's story. Like just because you come from the hood or ghetto doesn't mean you have to stay there.Things were needed for the current situation, but with love and growth anyone can change there perspective on life. It's never to late, but you have to be willing to experience something new and open your mind to things you may not know about. Most importantly bring back that knowledge and start to make a difference. You just never know who's life you can change for the better. AFRICA BAMBATHA proves this.