Afrika Bambaataa, a key figure in hip-hop's early years, passed away at age 68 due to prostate cancer. His lasting influence, encompassing DJing and the Zulu Nation, continues to be a subject of both celebration and controversy.

Afrika Bambaataa, one of hip-hop’s founding pioneers, died on Thursday at the age of 68 from prostate cancer, according to his lawyer. Known for shaping early hip-hop culture through DJing, electro-funk and the Zulu Nation collective, his legacy is both celebrated and contested amid longstanding abuse allegations.