If you looking for the origin of Hip Hop; look no further than Afrika Bambaataa. His music and look gave birth to a culture and gave the emerging genre of Hip Hop its first true ambassador. Although, he was never the most commercially successful of the urban acts, his music could very well be the most groundbreaking. Afrika Bambaataa merged electronic rhythms with an urban feel and his 1982 Single; Planet Rock launched the debut of the new genre, Electro Funk.  His music would be influential in the emerging House and Freestyle scenes and is still reverberating around Hip Hop today. All of his many labels, “Godfather of Hip Hop, Ambassador of Hip Hop, The Greatest D.J. On Earth” is more than just names; they are facts.

The Bullet Points:

Previous Rank:

2010: #15

Eligible Since:

2005

Country of Origin:

U.S.A. (New York City)

Why He Will Get In:

He certainly has the historical significance to qualify. 

Why He Won’t Get In:

His catalogue of music is not as large as others on this list.

Nominated In:

2008 Class

Essential Album:

Planet Rock: The Album (1986)

Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee:

Jazzy Sensation (Single, 1981)

Planet Rock (Single, 1982)

Looking for the Perfect Beat (Single, 1982)

Renegades of Funk (Single, 1983)

Unity (Single, 1984)

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