2K Beats

Afrika Bambaataa (born Kevin Donovan) is a DJ and community leader from the South Bronx, who was instrumental in the early development of hip hop throughout the 1970s. By 1977, inspired by DJ Kool Herc, Bambaataa had begun organizing block parties all around the South Bronx, and he was soon renowned as one of the best DJs in the business. In 1980, he produced Soul Sonic Force's landmark single, "Zulu Nation Throwdown". In 1982, Bambaataa became a solo artist (having produced several other singles) and released "Jazzy Sensation" on Tommy Boy Records in that year. "Planet Rock", a popular single, came out that June under the name Afrika Bambaataa and the Soul Sonic Force. The song melded electronic hip hop beats with the main melody from Kraftwerk's "Trans- Europe Express", as well as portions from records by Ennio Morricone and Captain Sky - thus creating a new style of music altogether, electro funk. It influenced many styles of electronic and dance music, e.g. freestyle music, house music and techno music. From the mid-1990s, Bam returned to his electro roots, collaborating with Westbam (who was named after him) and culminating in 2004's album Dark Matter Moving at the Speed of Light which featured Gary Numan and many others.

"Don't Stop Planet Rock"
Performed by Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force
Courtesy of Tommy Boy Records
By arrangement with Warner Music Group Video Game Licensing
(P) 1986 Tommy Boy Music
Executive Producer: Tom Silverman Produced by Afrika Bambaataa, Arthur Baker and John Robie Engineered by J. Burnett at Intergalactic Studios
www.tommyboy.com