did you know this about Afrika Bambaataa?

• Afrika Bambaataa was brought up by his mother and uncle, Black Liberation Movement activists.

• His Mother's fantastic variety of records is what introduced and shaped the world of music for him at a young age.

• He went on a trip to Africa after winning an essay contest, which created a lot of change and influenced him greatly. He took inspiration from the South African Zulu Chief Bhambatha and changed his name to Afrika Bambaataa Aasim and formed the 'Bronx River Organization.'

• In 1976 he conceived an idea from the hip hop parties he put together. The idea that music was a positive force in deferring people from drugs and crime. So, The "Universal Zulu Nation" was formed by Bambaataa and involved many other artists driven by bringing social change through music.

• In the 80's he was regarded as one of the top musicians in the Bronx area and was nicknamed "Master of Records," during this period, he came up with two rap crews, "Jazzy 5" and "Soulsonic Force."

• In 1986 he released the genre-defining electro track album "Planet Rock," created using the latest electronic musical devices pioneered by Japanese and German companies. The song became a chartbuster.

• He mingled with many other musicians and genres, i.e., working with Johnny Rotten (Jon Lydon) of the Sex Pistols to create the song "World Destruction."

• He was involved in social and political causes, in 1990 he celebrated the release of renowned political leader Nelson Mandela from prison by organizing a concert at Wembley Stadium in London. Both British and American rappers participated, and Nelson and Winnie Mandela appeared in person at the show.

• Bambaataa's nearly 40 years of music includes 12 albums, and music that helped form a positive public fellowship and also provided him and others a mean to speak out on politics and social matters.