Rapper Afrika Bambaataa dies at 67 from cancer complications

Pioneering rapper and DJ Afrika Bambaataa has died. The Bronx native was 67.

The Hip Hop Alliance, headed by fellow hip hop icon Kurtis Blow, announced his death Thursday.

“Today, we acknowledge the transition of a foundational architect of Hip Hop culture, Afrika Bambaataa,” the message said. “As the founder of the Universal Zulu Nation, Afrika Bambaataa helped shape the early identity of Hip Hop as a global movement rooted in peace, unity, love, and having fun.”

Blow acknowledged the performer, born Lance Taylor, leaves behind a legacy that is “complex,” likely an allusion to the multiple allegations of child abuse against the musician, dating as far back as the 1970s.

TMZ said Bambaataa died of complications from cancer around 3 a.m. in Pennsylvania.

This is a developing story.