Groundbreaking US hip-hop artist and DJ Afrika Bambaataa, known for his 1982 hit "Planet Rock," has died at age 68, his former record label said Thursday.

Bambaataa’s sudden death was met with an outpouring of condolences from friends, family and fans across the world, who paid tribute to his profound and unmistakable impact on one of the world’s most popular and politically influential music genres.

But others have said that his impact was overshadowed in recent years after numerous men who knew Bambaataa when they were boys accused him of sexual abuse.

His talent agency, Naf Management Entertainment, wrote in an emailed statement on Tuesday, stated that:

“Hip Hop will never be the same without him -- but everything hip hop is today, it is because of him. His spirit lives in every beat, every cypher and every corner of this globe he touched.”

TMZ reported he died from complications of cancer early April 9, just days away from his April 17 birthday, in Pennsylvania. USA TODAY has reached out to Bambaataa's representatives.

As a teenager, Bambaataa left his gang life in the Black Spadesand later created the Universal Zulu Nation after a trip to Africa.

He helped shape early hip-hop by forming groups like Jazzy 5 and Soulsonic Force, and he helped bring rap music to a wider audience, going on tour in 1982.

In 1982, he released “Planet Rock” with Soulsonic Force, and the song mixed rap and electronic music and became very popular, reaching No. 48 on the Billboard Hot 100.

It was later featured in NBA 2K7, and its remixes also did well on music charts.

He worked with famous artists like George Clinton and James Brown.

His song “Unity” with James Brown came out in 1984. He also joined the “Sun City” project in 1985, which supported the fight against apartheid.

In 1991, he had another hit called “Just Get Up and Dance,” which reached No. 4 on the Dance Club Songs chart.

The Hip Hop Alliance confirmed the death of the famous DJ and praised his big impact on hip-hop.

Executive Director Rev. Dr. Kurtis Blow Walker said Afrika Bambaataa helped create hip-hop as a global culture based on peace, unity, love, and fun.

He added that Bambaataa helped turn the Bronx into the birthplace of hip-hop, inspiring many artists around the world.

He also said Bambaataa’s legacy is complicated and has raised serious discussions in the community.

The organization said it believes in honesty and accountability while continuing to support what protects and uplifts hip-hop culture.

Afrika Bambaataa has faced serious sexual abuse allegations in recent years, which have damaged his legacy.

In 2016, he stepped down from leading the Universal Zulu Nation after Activist Ronald Savage accused him of abuse, though Savage later took back the claim.

Another person, Solo from the Assassin Collective, also said Bambaataa abused him when he was 15.

Later, an anonymous man known as John Doe filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual abuse and trafficking. In 2025, Bambaataa lost the case after not responding in court.