Afrika Bambaataa, a pioneering figure in hip-hop music, has died at age 67. The Bronx-born rapper and DJ was widely recognized for his foundational role in developing the genre during its early years.

Bambaataa gained prominence in the 1980s with his global hit "Planet Rock," which is credited with helping to shape the sound and direction of hip-hop music. The track became influential in establishing hip-hop's reach beyond its origins in New York City.

Often referred to as the "Godfather of Hip-Hop," Bambaataa was considered one of the genre's most important early innovators alongside other pioneering artists from the Bronx hip-hop scene.

In later years, Bambaataa faced allegations of child sexual abuse, which brought controversy to his legacy in the music industry.

Details surrounding his death have not been immediately released. Bambaataa's influence on hip-hop culture and music production techniques remained significant throughout the genre's evolution from its 1970s origins to its current global prominence.