Instagram/Afrika Bambaataa Music Hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa dies at 68. The cultural icon, who helped shape the genre's foundations, passed from prostate cancer. April 18, 2026 AceShowbiz - Afrika Bambaataa, the pioneering hip-hop artist and cultural icon, has died at the age of 68. According to TMZ, the rapper, DJ, and producer (born Lance Taylor) passed away on Thursday, April 9, in Pennsylvania. His lawyer later confirmed to the Associated Press that the cause of death was prostate cancer.