The Zulu Nation Star is under intense scrutiny

Last month the community of hip-hop was turned upside down on his head when claims of sexual abuse were made against Zulu Nation creator and music industry pioneer, Afrika Bambaataa. Former New York State Democratic Committee and Zulu Nation member, Ronald Savage, pointed the finger at the South Bronx emcee in his book Impulse, Urges and Fantasies with claims of abuse with oral sex. This blindsided the culture and had everybody split in their opinions on the situation. Defenders of the 59-year-old “Planet Rock” rapper cited a lack of evidence and credibility as their reasoning for disbelief. Their arguments took a huge blow on Sunday when three more men: Hassan Campbell and two who chose to be anonymous, all made similar claims to Savage by accusing Bambaataa of oral sexual abuse towards them.

Former Zulu affiliate Hassan Campbell says Bambaataa was “Like a father figure to me”

Campbell told the NY Daily News:

“He had the most fun house in the world, there were celebrities there, musicians, neighborhood heroes. It was the best place to be – and the worst place to be.”

Bambaataa and the Zulu Nation have since adamantly denied the accusations; combating the claims by saying this is all apart of a governmental conspiracy towards Bambaataa and that Campbell is “both a liar and a government informant.” It should be noted that Savage, the original accuser, was a member of the Democratic Committee in New York in recent years and has publicly supported the push for the stature of limitations to be taken off sex abuse cases. Campbell, who is now 39 years old and was 13 during the accused time of attacks, posted an angry video towards Bambaataa several months ago, making these same claims. He decided to ditch the video when the nation and his accused abuser agreed to meet with him and discuss the situation. Campbell claims that not only did they admit fault but Bambaataa stated he would step down as the head of the Zulu Nation and that he would seek counseling. None of those claims ever came to fruition.

“He never did any of those things,” Campbell said. “He’s a manipulator and a liar. He’s just waiting for this chaos to blow over so he can go back to his dark, dingy hole and go back to his old ways. He needs to put down the candy and let the little boys go.”Although the Nation has attempted to blow the whistle on a potential conspiracy, those that have defended Bambaataa, are starting to be swayed. 

Although the Zulu Nation attempted to blow the whistle on a potential conspiracy against the revered emcee, many in hip-hop are starting to be swayed with the recent discoveries and new accusers. With more details and actions sure to follow, this story is sadly, far from over.

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The post Three More Accuse Pioneer, Afrika Bambaataa, of Sexual Abuse appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Hip hop culture influencer Afrika Bambaataa, widely known for his classic “Planet Rock” track, sat down with VladTV to discuss the cultural force known as Zulu Nation, which he formed back in 1977. During the quick 5 minute sit-down, he discusses the desire to make Zulu Nation a “United Nation of the streets,” Lil’ Wayne’s involvement with the group and prominent members such as Ice-T, Ice Cube, Immortal Technique and Tupac. This led to a discussion of how the untimely deaths of Tupac and Biggie could have been avoided through unity and bi-coastal love. Check it out below.

The post Afrika Bambaataa Talks Zulu Nation, Influential Members & Memories of Tupac and Biggie appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

To recall Q-Tip’s line in “Buggin’ Out,” “Zulu Nation, brothers that’s creation/minds get flooded, ejaculation.” Aside from the witty punchline, the salute of loyalty from artists like A Tribe Called Quest, Rakim, KRS-ONE, Public Enemy and more is a gesture to everything the international awareness hip-hop group has achieved. Younger hip-hop heads may not be as enthused about the powerful movement Afrika Bambaataa has created, but Zulu Nation’s prevalence in the culture has reshaped what ‘real hip-hop’ is about.

Started in the 1970s under reformed gang members who wanted to organize cultural events involving dance and music for youths, Bambaataa’s leadership has taken Zulu Nation’s ideals of being socially and politically conscious to an ever growing movement. According to the Universal Zulu Nation website, the idea of abandoning belief systems in favor of factology at the turn of the last millennium is still a major effort to preserve hip-hop’s core values on an international level. To celebrate the 38^th anniversary of such an influential organization means more than just hosting a slew of DJs and artists who believe in their cause.

The birth of the Zulu Nation has evolved into many interpretations outside of New York. But the meaning across the world is the same: Unite as one, incorporate many elements of the emerging culture regardless of race or gender, and create a positive community in hip-hop.

(Maffew Ragazino flips the script, rapping to the stage)

The first celebration on Wednesday wasn’t its last.  Tonight, the Zulu Nation Anniversary at Le Poisson Rouge returns for a second time, only adding more prominent names to the bill such as 9^th Wonder, Smith n’ Wessun and DJ Statik Selektah. But this doesn’t take away from its cast of Zulu followers from earlier this week. Intended for the diehard fans, its smaller audience was accommodated by performers putting on a show perfect for relaxing. Later in the evening, it picked up when the DJ span old school tracks for B-Boys and B-Girls to face off. Breakdancers also jumped into the circle, feeding off the energy of everyone.

Even at 2 AM, Bambaataa still hadn’t hit the stage, but left Tony Touch, DJ Mell Starr and Cuban Link to keep the celebration going. Maffew Ragazino, an unsigned artist from Brownsville, Brooklyn, was a standout from earlier because of his determination to get the crowd involved. A short set just enough to get into some tracks off Rhyme Pays, Ragazino’s “St. Matthews” provoked him to jump off the stage and into the dance floor. Spitting rhymes and directing them to fans, he left an impression that got many of the Zulu alumni head-nodding along.

For fans who are attending the second coming of the Zulu Nation Anniversary, be prepared for another addition of celebrating local dance and music movements. You can expect this historic moment to be just as entertaining and lighthearted as Wednesday night. Zulu Nation is keeping the old school new.

(A b-boy locks hands and take a spin under the lights)

Photography by Far Fetched Future

The post Zulu Nation Celebrates 38th Anniversary At Le Poisson Rouge appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.