Hip Hop Legend Afrika Bambaataa Dies at 67

Influential musical artist Afrika Bambaataa died in on Thursday at the age of 67 after battling .

The Zulu Nation founder, whose real name was Lance Taylor, passed away due to complications from his cancer battle at around 3 a.m. local time, sources told TMZ. 

'Today, we acknowledge the transition of a foundational architect of Hip Hop culture, Afrika Bambaataa,' the Hip-Hop Alliance said in a statement on Instagram. 

The group, headed by Kurtis Blow, continued, '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.'

The group acknowledged legal issues the artist-producer encountered in his later years involving .

'At the same time, we and has been the subject of serious conversations within our community,' the group said. 

The Hip-Hop Alliance added, 'As an organization committed to truth, accountability, and the preservation of Hip Hop culture, we believe it is important to hold space for all voices while continuing to uplift what empowers and protects the people.'