Afrika Bambaataa (born Kevin Donovan; April 19, 1957) is an American DJ from the South Bronx, New York who was instrumental in the early development of hip hop throughout the 1980s.[1] Afrika Bambaataa is one of the three originators of break-beat deejaying,[2] and is respectfully known as the "Grandfather" and the Amen Ra of Universal Hip Hop Culture as well as the Father of The Electro Funk Sound. Through his co-opting of the street gang the Black Spades into the music and culture-oriented Universal Zulu Nation, he is responsible for spreading hip hop culture throughout the world.[3] On September 27, 2007, he was nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.[4]