Afrika Bambaataa Albums (10)
'Dark Matter Moving at the Speed of Light'
Release Date 9/28/2004
Tracks 18
Label Tommy Boy
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Dark Matter Moving at the Speed of Light is just as all-encompassing as you'd expect, best illustrated by the difference between the two choices for cover versions. The first to appear is "Metal," originally a sleek, cold electro-pop song recorded by Gary Numan (who also happens to provide a new vocal). And then there's "Soul Makossa," originally a slinking proto-disco classic by Manu Dibango. Unfortunately, the covers themselves typify the in-one-ear-and-out-the-other, if spirited, sound of the record. From a production standpoint, a listener could be easily tricked into thinking that this is a funky breaks record out of the U.K. Thankfully, everything else reeks positively of Bambaataa, from the infectious and inclusive energy to the sci-fi spirituality. Still, this is an example of an innovator sounding only slightly better than his legions of lesser followers. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
'Hydraulic Funk'
Release Date 10/24/2000
Tracks 12
Label Strictly Hype
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What The Critics Say
Few artists have been more influential on the current electronic music scene than the legendary Afrika Bambaataa, whose groundbreaking blending of Kraftwerk's "Trans-Europe Express" with hip-hop beats for Soulsonic Force's breakthrough hit, "Planet Rock," set the stage for countless genre-blending fusionists that followed. Now one of the nation's most in demand DJs, it seems appropriate that Bambaataa should mix the last United DJs of America disc of the 20th century. And what a mix it is, flowing seamlessly from Shiraz' maddeningly addictive "Cinder Blocks" into S*H*A*C*K's ultra-funky "Dish Cuts 2" and his own "Bambaataa's Theme" (which sounds like New Order covering Midnite Starr, or vice-versa) without missing a beat. Strange selections like DJ Boo's "Rock & Roll Part 2 (Raise the Roof)" and 12 Gauge's Dirty South romp "Dawg Call (Who Let the Dogs Out)" seem like head-scratchers at first, but make sense in the greater context of Bambaataa's eclectic mix. ~ Bret Love, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Something of a collection of various styles and genres crossed over by Bambaataa on his musical journeys. The album begins (and ends) with "World Destruction," a single originally cut in 1984 with John Lydon of Sex Pistols fame. Following the opening is "Shango Message," with a stunningly Parliament-esque hook, and an old favorite, "Zulu Groove." Before the album ends, Bambaataa shows off a little of his diversity with "Soca Fever," which as the title implies, involves some measure of soca within it (although there may not be all that much that survives by the time the dense overlaying beats are added). The main drawback of this album is that the liner notes are rather less than thorough. Despite this minor shortcoming, for a fan of Bambaataa, the album might not be that bad of a choice at all. For newcomers to his work, something a little more traditional might be in order -- Tommy Boy compilations, perhaps, for "Looking for the Perfect Beat" and "Planet Rock." ~ Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide
'Lost Generation'
Release Date 4/30/1996
Tracks 13
Label Hot Productions
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Beware (The Funk Is Everywhere)'
Release Date 1/1/1986
Tracks 9
Label Tommy Boy
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
A semi-remarkable album from Afrika Bambaataa, following up on the success of Planet Rock. This one has less full-fledged anthems, but what's here isn't bad at all. "Bambaataa's Theme" uses his trademark mix of electronic backings and heavier beats. "Tension" slows down and softens with female vocal leads. "Rock America" and the cover of MC5's "Kick out the Jams" are closer stylistically to Planet Rock, with added guitar riffs throughout. On side B, he moves into more straightforward old school rap and beat-laden grooves immersed completely in the funk tradition, including "Bionic Kats," a knockoff of "Atomic Dog." For Bambaataa fans, this album is certainly a worthwhile addition. For those wishing for a basic introduction or a more comprehensive look at the ridiculously wide breadth of Bambaataa's music, the Planet Rock album or Tommy Boy's greatest-hits compilation (Looking for the Perfect Beat) would probably be in order. ~ Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Thanks to Paul Winley, one of rap's earliest label entrepreneurs, countless DJs over the years have been influenced by one of the more seminal mix records ever released. Winley put it out, originally in 1983, on his eponymous label. The audio quality is primitive beyond belief -- the scratching sounds close to static -- but it shows Bambaataa and DJ Jazzy Jay in all their early glory, mixing beats by everyone from Grandmaster Flash to Yellow Magic Orchestra, periodically grabbing the mic to lead the crowd, and displaying just how they shepherded the sound of electro into old-school. If the audio-quality caveats aren't enough -- and it's so bad that Bambaataa reportedly left Winley's label for releasing it -- then add to it the fact that this is definitely a mix for the dancers. The beats are looped for minutes at a time on most tracks, and every A-side gets its B-side with an instrumental version. Its historical importance is priceless, but otherwise old-school fans might want to skip it. The original 20-minute "Death Mix Live" has appeared several times on LP and CD, sometimes with related tracks from Cosmic Force and Soul Sonic Force. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
