AFRIKA BAMBAATAA IN SF

Afrika Bambaataa

Afrika Bambaataa, whose name literally translates to "affectionate leader" is one of the three main originators of break-beat deejaying, and is respectfully known as the "Grandfather" and "Godfather" of hip-hop culture as well as the Father of the Electro Funk Sound. He was the first to coin the term "hip-hop," encompassing the elements of music, graffiti, dance and knowledge, thereby identifying hip-hop as a unique culture unto itself. After his 1982 hit sensation, Planet Rock, Bambaataa organized the first international Hip-Hop tour of B-Boys, Graffiti Artists, DJs and Emcees, providing the world with a glimpse of the cultural revolution called Hip-Hop. He has consistently made records nationally and internationally, and has helped to define the cutting edge of music throughout from rap, through electro, to house and electronic breaks.

Tom Thump first received acclaim by Djing clubs, house parties and raves in Los Angeles and San Francisco in the early 90's, becoming a resident at Metro Jazz, Mushroom Jazz, and Release. He has achieved a semi-cult for his underground jazz/hip-hop/jazzy house/ and atmosphere drum & bass mixes. He recently released Midnight Soul compilation on KinkySweet Records. An underground legend for his work with the Space Cowboys crew, Smoove has recently rocketed to the top of the Bay Area dance music scene after being voted #2 in Nitevibe's prestigious "Dreamteam" poll. DJ Ren "the Vinyl Archaeologist" has spent the past ten years educating and elevating the Bay Area hip-hop community through his True Skool productions and his sublime selections. Motion Potion has been called "the DJ for people who hate DJ's" for his unique attempts to merge every genre into an evening, a set, or a mashup. With recent performances at Giant Village, Bonnaroo, Vegoose, and Xingolati, this local dj seems to be going national.