Don't Stop Planet Rock
Afrika Bambaataa, the Godfather of Hip-hop, has worked with artists as soulful as James Brown, as pop friendly as Boy George, and as funky as Bootsy Collins. The Cosmic Force co-creator can look back on his illustrious career and say that he and his crew are responsible for influencing the fate of several sub-genres of music, including Miami and Atlanta bass, Latin freestyle, hip-hop, house, and early techno. 1982's "Planet Rock," featured on theDon't Stop Planet RockEP, is the ultimate party-rockin' record. The lyrics tell groove junkies about a utopia where socializing and getting down are the only requirements for residency. The words may go in one ear and out the other, but the beat knocks holes in the back of heads and it cannot be ignored. DJ Magic Mike's "Bass in the Planet Mix" funkily incorporates just what the title suggests, while the classic mix, more electronic in feel, embodies an overwhelming digital atmosphere.--Asondra R. Hunter