Godfather of hip hop brings light of Zulu Nation to Harlem

by TALISE D. MOORERAmsterdam News Staff

Afrika BamBaataa purged more than a pinch of his time to visit the proving ground for VonFence Radio, co-owned and operated by Gary “Fence” Purdie and partner Vonya C. Williams. The reputed Godfather of Hip Hop and pioneer break-beat jock brought the “light” of the Universal Zulu Nation to the airwaves to promote its 34th anniversary, alongside the 33rd birthday of hip hop culture. In tribute, Bambaataa says festivities will be held November 8-11 in the Kennedy Center Ballroom (34 W. 134th Street).“The only true anniversary since day one,” according to Bambaataa, will pay homage to legends George Clinton, Sly and The Family Stone, and Dr. James Brown, as well as honor hip hop standouts: GrandMaster Flash, Lovebug, Starski and all the bricklayers who paved the way. Zulu “Family Night” will be held November 1-4 at the National Black Theatre in Harlem, where the whole family will enjoy classic DJ battles and a harvest of great MCs on top of their game. “When you look back, hip hop wasn’t about the money, but respect,” said Bambaataa when asked about the state of genre/culture. As Bambaataa and Zulu associates dropped science in the very room where WLIB radio got its start, they affirmed that battles back in the day were more about priceless, creative expression than today’s “smash, shoot and slash-your-wife-up stuff that you hear. You took responsibility for what you did and said and matters that needed to be addressed was between individuals, not some East Coast versus West Coast drama that seemed to be hype manufactured by the media,” Bambaataa and Company stated. Fence, who was excited about hosting the mid-week cipher on his station, said it was a blessing to have Bam honor the radio station with his presence. “It made me feel proud to know that I grew up listening to the sounds that this legend has created for all mankind,” stated Fence. “He helped change and save the lives of many African-American brothers and sisters, such as Russell Simmons, Puffy, Jay-Z and all the up-and-coming artists who look forward to becoming part of the hip hop culture.”Fence added, “Not only do I honor him, I am deeply appreciative of the fact that he took the time out to want to come to the radio station and bless it with his speech and presence.” (more)