Pow Wow of The Soul Sonic Force has Passed Away

Pow Wow of the Soul Sonic Force has unfortunately passed away at the age of 64. Born Robert Darrell Allen, Pow Wow got his start as a breakdancer in Hip-Hop’s early days, just like many first generation emcees have. He would soon go on to join Afrika Bambaataa, Mr. Biggs, The G.L.O.B.E., and DJ Jazzy Jay in the Soul Sonic Force. The group, operating as a part of Zulu Nation, not only greatly influenced the soundscape of Hip-Hop culture, but has also paved the way for movements such as electro-funk and Miami bass. Pow Wow heavily contributed to the production of “Planet Rock,” the revolutionary classic, released in 1982. Among the group’s other notable releases are “Looking For The Perfect Beat,” and “Renegades of Funk,” which is one of the earliest politically oriented, conscious tracks in Hip-Hop.

Pow Wow’s contributions helped shape Hip-Hop music as we know it.

May he rest in peace.