Looking for the Perfect Beat: 1980–1985 cover

Looking for the Perfect Beat: 1980–1985

Afrika Bambaataa · 2001

71 min · 12 tracks · hip-hop · rapping · electro

A vibrant collage of hip-hop rhythms and electro beats that paved the way for future urban music.

Looking for the Perfect Beat: 1980–1985 is an album by Afrika Bambaataa, released in 2001. A vibrant collage of hip-hop rhythms and electro beats that paved the way for future urban music. 'Looking for the Perfect Beat: 1980–1985' is significant for its role in documenting the evolution of hip-hop and electro, showcasing tracks that influenced countless artists across genres. The album's release contributed to Bambaataa's legacy, reinforcing his status as a key architect of hip-hop and serving as an essential reference point for the burgeoning electro movement. It has received positive critical acclaim, further solidifying Bambaataa's reputation within music history. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Looking for the Perfect Beat: 1980–1985 sound like?

A vibrant collage of hip-hop rhythms and electro beats that paved the way for future urban music. Rooted in hip-hop and rapping.

What makes Looking for the Perfect Beat: 1980–1985 by Afrika Bambaataa notable?

'Looking for the Perfect Beat: 1980–1985' is significant for its role in documenting the evolution of hip-hop and electro, showcasing tracks that influenced countless artists across genres. The album's release contributed to Bambaataa's legacy, reinforcing his status as a key architect of hip-hop and serving as an essential reference point for the burgeoning electro movement. It has received positive critical acclaim, further solidifying Bambaataa's reputation within music history. By the release of 'Looking for the Perfect Beat: 1980–1985' in 2001, Afrika Bambaataa had already established himself as a foundational figure in hip-hop culture, particularly with hits like 'Planet Rock' in 1986. This compilation serves as a retrospective of his groundbreaking work during the early 1980s, highlighting his influence on both hip-hop and electronic music. It marked a period when Bambaataa was transitioning from a pioneering artist to an ambassador of hip-hop globally.

How many songs are on Looking for the Perfect Beat: 1980–1985?

Looking for the Perfect Beat: 1980–1985 has 12 tracks, running approximately 71 minutes.

Tracklist

12 tracks·71:44

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Zulu Nation Throwdown Standout 7:06
  • 2 Zulu Nation Throwdown Standout 6:07
  • 3 Jazzy Sensation (Bronx version) 9:43
  • 4 Planet Rock Standout 6:22
  • 5 Looking for the Perfect Beat 6:58
  • 6 Renegades of Funk Standout 6:45
  • 7 Frantic Situation (vocal) 5:00
  • 8 Unity, Part 1 (The Third Coming) 3:24
  • 9 Who Do You Think You’re Funkin’ With? (hip hop mix) 4:54
  • 10 What Time Is It? (live) 8:55
  • 11 Funk You! 5:43
  • 12 [unknown] 0:41

Release Date

March 20, 2001

Genre

electro, hip-hop, rapping

More albums in electro

Artist Origin

United States

Runtime

71 min 44 sec