In the rock-crit world, a lot of people are credited with helping to change the face of music, but in the case of “Planet Rock” producer Arthur Baker, it’s not just hype.
“Planet Rock,” the classic 1982 single by rapper Afrika Bambaataa, in many ways altered the course of pop.
By appropriating an unforgettable hook by German electronic pioneers Kraftwerk, and setting it to a dance beat, it unquestionably paved the way for the hip-hop sampling and electronic dance culture of today.
“When we did the track, I knew we had something special,” says Baker, who will be guest deejaying at Luxx in Williamsburg tonight. “Because basically we were defining the moment . . .We were trying to make a global record that would work uptown and downtown.”
At Luxx, starting at 11, he plans to try out a lot of new material, but rest assured, it’s a safe bet that at some point tonight, he’ll spin the single that captured that moment in time when break dancing and hip-hop first streaked across the pop culture radar.
Luxx, 256 Grand Street, between Driggs Avenue and Roebling Street; (718) 599-1000; $10.