The notorious Black Spades (precursors to Hip Hop) was once the largest and most feared gang in New York City. Hailing from the Bronx, the Spades had as their warlord, Hip Hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa. Black Spades later became the Zulu Nation in the late 1970s, and then the Universal Zulu Nation, in the 1980s. Times were also changing, and block dance parties and clubs were becoming more popular. The beginnings of Hip hop culture began to form in these dance venues, and as gang members and former gang members started getting involved in more Hip Hop activities, involvement in the gangs declined. Davey D caught up with many of the members including original leader Bam Bam who gave Bambaataa his name.