The Song:
Los Rakas might be single-handedly moving the Latino hip-hop capital of the U.S. to the Bay Area. The Panamanian-American duo, comprised of cousins Raka Rich and Raka Dun (pronounced "Doon"), has been churning out a critically acclaimed fusion of hip-hop, dancehall, and folkloric-tinged bass since 2006. Armed with recognition from NPR for producing one of their favorite tracks of 2011 ("Vengo de Panama"), as well as their new single "Pimpin' Smokin' Dro," Los Rakas have their sights set on global hip-hop domination.
Taking their name from the Panamanian word "Rakataka," used to negatively describe someone from the ghetto, Los Rakas have set out to both inspire fellow "rakas" by becoming successful despite their circumstances, and also to turn the current Latino hip-hop world on its head. Past singles like "Mi Barrio," from their Panabay Twist mixtape, and "Soy Raka," which premiered on The FADER, blend the instantly recognizable slapping bass of Bay Area hip-hop with a distinctive Latin flavor that sets them apart from the pack. Most recently, DJ Tony Touch featured the group's ode to Cali Dro, "Hierba," on his Shade 45 show last week, and acclaimed DJ/Producer Diplo recently included Los Rakas in a special Mad Decent mix for Sirius XM series 'Blow Your Head'.
However, their first single of 2012 is a surprising break from Los Rakas' signature sound. On "Pimpin' Smokin' Dro," not only do they rhyme in English, but they also bring a rare mellowed-out, club vibe to the table. The single, with its high-strung twangs and trunk-rattling sub bass, is a celebration of The Golden State's unmatched quality of Mary Jane. And if their Bay Area allegiance was to ever be questioned, it's firmly validated by West Coast rap don E-40's guest feature on the track, where he clearly proclaims, "I'm from the Bay and I f**k with real motherf*****s like Los Rakas!"
Following "Pimpin' Smokin' Dro," which will be available as a loosie on iTunes on January 31st, is Los Rakas' upcoming project, Raka Love. The EP will showcase their foray into the world of R&B and will be released this Valentine's Day for free via their website, LosRakas.com. The "Panabay" duo will be releasing two videos from the Raka Love project starting on February 1st with "Enamorado de Ti," their popular refix of Lil Wayne's "How To Love" on the release date.
Listen to "Pimpin' Smokin' Dro" on their YouTube here: : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-FsbKc9E-I
And can be purchased here: : http://losrakas.bandcamp.com/track/pimpin-smokin-dro-ft-e-40
Over the next several months Los Rakas will tour the US and Mexico and will perform at SXSW in Austin this March. For more details about the tour, go to http://www.losrakas.com/events.
Upcoming tour dates:
Jan 21 - The Blank Club - San Jose, CA
Feb 3 - The Regency Ballroom (w/ Tribal Seeds) - San Francisco, CA
Mar 10 - Festival NRMAL - Monterrey, Mexico
Mar 13 - 15 - SXSW
Mar 31 - Trinity International Hip Hop Festival - Hartford, CT
Please contact Michelle or Dan if interested in talking with Los Rakas.
The
Background:
Los Rakas, the Bay Area via Panama duo that has taken the Latino hip-hop world by storm, are known for their fresh mix of hip-hop, plena, reggae and dancehall music with both Spanish and English lyricism. Cousins Raka Rich and Raka Dun (pronounced "Doon") have been steadily releasing remixes and mixtapes since 2006, but 2010 proved to be their breakout year. Along with being the first urban group to win Latin Alternative Music Conference's Discovery Artist prize, Los Rakas performed alongside Cypress Hill, Erykah Badu, and Manu Chao at Snoop Dogg's Smoke Out Festival in 2010 and were also spotlight artists of the SXSW Music Festival 2011, where they played the Vibe House and Virgin Mobile House. Even before the release of their 2011 debut EP, Chancletas y Camisetas Bordada, Los Rakas had received high praise from a variety of publications, ranging from XLR8R Magazine to The New York Times and even National Geographic. Currently, Los Rakas are preparing to release their next EP, Raka Love, which will be released with an accompanying music video series, and will be available for free download on Valentine's Day via LosRakas.com. Fans can also expect the Panabay Twist Vol. 3 and respective solo albums from Raka Rich & Raka Dun later this year.
|
Streams:
"Pimpin' Smokin' Dro":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-FsbKc9E-I
Bio, pictures, and streams available here:
http://www.audibletreats.com/download/los_rakas/
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/LOSRAKAS
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/LosRakas
Bandcamp:
http://losrakas.bandcamp.com/
Official Site:
http://losrakas.com/
|
