Los Rakas represent pan-American flows. Two cousins who grew up in Panama before spending their teens in Oakland, California, Raka Dun and Raka Rich put a distinctive “Panabay” twist on hip-hop and reggae, bridging the streetwise sounds of the places they’ve called home.
Drawing on Panamanian plena’s faithful approach to reggae classics and the Bay Area’s independent and idiosyncratic hip-hop scene, Los Rakas merge familiar dancehall melodies with a lyricism all their own.
The duo will be releasing an 8-song EP called “Chancletas Y Camisetas Bordada EP“, including production from international tropical bass producer Chief Boima, the Bay- Area’s Hawk Beatz, :::i.ameni:::The Beat Man and Los Angeles’ Party Animals.
“The EP is named first, for the ubiquitous flip flops which everybody wears in Panama. ﾑWithout them, your feet will be all tore upﾒ, says Raka Rich. Secondly, is the camiseta bordada ﾖ a white undershirt with the sleeve holes and neck hole embroidered with brightly colored yarn.ﾔ
Last year was a flagship year for Los Rakas, winning the 2010 Latin Alternative Music Conferenceﾒs (LAMC) Jack Danielﾒs ﾑDiscovery Artistﾒ prize in New York City (an award that goes to the most promising group at the conference and the first time awarded to an urban group), with endorsements from Gibson Guitar and SHURE; culminating with their breakout performance at The Bowery Ballroom with a 6 piece band.
They have also rocked alongside artists like Nas & Damien Marley, Lupe Fiasco, The Roots, Ghostface Killah, Outkast, Ice Cube, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, E40, and others. Los Rakas just stepped off the ﾑPlayback Tourﾒ in the Spring with reggae star, Collie Buddz, bringing their dynamic show and WOW-ing audiences across the entire country.
In preparation for the EP, we have the official video to “Ta Lista“, a SXSW showcase video to “Soy Raka” and a commercial for the EP.
Los Rakas – Ta Lista (Video)
Los Rakas – Soy Raka (SXSW Showcasing Artist) (Video)
Los Rakas – Promo Commercial For “Chancletas Y Camisetas Bordada” EP (Video)
Enjoy and look out for more Los Rakas info before the EP drops!
