Los Rakas
Photo credit Alex Hernandez
Live Performance @ The Roosevelt Hotel on Saturday, June 5 @ 10:00 PM
Los Rakas is comprised of cousins Raka Rich and Raka Dun, pioneering Panamanians by way of the Bay Area on the frontier of a new Latin urban sound. Known for their fresh mix of hip-hop, plena, reggae, and dancehall music; the Grammy-nominated duo represents the cutting edge of Pan-American flows.
Taking their name from the Panamanian word “Rakataka,” a negative slur used to describe someone from the ghetto, Los Rakas have set out to inspire fellow “Rakas” by empowering them to become successful despite their circumstances.
In 2012, Los Rakas released their EP, Raka Love, touring nationally and internationally. Their debut album on Universal Music Latino, El Negrito Dun Dun y Ricardo, released in 2014. In 2016, Los Rakas released their self-titled, second album earning them a Grammy nomination for “Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album”. Their 2019 album Manes De Negocio is best described by Remezcla as a “socially conscious trap soiree”.
As KQED states, Los Rakas are “positioning themselves as the heirs of pioneering Black Panamanian reggaetoneros such as El General and Renato.” Los Rakas are turning the current Latin hip-hop world on its head.
Socials: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Videos:
“Devorame” ft. Amara La Negra
“Me Enamoro” ft. Stylo
Press Quotes:
“As their music switched among hip-hop, reggaetón, and dancehall beats, their fast rhymes proclaimed solidarity across the hemisphere,” - NY Times
“In a sea of mediocre reggaeton/rap artists who regurgitate lines over cheesy beats, Los Rakas are a glimmer of hope, proof that Latin rap can be sexy, funny, smart and deep.” – NPR
“This Oakland, Calif., duo — rapping cousins Raka Rich and Raka Dun — prove that some of the most exciting dance music on the planet is still coursing through the Afro-Latin diaspora.” - The Washington Post
“Los Rakas remind listeners of the Afro-Latinx roots of the urbano genre currently taking over the airwaves, positioning themselves as the heirs of pioneering Black Panamanian reggaetoneros such as El General and Renato.” - KQED.org
Music:
Spotify link to their new album Manes De Negocio
