LOS RAKAS
“This Oakland, California, 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.”
— Washington Post
BIO
Grammy-nominated duo Los Rakas represents the cutting edge of Pan-American flows. Known for their fresh mix of hip-hop, plena, reggae and dancehall music, Los Rakas, are leaders of the Latino Urban Sound. Formed by cousins Raka Rich and Raka Dun, Los Rakas are breaking boundaries by integrating different genres of music, and in 2015 their pioneering made them the first Spanish speaking artists to Perform at Coachella, breaking down the doors for performers like JBalvin, and Bad Bunny to name a few.
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 2016 Los Rakas we’re invited to the White House to be musical guests at the first Brioxy White House Summit for Innovators of Color. The Summit convened 100 leaders of color in their twenties and thirties, who spent the day discussing national issues like Black Lives Matter, immigration policy, and food equity.
Their self-titled album in 2017, Los Rakas earned them a Grammy nomination for “Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album,” and their 2019 album Manes De Negocio is best described by Remezcla as a “socially conscious trap soiree.” The New York Times has called Los Rakas rhymes a “proclaiming solidarity across the hemisphere,”reinforcing that the duo are not only conscious but know how to get people on their feet. Los Rakas has performed with artists like Dave Chappelle, Snoop Dogg, Berner, JBalvin, Kehlani, Zion & LennoxCypress Hill, E40, Ice Cube, Kali Uchis, Shaggy, and Nina Sky to name a few. They have also collaborated with artists such as Blondie, Amara La Negra, Carmack, Kafu Banton, Kat Dahlia, D-Smoke, Goapele, P-Lo and in 2022 their hit single Uno2Tres will be featured in the FIFA 22 soundtrack.