"Panamanian-American" Rap Duo
"Los Rakas" ft "E-40"
"Pimpin' Smokin' Dro"
Twitter: @LOSRAKAS
 "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".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 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 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 remix of Lil Wayne's "How To Love" on the release date.Upcoming tour dates:Jan 21 - The Blank Club - San Jose, CAFeb 3 - The Regency Ballroom (w/ Tribal Seeds) - San Francisco, CAMar 10 - Festival NRMAL - Monterrey, MexicoMar 13 - 15 - SXSWMar 31 - Trinity International Hip Hop Festival - Hartford, CT
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