Los Rakas Review

 I first met Los Rakas, the Hip-Hop/Reggae/Reggaeton/Dancehall/Spanish music duo comprised of Panamanian cousins Raka Rich + Raka Dun, on the streets of San Francisco, CA in 2009. I was walking from a club late one night, and these girls came up with a Los Rakas promotional flier. I asked these girls, “Are they good?” The girls said, “Yes. They are so good and watch in a few years they’ll be even better.”  

Less than a minute later I saw these two beautiful young men trailing around the corner with fliers in their hands. I assumed, this was the Los Rakas that the girls were promoting. Both of the guys have gorgeous skin, hair, and a stylish taste in attire.  One is the color of delicious milk chocolate and the other is caramel candy complexion. They both exude radiance, especially when they smile. I knew that once a shook their hand and heard them speak, that their personality and passion was genuinely perfect. Even though I had never heard their music, the way they carried themselves made me want to buy a CD right away but it wasn’t out yet. But since our first encounter I have been a fan.

It’s 2012 now and it’s been three years since a met Los Rakas. I have seen them grow from boys to men. They started off as a duo underneath the radar, now they’re rising stars whom everyone is starting to take notice of.

From the instant they take the stage, it is obvious why Los Rakas are creating a buzz worthy name for themselves. They are changing the dynamics of the hiphop scene by fusing blends of reggaeton, reggae, dancehall, Spanish to their music within each and every set. Their energy is high and their lyrics are captivating. Their multi-dimensional music presence has allowed them to create and be a part of a league of their own which is appealing to everyone. Their Spanish and English infused lyrics give them an advantage, and opens up their consumer audience even more.

What I have personally observed is that though their status has changed, and they’ve become more popular…their personality and passion for their music and people have not change. They continue to represent Panama byway of Oakland, CA and are proud Black Latinos. They are continuously promoting positively energized vibes and music within each and every song they create.  Los Rakas is definitely a duo to listen to and keep watch on because they are headed beyond the stars.

Los Rakas Music site: http://www.losrakas.bandzoogle.com/fr_aboutus.cfm

Check out Los Rakas Music Videos here: http://www.youtube.com/user/LosRakasPanaBay 

 

 

Oblivion of The Seshen

The greatest thing about music is that you can create your own sound, and make it your own. You can transform it, revolutionize it, and change the world with your musical vibrations. For a few months, I’ve been obsessed with Bay- Area based band, The Seshen, and their self-titled album. They not only redefine gender roles, but their union ultimately defies assumed race relations, as their melodic tunes ultimately destroy the norms of intellectual awareness. They carefully compose verses and choruses to be sung over sweet compositions which their union creates. 

Their debut video “Oblivion” is an obvious interpretation of societal reform within the presence of today. The video is a blend of eye-catching illustrations, along with conscious lyrics that awaken the mind to a different perception. What makes the audiovisual very much so appealing is that, each of the 7 band members has their shining moment. There is no seclusion upon band mates; it is as if they consider themselves teammates whom work together to shape music into their view of perfection. 

Lalin St. Juste’s delicate vocals are the highlight of the song. She sings effortlessly, yet powerfully amongst heavy guitar strings, drums, and piano keys. Her voice is that of an unearthly being, such as an angel, who sings carols that advise people of what is to come.

Below is a their debut video, Oblivion. The band started a Kick-starter fundraiser in order to fund the video. The video is of high quality and sound. It really does capture and define the essence this group exudes.  It flawlessly encapsulates the song's pitch while enhancing another diverse creative coating to it.  I always have to play this video more than once and the beginning lyrics are always in my head…

“The first few words I cant get out of my head

“There will come a day
when the lullabies in your landslide
will begin to give way
to a darker place
Will you stay or will go into oblivion?”

Check it out for yourself.

The spirit of The Seshen is that of humbleness, gratitude, adoration, and rebellion. I expect them to continuously thirst for knowledge as they flourish and grow in wisdom. Their album is a sincere allegiance to all beings to be encouraged, acknowledge their higher selves,  and be happy for feeling. Their harmony comes with inimitable barefaced alarms going off through song. I enjoyed listening to their debut album, The Seshen, and look forward to the whole world knowing of this bands innate talent. Because their lyrics and melodies are historical artifacts hidden within songs sung by hidden stars ready to shine.