Known for their charismatic style and mesmerizing rhythms, cousins Rico and Dun are bringing the “Panabay” twist to hip-hop and reggae as Los Rakas.
The two cousins who grew up in Panama before spending their teens in Oakland are diligently producing albums exhibiting their unique approach to Latino hip-hop.
With one listen, it is clear these cousins are “in it to win it,” as their music exemplifies their talent.
Raka Love, their latest EP which was appropriately released on Valentine’s Day, blends harmonies from Rico and smooth raps from Dun over melodic beats.
“It’s all about love and different relationships,” Dun told The Pioneer. “We gave out roses to our fans, and some of them gave roses and candy to us, too. We have the best fans. They always come out and support us.”
“Bordada”, on the other hand, is all about Panama. Laced with plenty of African drums, the EP definitely gives the listener a feel of what Panama is like for Los Rakas.
“On ‘Chancletas y Camisetas’ we were just having fun,” Dun said. “It had a lot of the slang we use in Panama, and it was a different sound for us.”
Dun and Rico combine their Panamanian and Bay Area roots in their music, staying true to their Latino origins and expressing their pride in their songs.
“We’re ambassadors of our culture,” expressed Dun. “We export the Bay Area and Panamanian culture to the world.”
Their previous mixtapes, “Panabay Twist 1 & 2,” are perfect examples of that. Mixed with some hip-hop and some reggae, Rico and Dun rap in “Spanglish,” giving listeners the best of both worlds.
“We want the Latin culture to see the Bay culture and we want the Bay to see our Panamanian culture,” Dun added. “Those cultures are special, especially when you put them together.”
Rico and Dun work hard in what they do. They are performing with their DJ Nima Fadavi in Mexico at Festival NRMAL, where they will be the only hip-hop artists among other international acts. They will also be at Paid Dues in April performing alongside other hip-hop heavy hitters like DJ Quik, Kendrick Lamar and the Wu Tang Clan, among others.
“I feel like our hard work had finally paid off once the DJs started supporting us,” said Dun. “You know, if the DJs don’t have your back, then you’re really not poppin’.”
Daddy Rolo, DJ Leydis and DJ Serg have been a few of Rico and Dun’s supporters.
“They are extremely versatile and talented,” said DJ Serg. “From hip-hop to reggaeton to dance-hall to house, in Spanish, in English, or a mix of the two, they do it all. They are the only group that I’ve been able to fit in all of my mixes whether it be Top 40, dance-hall, Lovers Rock, Latin or hip-hop.”
Rico and Dun have also recently worked with Bay Area legend E-40 on their song “Pimpin’ Smokin’ Dro.”
“It feels good to be working with legends like E-40 because we are from the Bay too,” related Dun. “We really admire all of the artists we work with and it feels good to be able to make music with them.”
Under the Ineffable Music Group along with Zion I, Collie Buddz, Nio Tha Gift and more, Los Rakas are far from done with their careers. They are currently working on Panabay Twist 3, along with other tracks from Nima Fadavi.
Ultimately, Dun and Rico want to give back to their community.
“We want to create youth centers all around the world because that’s where we come from. That’s what made us,” declared Dun. “Hopefully, we inspire a lot of artists to be original too.”
