So between agonizing over how email limits productivity, meditating on getting older & The Internet Era and adjusting to living in San Juan, Puerto Rico since the end of September till December (thank the goddesses for SummerStage off-season perks!), it’s become apparent that an update from me is essential – mostly for my own sanity and to let you muthas know all the exciting stuff going on!
No idea is original, but the loveforce severely lacking in the world right now needs a fresh breath of bold new ideas. Which brings me to some of the things that have inspired me lately. I’ve been listening to a healthy stew of Bobby Valentin and far too much Kendrick Lamar and Cody ChesnuTT, ya bish!
Larry Mizell Jr – in my future dreamtown of Seattle – wrote this great column talking on a lot of the ideas I’ve been thinking about too: “See, there are artists—my favorite ones right now—seemingly fighting for their souls and sanity via their art because, as you know, shit is hectic.”
In light of the election charade parade and la madre tierra storming, SHIT *IS* HECTIC. And that (!!!), is why we do this.
As the established music industry (and world) continues to crash and burn, struggling to find answers, it is exciting to see when true partnership works: “The fact that the industry is so embracing of Kendrick’s rather highly developed artistry is encouraging.”
In this Billboard article about the Kendrick/Interscope deal, I encouraged everyone I work with to repeat after thee: “As long as you control your touring, publishing and your merch, you’re good.” Oh how oh how will it unfold? Nobody knows, but shit’s certainly exciting!!!
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LOS RAKAS is currently in Nebraska on the #DarkNStormy tour with Collie Buddz and New Kingston.
I just blogged about our adventures in Mexico and Atlanta (I HUNG OUT AT OUTKAST’S STUDIO Y’ALL #Bucketlist).
Raka Pitufo is the official Raka photog; Follow his work and go behind the Rakascenes!
Raka Rich & Raka Dun hit Chicago’s Lincoln Hall this Friday and weave across the midwest till mid-November. Before the end of the year, Los Rakas play with Ozomatli in San Francisco and debut together in Colombia. Check this video of Raka Rich’s first trip. I’m so excited to join the guys and reunite with the dudes from Freaky Friday! #RakasInColombia
Click the flyer for all the info!
Raka Dun’s “El Negrito Dun Dun” mixtape also drops in December; I heard some tracks in Atlanta and all I can say is, WOW! For a taste, grab the first single, “No Tan Listo“!! Estos manes ni aguantan!!!!
Finally, Raka Dun spoke to Telehit on this special about the Latin Alternative Music Conference (my past employer). LAMC has been an important stepping stone for the group, who won their “Discovery Artist” price in 2010.
They haven’t looked back since, which became apparent to me while updating Los Rakas’ bio recently which you can download here. Going to include some of it which lays out what is next for them:
“Los Rakas forthcoming release “Raka Party” will be out sometime in 2013, showcasing the group putting their “Raka” twist on the EDM world. The first single is an anthem for the women of Latin America entitled “Miss Latina.” The project includes production from Los Rakas longtime collaborator, Freddy Stylez aka Raka Stylo. Raka Rich & Raka Dun also worked on a dance-centric single with Diplo and Dutch producer The Flexican called “Desorden” which is set to see release on Mad Decent. The group is also working on their third mixtape, “Panabay Twist 3: De La Noche A La Mañana” as well as solo mixtapes.”
Los Rakas with Oro 11 y Erick Rincon (of 3BallMTY <#FUTUREROOTS alums>) in LA #DarkNStormy
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ZUZUKA PODEROSA‘s been in the kitchen working on “Carioca Bass EP” which hopes to see release by end of the year on Little Owl Recordings. It includes 2 original tracks and 6 remixes from #worldwild producers like Jubilee & Burt Fox, Nego Mozambique and Sonora – who you should remember from the Sonora Remezcla: Zuzuka Poderosa project.
Zuzuka just got back from rocking “Beast Research” in Boston on Halloween and Aboriginal Music Week with A Tribe Called Red – #FUTUREROOTS series alums who just were confirmed for 2013’s ‘GlobalFEST‘ – congrats guys!
Dip muthafucka: All photos from the show are here!
Zuzuka’s off to Europe in December, rocking in Berlin as part of the Worldtronics Festival and the Dave Nada-curated Moombahton Massive. Line-up is sick: The Very Best (UK), Schlachthofbronx (D), Zuzuka Poderosa & Jen Lasher (USA) and DJs Boyfriend (LIT) & Disgraceland (UK), Nadastrom & Sabo (USA)! It was cool to see Dave & Matt rock with Nadastrom at Lollapalooza this past August and see this baby come to fruition! More European dates are being worked on as we speak – crossing fingers for some really cool shows to pop off! #WheresMyCape
Meanwhile, I’m still banging Zuzuka’s mixtape by Kush Arora something serious. Lovely memories, as it was released this past year on my birthday. What a year! My favorite track is the Spoek Mathambo & Gnucci Banana tracks – can you say collaborations coming soon, anyone? #InterracialMusicBabies
“Rooted in bass-heavy baile funk, the tape bangs through global ghetto sounds, from bhangra to soca crunk. Plus, there are bunda-shaking appearances from Los Rakas, Spoek Mathambo, Sany Pitbull and many more. Carioca Bass is definitely what Poderosa calls an “interracial music baby.” What does that mean? That it’s time to learn Portuspanglish.” – RCRD LBL
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OUTERNATIONAL, having rocked 3 coast-to-coast and independently-booked tours in 2012 alone – have been taking some time to recalibrate. After releasing the Tom Morello-produced “Future Rock” EP and launching a brand new website, the group will release first video off the project – the song “Empty Lives” – which premiered with American Songwriter Magazine.
Between curating punk and jazz playlists on youtube and preparing for 2013, the guys will close out the year with some NYC shows – next show is November 29th at Knitting Factory Brooklyn.
The group also plays a Hurricane Sandy benefit this Friday at Webster Hall – Dr. Blum is a Native Staten Islander (like myself – where the Hurricane hit very hard.
Finally, in light of Veteran’s Day today, wanted to highlight their song, SIR NO SIR.
I don’t want to put words in anyone’s mouth, but I would say the band would probably include playing the song for Iraqi Veterans handing back their medals of honor at this year’s NO NATO summit as a 2012 highlight.
“Todos Somos Ilegales” Tour: Tour Diary 1 | Tour Diary 2 | Tour Diary 3 | Tour Diary 4
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“As the sun rises, the world becomes clearer and more defined. We watch the sun become redder and redder, finally turning into white light, bright sunshine. One would prefer to hold on to the dawn and sunrise, to keep the sun from rising completely, to hold on to the glowing promise. We would prefer to do this, but we cannot.” – The Myth of Freedom
