You know Los Rakas has a way of making you want to grind. Not like dirty nasty grind, perreo style. More like fiercely get down, popping and locking and shit. Hardcore shoulder bounce and gangsta lean (or maybe that’s just me). With “Soy Raka,” the Oakland via Panama duo introduced us to turfing and all its wonders. But with their new single, “Abrazame” (FREE MP3 below!)–a reworking of reggae artist Gyptian’s “Huld Yuh”–the guys have let go of the thug swag for a minute and opted for sweet and slow. The product: probably their best track to date. With a lending hand from New York’s DJ Uproot Andy, DunDun and Riko AKA Filthy Rich have crafted a love letter of a song, a lament of all things love related. One part R&B, another rap, with some of Gyptian’s dancehall sprinkled on the surface, this track is all parts pretty damn perfect.
Gyptian’s original version can probably be heard booming from any SUV in the continental U.S. and Rakas’ “Abrazame” video will premiere in the next coming months. And if you’re in New York for the LAMC, catch the raka taka boys at LAMC Showcase and at the official after party.
Download “Abrazame” fo’ FREE below and watch the “Soy Raka” video to practice your best turf face.