Every fall, new Bruins and seasoned seniors alike grab neon wristbands and head down to Drake Stadium for Bruin Bash, a back-to-school celebration featuring some of today’s most popular musical artists and bands. While last year’s concert was heavily dominated by the rap and hip-hop genre, this year’s line-up hopes to appease a wider range of tastes.
For a sample of what you can expect to see this weekend, check out the videos below, which highlight fan favorites of the three acts scheduled to appear:
Los Rakas
Los Rakas are adopted members of the Bruin family with past shows at UCLA’s first Music Jam back in May 2012 at Sunset Recreation Center, the 2011 Jazz Reggae Festival, and now Bruin Bash. Bringing some international flavor to the stage is the dynamic duo made up of Ricardo Bethancourt and Abdull DomÃnguez, also known by their performing names Raka Rich and Raka Dun. A tag team hailing from Panama but now residing in the golden state of California, Los Rakas blends hip-hop, plena, reggae and dancehall music with Spanish and English lyrics. The two cousins work together bridging the urban culture of Panama and Oakland, creating a “Panabay” sound. Last year they toured alongside reggae star Collie Buddz on the 2011 Playback tour.
Los Rakas: “Soy Raka”
“Soy Raka” encompasses who they are as a group with their statement, “I am Raka.” Their traditional influences will mix with modern B-boy attitude for a spicy performance. You, too, can rock a gold tooth.
Los Rakas feat. Faviola: “Abrazame”
“Abrazame” shows off Los Rakas’ soft side as they team up with Faviola for a romantic love song. The chorus translated simply states, “Hug me and I won’t let you go and kiss me and kiss me and kiss me.”
Ra Ra Riot
Ra Ra Riot is no stranger to performing on a college campus. The band formed in 2006, playing in and around Syracuse University, and quickly gained a following for its energetic live shows. The band, which includes vocalist Wes Miles, bassist Mathieu Santos, guitarist Milo Bonacci, violinist Rebecca Zeller and drummer Kenny Bernard, has played at the South by Southwest music festival and was nominated by the Independent Music Awards for its album, “The Orchard,” which featured songs mixed by Death Cab for Cutie’s Chris Walla and Vampire Weekend’s Rostam Batmanglij.
Ra Ra Riot: “Can You Tell”
“Can You Tell” is Ra Ra Riot’s most popular song on iTunes off its 2008 album “The Rhumb Line.” This American indie rock band will have you instagramming every moment of its vivacious performance.
Ra Ra Riot: “Boy”
“Boy” was used in a 2011 Honda Civic commercial and in the episode, “A History of Violins” on the TV show “Royal Pains.” The cello, violin, guitar string and drums all shine through in this quirky, pop-sounding song.
Chiddy Bang
Another group with origins in collegiate life is Chiddy Bang, an alternative hip-hop duo whose members connected during their freshman year at Drexel University. The bromance between Chidera “Chiddy” Anamege and Noah “Xaphoon Jones” Beresin created their hip-hop and alternative sound fusing samples from artists such as Ellie Goulding, Passion Pit, MGMT and Radiohead. As the headliner of the night, Chiddy Bang is sure to be a hit with its ability to incorporate multiple music genres, keeping everyone happy.
Chiddy Bang feat. Icona Pop: “Mind Your Manners”
“Mind Your Manners” is the first single off its debut studio album, “Breakfast” (2012), and features samples from Swedish pop band, Icona Pop. The single is also featured on the soundtrack for the EA Sports game “Madden NFL 12.”
Chiddy Bang: “Opposite of Adults”
“Opposite of Adults” is off its debut mixtape, “The Swelly Express,” and features a sample of MGMT’s song, “Kids.” This radio hit and viral sensation will have everyone singing along to how “this life is a party, I’m never growing up.” The youthful beat and fluid rhymes will give the audience all the fun of a mash-up without sacrificing witty, relatable lyrics.
The festivities take place Sept. 23 at 8 p.m., and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Wristbands were distributed Sunday morning starting at 10 a.m. at various locations including Hedrick Court, De Neve Plaza and Bruin Plaza.