Rakaa Taylor aka Iriscience

When you hear the name Rakaa Iriscience you immediately think of his brainchild Dilated Peoples, the über successful Hip Hop group he founded with fellow MC/ producer Evidence in the mid 90’s. What few people know is behind the countless number of records sold, sold out concerts around the world, and music collaborations that would make just about any artist jealous, Rakaa is more than just a rapper or MC. His passions run deep, stretching from visual arts, training Gracie Jiu Jitsu, to traveling the world with DJ Babu as Expansion Team Soundsystem, all in his spare time. He is also stealthily working on his solo effort Crown of Thorns slated for release in 2008. And this won’t be just another Hip Hop album.

Born Rakaa Taylor in Los Angeles, California, Rakaa’s earliest memories of Hip Hop came in the shape of “Rapper’s Delight,” “The Message,” “White Lines” and “Planet Rock.” However it wasn’t until he was a little older and heard Run DMC for the first time that he put it all together as part of a larger culture. “I was inspired by their raw energy” says Rakaa about Run DMC. The subject matters, the voices, the clothes, the beats, the flavr—it just felt right. It still does.

That discovery launched him into the throws of the culture. Rakaa took to the Los Angeles Graffiti art scene painting with the legendary graffiti crew C2D (ironically meeting his future partner in rap crime at L.A.’s famed Motor Yard), DJing with childhood friend DJ Rob One (R.I.P.), writing poetry and freestyling, and even a little bit of poppin’ and lockin’. He was the definition of a Hip Hop renaissance man soon joining the New York Hip Hop collective Rock Steady Crew as an MC. Helping in the initiation of their “L.A. Bomb Squad” chapter; he also helped starting the West Coast chapter of Rock Steady Crew, subsequently joining the Universal Zulu Nation. Teaming up with the pioneers of Hip Hop was like a dream come true. “It was like going to intern with the original architects of the game” says Rakaa recalling those early days. “It was like going to study with the best. And that’s how I wanted to do it.”

As Rakaa immersed himself deeper into the culture, a chance meeting at the Hip Hop Shop, a local record store he worked at, changed his destiny. He reunited with Evidence, a young up-and-coming MC/Graffiti Artist (and later, producer) from Venice, CA and their instant creative chemistry and brotherly connection moved them to jumpstart a group and inevitably a career together.
Not long after forming what would become Dilated Peoples, they signed what Rakaa refers to as an educational major record label deal. After experiencing a series of setbacks, including the shelving of what would've been their debut album, they quickly worked their way out of their quicksand of a deal; making the decision to leave their record behind in return for freedom and independence from the label.

Back on the grind, they soon teamed up with Bay Area independent label ABB Records to release the now classic 1997 Third Degree b/w Confidence and Global Dynamics,” catching the attention of Hip Hop fans everywhere. The success of the single sparked the next level of evolution for the group and with the addition of DJ Babu (of the World Famous Beat Junkies) to the fold a year later, the Dilated Peoples train has been unstoppable - taking them through four critically acclaimed albums, multiple worldwide tours and collaborations with Jurassic 5, The Roots, The Alkaholiks, Devin the Dude, Capleton and Kanye West, among others.

As if being a member of a thriving Hip Hop group wasn’t enough, Rakaa still finds time to pursue other ventures and passions. In the summer of 2004, Rakaa and DJ Babu joined forces to create Expansion Team Soundsystem, a classic yet progressive party rocking duo. They have taken their act overseas to Europe and the Pacific Rim and have even captured their dynamic synergy on CD in the form of the acclaimed “World on Wheels” mix CD series. Rakka is also highly in demand as a host. A variety of events ranging from The Hip Hop Chess Federation (that he is a sponsor and Board Member of) in San Francisco, CA to the Red Bull BC One 2007 (B-Boy World Championships) in Johannesburg, South Africa have already enlisted his services as Master Of Ceremonies, with Red Bull inviting him back to host this year’s BC One 2008 in Paris, France.

With so much going on professionally, Rakaa turned to Gracie Jiu Jitsu as a way to stay focused and disciplined. Studying with the actual Gracie family in Torrance, CA, he has diligently trained in the “Gentle Art” for over seven years. “Gracie Jiu Jitsu is not only the most effective single fighting art and basis for this recent Mixed Martial Arts explosion, but the Gracie family has also welcomed me in and always made me feel at home. It is great self defense, exercise, stress release and community energy.”

It’s been over 10 years since Rakaa helped to spark Dilated Peoples. Now, after a string of personal and professional hurdles, he prepares for the Spring 2009 release of his debut solo album, Crown of Thorns. Although the album is still “a work in progress that pushes the boundaries of the Dilated sound and the impression of Hip Hop music in general.” The Alchemist, Evidence, DJ Babu, and Da Beatminerz have already come on board to lend their talents to Crown of Thorns, with many more to be announced soon.

Whether it’s rocking a stage, writing insightful and provocative lyrics, in the boardroom, or dominating opponents on the mat, It’s clear that Rakaa seizes perfect opportunities to make his dreams come true, turning his passions into realities. He is a force to be reckoned with in any arena.