No act embraces, encourages or embodies black culture in Austin more than Riders Against the Storm.
The Austin Chronicle wrote that “in a city struggling to overcome a history of institutionalized racism, they create spaces where black is beautiful, music is soul food and hip-hop saves lives.”
There’s probably no better song/video to convey how all of those joyful truths come together in music at an RAS show than “Booty Sweat.”
Don’t laugh.
An evening with RAS more closely resembles the music circle at a cultural and spiritual retreat than a typical Saturday night on 6th Street. Husband and wife hip-hop/neo-soul duo Chaka and Qi Dada (and their live band) always perform in bold African or African-inspired prints, enlighten the audience with cultural knowledge between songs, and create one of the few musical spaces in Austin where blackness isn’t an anomaly, but a treasure.
When they aren’t hosting their lively shows, Chaka and Qi throw free community dance parties, mentor in programs for kids of color, host potlucks and Kwanzaa celebrations, and have leveraged their success in the Austin music industry to launch their own RAS DAY festival “to cultivate community, inspire unity and encourage rejuvenation” featuring artists and performers of color, health-conscious food tastings and more.
Even the video for “Booty Sweat” spotlights a few beloved Austin murals and venues. RAS loves this town, and considering the work they put in, a little perspiration celebration seems well in order.
𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘:
“Hit the downward dog
Diving deep in the funk”