More Than Music: Negros De La Raza Turn Afro-Latino Identity Into Movement
When Negros De La Raza came together, it wasn’t just a collaboration — it was a cultural declaration. The
When Negros De La Raza came together, it wasn’t just a collaboration — it was a cultural declaration. The new project from Sen Dog (Cypress Hill) and Kemo The Blaxican (ex-Delinquent Habits) turns lived experience into movement, grounding Latin hip-hop in its roots while driving it forward. Translating to “Blacks of the Race,” the name honors their Afro-Latino and Afro-Mexican heritage, channeling pride, resilience, and identity into every verse. “It’s about owning who we are and sparking conversation around pride, unity, life, and strength,” the duo explains.
Both artists helped define bilingual hip-hop long before it was widely recognized. Now, as Negros De La Raza, they’re reclaiming that foundation — not to revisit the past, but to reinvent it. Their chemistry feels sharpened by time, yet the sound is two creators still hungry to make something real. Their debut album, La Pura Neta (El Borracho y El Marijuano), arrives later this year, promising ten tracks that balance grit, struggle, and truth. It’s a body of work shaped by perspective and grounded in authenticity — proof that real artistry only grows stronger with time.
Their debut single, “Para Mi Gente,” carries that conviction with raw force. Produced by Chazz (Fiyastarta) Padilla, the track merges classic West Coast grit with cinematic Latin detail — an anthem for the people who keep pushing through. “This one’s for the people in the struggle,” Kemo says. “For everyone still standing tall.”
The Jorge Newman–directed video, executive produced by Mr. Tiger, expands that message visually, unfolding like a love letter to Los Angeles — its neighborhoods, its history, its endurance. Shot across the city, it celebrates Chicano & Latino identity through street-level storytelling of humble beginnings and vivid imagery of cultural richness, and community. “We wanted to honor where we come from while showing how our culture still stands strong,” is a reflection of the entire group. “This isn’t nostalgia — it’s evolution.” Follow @NegrosDeLaRaza across platforms as Sen Dog and Kemo The Blaxican build the next chapter of Latin hip-hop — united in culture, purpose, and voice.
“Para Mi Gente” hits with purpose — it’s not just a track, it feels like a rallying cry. What was burning inside you that made this the song you had to lead with?
- We wanted to speak directly to our people — our community. It’s about pride, struggle, and celebration all at once. The energy and message felt urgent; it’s a call to stand together and honor where we come from.
The name Negros De La Raza carries so much history and weight — it’s a statement of identity, of heritage, of pride. When you chose that name, what did you want it to say about who you are and what you stand for right now?
The name is a statement. It’s about identity, heritage, and claiming space in a world that often overlooks us. It says: we’re here, we’re proud, and we’re unapologetically ourselves.
You both helped shape bilingual hip-hop when the industry didn’t even have the language for it yet. Looking around at how far the culture has come — and where it’s still falling short — how do you see your place in today’s landscape?
- We’re proud to have helped open doors, but the work isn’t done. We’re here to bridge generations, showing that authenticity and culture still matter, while also supporting the new voices rising up.
There’s something powerful about two OGs linking back up, sharper than ever, with something real to say. How did your shared experience and perspective shape the creative chemistry this time around?
- We know each other’s story, struggles, and style. That trust and understanding make it easy to create without overthinking. It’s sharper, deeper, and more honest because it’s real life, not just bars.
“Para Mi Gente,” produced by Chazz (Fiyastarta) Padilla, sounds like the streets and the soul of the West Coast collided. What conversations and emotions drove the sound you wanted to capture on that record?
- We wanted it to feel like the streets and soul of the West Coast collided. It had to carry the weight of the culture but also have a celebratory energy — pride, resilience, and movement all in one.
The Jorge Newman–directed video plays like a love letter to Los Angeles — the people, the history, the grind, the pride. What did it mean for you to bring that vision to life visually, especially in a world that sometimes forgets where this culture comes from?
- It was about showing Los Angeles for what it really is — the people, the grind, the heart. Visuals matter, especially now, because a lot of the history and culture gets forgotten. This was our way to honor it authentically.
The message — unity, resilience, power through struggle — feels more urgent than ever. When you say “Para Mi Gente,” who are you speaking to in this moment, and what do you want them to feel?
- We’re speaking to la gente everywhere — those grinding, fighting, surviving. We want them to feel seen, inspired, and part of something bigger than themselves.
Your upcoming album La Pura Neta (El Borracho y El Marijuano) sounds like a return to truth in an era of noise. What kind of honesty are you bringing on this project that maybe only comes with time, pain, and lived experience?
- It’s real talk — about life, mistakes, victories, and lessons only time and experience teach you. There’s no fronting, just truth that connects on a human level.
Hip-hop is constantly evolving, but wisdom and authenticity never go out of style. How do you balance honoring your legacy while still pushing the culture forward for a generation that didn’t grow up in your era?
- We stay grounded in what we built but stay curious and open. Respect the roots, embrace evolution, and let the next generation know history matters while they innovate.
Before we wrap up — after everything you’ve both seen, built, and survived — what message do you want to leave with la gente right now, in the world we’re living in today?
- Keep moving, keep fighting, and never forget who you are. Stay united, stay proud, and keep your culture alive — even when the world tries to change the story.
Follow Negroes De La Raza
https://www.negrosdelaraza.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgvNXPjHLoaUTcJJ6970cmg
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556520443868
https://www.instagram.com/negrosdelaraza