R.A.C.L.A.

R.A.C.L.A. (an abbreviation of Rime Alese Care Lovesc Adânc - Handpicked Rhymes with a Deeper Meaning) is a Romanian hip hop group, founded in 1993 in Bucharest. Initially consisting of brothers Călin "Rimaru" Ionescu and Daniel "Clonatu'" Ionescu, the group released the first Romanian hip hop album in 1995 on Kromm Studio, an independent record label. One of first and most critically acclaimed hip hop acts in Romania, it has been through numerous personnel changes after Clonatu's departure from the group in 1998, with Rimaru remaining the sole constant member throughout the years.^[1][2] Originally known among its fans as a hardcore and political rap group, they would later gain a larger fan base in their native Romania following their collaboration with pop singer Anda Adam in 1999.^[3] In the mid and late 1990s, R.A.C.L.A. also gained notoriety for their involvement in a violent conflict with gangsta rap group B.U.G. Mafia and some of their affiliates at the time, such as La Familia and Il-Egal. The dispute initially produced a number of diss tracks from both sides and would later lead to physical altercations between members of the groups.^[4] While never officially announcing their hiatus, the group became largely inactive for a number of years following the release of their fifth album in 2005 and group member Connect-R's departure in 2006. Rimaru made a number of infrequent appearances as a solo artist and, as of 2014, has returned to performing under the group name, while also recruiting DJ GreWu and rappers EyeKon and, later TKE, as touring members of R.A.C.L.A.^[5]

Discography

Studio albums

• Rap-Sodia Efectului Defectului, 1995 ("A Rap-sody for the Shortcoming's Consequence")
• Cei care te calcă pe cap, 1997 ("They Who Will Step on Your Head")
• Rime de bine, 1998 ("Well-Meaning Rhymes")
• Plus infinit, 2000 ("Infinity Plus One")
• DEXteritate, 2005 ("DEXterity")
• Raport Major, 2016 ("Major Report")

Unreleased Albums

• Incursiune în real, 1996 ("Reality Check")
• ElectroShok, 2004

Extended Plays

• Pătratul roşu, 2001 ("Red Square")

References