Southeast D.C.’s own Paco Panama is ushering in a new era of underground rap and shining a light on new talent, crowing himself as one the new kings of underground rap in the District. His alternative perspective on storytelling reflects his life experiences and hard work ethic. Through his trivial roots, he’s developed an ear for the community that helps him stand out. His transition from the trap life to a music career is a testament to his vision to see the world bigger than himself. 

Origins

Born to a Panamanian father in Southeast D.C., Paco was exposed to a broad worldview early on. His father became incarcerated when he was young, so his mother and aunt helped to raise him. Despite his father’s absence, they still created respect as he would write letters and hear stories about him. “I don’t blame my dad for not being there, but it was times when I was like, damn, I need you right now,” he said. There were questions only a father could answer, but he learned how to stay inspired. 

As an athlete in his youth, he focused on basketball, which he attributes to his perseverance. “Sports helped me get the discipline and competitiveness,” he stated. Continuing to say, “Hard work beats talent.” Another lesson he’s learned from his life experience is patience. 

That patience has paid off, as he has now been recognized by some of the DMV’s biggest names, including Brent Faiyez and Goldlink. While attending the Broccoli City Festival, he had the opportunity to link up with a few of them who now enjoy his music. Paco explained that ‘artists who have been in the game for a while still keep their ear to the streets and that he appreciates being acknowledged by them.’

Leaving the Trap Life Behind

While he began rapping in 2014, it wasn’t until 2020 that he decided to take music seriously. He dropped the album “1008 Grams” and was met with positive feedback. With a newfound freedom through music, he decided to expand his horizon past the typical ‘trap life’ he had grown accustomed to.  He now focuses on music that “gets people up, out, and doing something, getting some money, feeding their family.” As far as the storytelling, he says, “I’m just reporting what’s going on…this was happening before I was born.” In his music, you hear stories about how he turned to ‘trap life’ and why it’s a viable option for many disenfranchised people. 

Many of the people he grew up around chose the ‘trap life’ over getting a nine-to-five job. He cited many issues, such as the state of politics and the historical trauma of the ‘crack epidemic,’ as his reasons why his community is troubled. Growing up without a father isn’t exclusive to his household, as the war on drugs displaced many fathers from their families. It was in this clusterfuck that Paco Panama would learn how to survive while tempted to continue the cycle of a cursed generation.

His street-smart approach to music has garnered an organic fanbase whom he constantly feeds off his dropped ‘gems.’ They’re also very diverse, he cited. “I got skateboard fans…some of them are in college…the guy who did my documentary goes to Georgetown”. The film he’s referencing is ‘Dogs of DC, a TIRU film, which shares the story of Paco Panama (You can find it on Youtube). “I was just being me, and people gravitated to it,” he said. 

What’s Next?

‘The Matrix,’ his most recent album, was released in August. The “coded theme” is something his fans have anticipated. If you look closely, you can see the coded words on the album cover. The idea came from his fans, who call him “the one,” like ‘Neo’ in ‘The Matrix’ films.   

In addition, his catalog features the albums ‘The Wire Vol 1’, ‘1008 Grams’, and ‘The Dogfather.’ He also dropped the song ‘Bangin Hard’ with hot new artists KP Skywalker and Smoke Chapo. He took a two-week break after recording his last album stating, “I ain’t even wanna look at the studio…this shit makes you tired”. But, despite his need for rest, his fans are always looking for more. 

With a full plate of music, he is still hungry for more. His record label, Straight Drop Records, hosts upcoming artists ‘D Money’ and ‘Smoke Chapo’ who dropped ‘Phases of the Hill’ and ‘Over the Counter.’ Check out more from Paco Panama and the team on Instagram via @paco_panama.

(Story edited by Lafayette Barnes IV)