Al Green & Lauryn Hill’s lovechild, Backpack Jax are an international Hip Hop group based in France. Children of political refugees, Boogie Monsta (Iraqi Frenchman) & Mauikai (Cuban American) are 80’s babies from opposite sides of the planet who were born & bred on golden era Hip Hop music like A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Busta Rhymes and The Fugees, and cite numerous diverse inspirations, that include some of music’s greats like Stevie Wonder and Jazz legends Miles Davis and Nina Simone.

Joining forces in Western France, this multi-cultural duo first set things off in 2009. Their love of cinema and performance found them marrying the two elements on stage, in the same way they’d married the analog and digital universes in their recording process. Gracing stages throughout Europe and the US, their unique blend of soulful Hip Hop and melodically driven jazz, garnered the attention of critics and audiences alike.

Playing to a sold out crowd at the 33rd edition of the Trans Musicales de Rennes Festival at La Cité, selected for the 2012 edition of Printemps de Bourges Festival and two unforgettable performances by the pair at award-winning artists, Hocus Pocus’ Carte Blanche for the inauguration of La Fabrique at Stereolux (France), Backpack Jax, who released their debut EP, “Remember the Future”, October 4th, 2011 on indie imprint, Is That Jazz ? Records / Believe Digital, are bringing their fan base, old and new, an original experience, overflowing with energy & above all, sincerity for music lovers of all ages & social walks of life. Accompanied by their 4 piece band, The Slackers, (drums, bass, guitar & a DJ), Backpack Jax’s dynamic energy and hypnotic music has captivated the attention of Eric Bellamy at Yuma Productions, who has signed the blushing artists to an exclusive contract and is currently preparing their freshman European tour for mid-2012.