Ratking Tickets

Hailing from New York City, Ratking are a three-piece underground rap group that ooze originality. Their sound is urgent, frantic and grimy - much like the city streets that have helped to shape them. Formed in 2011, they have already gained a fearsome reputation for their exciting live performances - and now you can catch them in the UK. Ratking tickets are available for their Manchester show here at Gigantic. Comprising of two MCs - Wiki AKA Patrick Morales and Hak AKA Hakeem Lewis - and producer Sporting Life AKA Eric Adiele, they used the power of the internet to help create a buzz and then the energy of the stage to reinforce and grow their fan base. Free downloads also garnered the attention of record companies, with XL Recordings signing the trio in 2012. Their début EP Wiki93 received deserved attention from press and public alike. Last year’s full length album So It Goes was the next stage in their evolution, solid proof that they are more than just ideas and youthful exuberance and rather the ideal antidote to the smoothed-out solo rap artists who have seemingly become the norm. In many ways Ratking are like the hip-hop groups of old - devoid of commercialism, featuring a sharp, anti-authoritarian edge while still being able to inspire a crowd at a Ratking concert to do more than just nod their head to the beat. Speaking to the Guardian, Wiki said, “We’re a rap group but we want to be part of the culture of punk; people coming to know songs live before they hear them on record, so they can really wile out!” Ratking’s tour dates in the UK only comprise of one show, so demand to see them in action will certainly be high. To ensure that you’re there at the Manchester Deaf Institute in August, don’t delay and pick up your Ratking tickets now at Gigantic.