Hurray for the Riff Raff is an Alternative singer out of New Orleans. It was formed by Alynda Lee Segarra, a Bronx-raised Puerto Rican runaway. Not too long ago, she released a music video for “Pa’lante”, a single from her album, entitled, “The Navigator”.
Hurray for the Riff Raff – “Pa’lante”
“Colonized, and hypnotized, be something. Sterilized, dehumanized, be something. Well take your pay and stay out the way, be something. Ah do your best but f*ck the rest, be something.”
The Kristian Mercado Figueroa-directed video begins on the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico.
Milagros (Mela Murder) walks over to the beach holding her child. She’s thinking of someone.
Hurray for the Riff Raff
The tropical scene transitions to New York City, where Manuel (Kareem Savinon), the father of the child, delivers warehouse goods.
While he hustles on the other side of the world, Milagros struggles to make ends meet. She serves food at the Sand and Sea Restaurant in Cayey Rey.
But she’s too far away to see Manuel working a second job packaging chicken parts. Also, he’s alone in his room, sad when he stares at a picture of their daughter.
Milagros and Manuel think about each other every day, even though they are worlds apart.
Hurray for the Riff Raff
One afternoon, Manuel decides to leave it all behind. He takes a flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico to see his family. Emotions flare as he drives a dusty pickup truck to their residence.
He knocks on the screen door and Milagros opens it. She’s holding a baby and her daughter Amethyst is standing by her side.
There is a brief break from the story, and a sample from Pedro Pietri’s “Puerto Rican Obituary” recording is heard.
Pedro Pietri – “Puerto Rican Obituary”
“Dead Puerto Ricans who never knew they were Puerto Ricans. Who never took a coffee break from the 10th commandment. To kill, kill, kill. The landlords of their cracked skulls. And communicate with their Latin souls. Juan, Miguel, Milagros, Olga, Manuel. From the nervous breakdown streets where the mice live like millionaires. And the people do not live at all.”
The story continues
Manuel makes the necessary adjustments to fit in. He finds a construction job making bricks.
But it’s hard to maintain what he once shared with Milagros because they had been separated for a while. Because of that disconnection, they argue and fuss a lot.
Eventually, Manuel is forced to leave the home because he and Milagros are no longer compatible.
Hurray for the Riff Raff
After dropping Amethyst home, he drives through the countryside of San Juan.
The aftermath of the hurricane is apparent. Also the devastation is similar to his wrecked relationship with Milagros.
In conclusion, “Pa’lante” is a timeless record perfumed with political undertones and evergreen content. Also, we recommend adding Hurray For The Riff Raff’s “The Navigator” album to your personal playlist.
“The Navigator”
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