Music
Some essential facts about the Batalla de los Gallos freestyler after his awesome 24 hour challenge.
He's been rapping since he was a kid. Now, at only 22-years-old, Arkano is known all over the globe after rapping non-stop for 24 hours – a new world record.
Here are five things we've learned about Arkano.
1. He believes in perseverance
Arkano has always had very clear ideas, and he doesn't stop until he achieves his goals. In fact, at the tender age of 14 he first tried to take part in Red Bull Batalla de los Gallos, but he wasn't allowed to enter because he was too young. He had to wait a whole year, and then aged just 15 he won the national competition – although being so young he wasn't admitted to the after party. Last year he won both the national and international finals become undisputed Red Bull Batalla de los Gallos champion.
2. He’s just an average joe
Once he leaves the stage, Arkano is a regular guy. He studies computer science at university in Alicante, Spain – something other 'gallos' have dissed him for. But, yes, you can be a good student and also one of the best rappers in the world.
At university, Arkano is known as Guillermo Rodríguez Godínez. The Arkano name comes from his mother's, who used the name Arkana on her first internet account. So he became Arkanito (little Arkano). Later the rapper realized that Arkano was the perfect stage name.
3. Everybody needs good friends
When Arkano was rapping 24 hours non-stop, we learned how many people he loves. In the past few years he's collected hundreds of friends. He considers everyone a friend, even his most bitter rivals in the rap scene.
Many of these friends travelled to Madrid's Puerta del Sol to motivate him during the record attempt, and all of them said the same about him: Arkano is just a great guy. Elyas 360, Kapo 013, Misionero, El Langui, Mbaka, Lorena Castell, BTA, Desee, DJ Verse, DJ Lex, Turi, Moya DJ, Chuty, Mr. Estrimo, Eude, and many more were there to support Arkano during this adventure.
Some bitter rivals also sent him friendly video messages, including Dtoke, Aczino, Danger and Dominic, as well as Red Bull athletes, Mike 'Hucker' Clark and Viki Gómez, and friends Jorge Cremades and Joaquín Castellano.
4. Diversity is key
Arkano is a freestyler. He isn't just one of the best rappers in the world, he's also very versatile. The Spaniard enjoys all kind of music and tries to learn from everybody and everything. His favourite records include Solo los Solos' Todo el Mundo lo Sabe, Pink Floyd's The Dark Side Of The Moon, Tote King's Un Tipo Cualquiera, Love of Lesbian's El Poeta Halley and Elphomega's El Testimonio Libra.
Artists, scientists and thinkers who have done things differently inspire Arkano. Innovators who did it their way. "They took everything and turned it around", says Arkano. "People like Andy Warhol, Nietzsche, Miguel Noguera, Salvador Dalí…"
5. He takes commitment seriously
Arkano might be a rapper, but he takes things seriously. He fights for a better world and has very clear ideas about politics. He invited Spain Prime Miniters, Mariano Rajoy, to his 24 hour challenge, but without much luck. This young artist does not believe in monarchy and holds strong republican ideals. He's also convinced that citizens' voices must be heard.
During the 24 hour record-breaking attempt, he showed his opposition to gender-based violence, as well as praising immigrants and refugees "who dream of a world without borders because, above all, we are just human beings."
The Red Bull Batalla De Los Gallos World Final 2016 takes place in Lima, Peru, on November 12. Click here for more information.
Arkano is on Facebook.
Want to discover a world of new music? Like our Facebook page.
Follow us on Instagram for the best in live music.