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. Their eclectic backgrounds offered up diverse inspirations, including 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, has garnered the attention of critics and audiences alike.

Poised to break into the US market, the pair are set to release their debut EP, "Remember the Future" on independent Is That Jazz ? imprint Autumn 2011. Performing internationally with their band, "The Slackers", Backpack Jax are officially on the move.