Ras Kass

Last updated

Ras Kass
Ras Kass.jpg
Ras Kass in 2017
Background information
Also known as
  • The Waterproof Emcee
  • Razzy
Born (1973-09-26) September 26, 1973 (age 50) [1]
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Origin Carson, California, U.S.
Genres Hip hop
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • record producer
Years active1991–present
Labels
Member of The HRSMN
Website www.raskass.bandcamp.com

John R. Austin II (born September 26, 1973), [1] better known by his stage name Ras Kass, is an American rapper. He is a member of the hip hop supergroup The HRSMN, along with Canibus, Killah Priest, and Kurupt in 2014. [2] He is also a member of the group Golden State Warriors with Xzibit and Saafir. About.com ranked him No. 30 on their list of the Top 50 MCs of Our Time (1987–2007), [3] while Pitchfork Media called him "one of the best rappers of all time". [4]

Contents

Biography

Austin was born on September 26, 1973 [5] and grew up in Carson, California. In 1996, he and R&B and soul singer-songwriter Teedra Moses had twin sons, Ras and Taj, both of whom are founding members of the rap group Coast Contra. [6] [7] BMF Entertainment artist Barima "Bleu DaVinci" McKnight is Austin's cousin. [8]

Early career

Ras Kass took his stage name from the legendary Ethiopian Emperor Yohannes IV whose name was Ras Kassa Mircha before he was crowned as an emperor. In 1991, he made his debut appearance on the single "Trick or Treat" by Wild West Corral alongside B.O.X., Ganjah K, Torche and produced by DJ Battlecat. [9] Ras Kass sent waves through the hip-hop world with his debut independent single release "Remain Anonymous," earning him a Hip-Hop Quotable in The Source Magazine. Before his signing with Priority/EMI Records, Ras Kass began making guest appearances on several records and freestyles on numerous radio shows, further solidified the emerging lyricist's notoriety. Recorded guest appearances include Sway & King Tech's "Come Widdit" (feat. Ras Kass, Ahamad and Saafir) (Priority Records) and their "Wake Up Show Anthem '94" (feat. Ras Kass, Nas, Lauryn Hill, Chino XL, Organized Konfusion and Saafir), as well as Chino XL's "Riiiot" (American Recordings), and KeyKool and Rhettmatic's "E=MC5" (feat. Ras Kass, LMNO, and Meen Green) Up Above Records.

Soul on Ice and Rasassination

From a young age, Austin was influenced by hip hop music and inspired by a variety of emcees including Ice Cube, Rakim, Scarface, and KRS-One. His first album, Soul on Ice , was released in 1996. Taking its name from a book by Eldridge Cleaver, Ras addressed racial relations in the same manner, most notably with "Ordo Abchao" and "Nature of the Threat." The album was released on Priority Records, as was the follow-up, Rasassination , which featured beats from Easy Mo Bee and guest appearances by RZA, Twista, Xzibit, Mack 10 and Dr. Dre. Lead single "Ghetto Fabulous" featured Dre and Mack 10 and was pushed by a lavish video shoot. The album received generally positive reviews, [10] and shortly afterward the MC announced his third album, Van Gogh.

Priority issues, Van Gogh and Goldyn Chyld

During the recording of Ras's intended third album, Van Gogh, Priority Records merged with Capitol Records, which acquired the emcee's contract and his material. [11] Initially near completion, the album was heavily bootlegged before any single or promotion could be prepared. In fact, the would-be single "Van Gogh" was even played on an episode of The Sopranos. Ras went back to work overhauling the project, procuring tracks from DJ Premier, Hi-Tek, and Dr. Dre and retaining songs from Rockwilder and Battlecat. Tensions arose during the re-recording, from budget restrictions to lack of promotion: Despite the fact that "Van Gogh" remained shelved the album's singles "Back It Up" and "Goldyn Chyld" received a decent number of spins on Los Angeles urban contemporary radio stations KKBT (The Beat) and KPWR (Power 106) during the course of 2001–02.

I would always tell Priority executives, "You give me a road kill cow and pair of scissors but you expect a pair of Air Jordans. It's not fair." Ironically, I would still somehow manage to make a couple pairs.

— Ras Kass

Ras Kass was also involved in The HRSMN, sometimes called the 4 Hrsmn, consisting of himself, Kurupt (of Tha Dogg Pound), Killah Priest, and Canibus. The Horsemen Project , a white-label of rough tracks by the four, was released in 2003, but no other releases have been subsequently forthcoming. Finally, nearing the completion of his album, the MC and Priority disagreed over the lead single. Originally pushing "Goldyn Chyld," produced by DJ Premier, Priority executives decided to try to release the Dr. Dre-produced "The Whoop" instead, against the wishes of both Ras Kass and Dr. Dre. As he was finishing up Goldyn Chyld, Kass was pulled over in California and arrested for a D.U.I., marking his third; though sentenced to jail time, he was given an extension. Two weeks before the start of his sentence, Priority informed him of their decision not to put out Goldyn Chyld after all. Becoming a fugitive, Ras attained the masters to his project, recorded some music, and finally turned himself in to police. [12] During this time, he also had minor problems with producer the Alchemist, who sold Ras a beat that he later re-sold to rapper Jadakiss, which ultimately formed the basis for the track "We Gonna Make It". [13]

Incarceration, Institutionalized I and II, Priority release

After serving only 19 months for his D.U.I. charge, Ras Kass recorded the album Institutionalized and began seeking release from his contract with Priority/Capitol Records. Though intended to be an album, it was released as a mixtape, [14] generating a moderate buzz [15] [16] despite Capitol's alleged reluctance. [16] He would go on to release two more mixtapes in 2006, Revenge of the Spit and Eat or Die, and got into a fight with former G-Unit rapper The Game over an alleged reference to the rapper's son in a freestyle. [17] In October 2007, Kass finally succeeded in being released from his record contract. [11] However, after rumors of a deal with Def Jam or G-Unit Records, [18] he was again incarcerated, this time for violating his parole by flying to the 2007 BET Awards. During this time, he put out the album Institutionalized Volume 2 on Babygrande Records. After nearly two years of incarceration, Ras Kass was released from jail at the end of May 2009. [19]

Ras Kass talks about his arrest and incarceration in the 2011 film Rhyme and Punishment, which documents rap artists who have spent time behind bars.

The Quarterly

Featured in HipHopDX's Underground Report, Ras Kass revealed that his next release would be a project called The Quarterly . Originally intended to be completed within the fourth quarter of 2009, it comprises a song a week released in the fashion of fellow west coast emcee Crooked I's Hip-Hop Weekly and Freeway's Month of Madness. [20] "The Quarterly" was released on November 23, 2009, via www.raskass-central.com and includes nineteen tracks featuring collaborations by Killah Priest, Mistah F.A.B. and Krondon of Strong Arm Steady, with production from Pete Rock, Veterano, and others. [21]

A.D.I.D.A.S. Kickstarter project and Save The Ras Kass

Flyer with the South African dates of the Ras Kass A.D.I.D.A.S. album tour, 2011 Ras Kass-ADIDAS tour.jpg
Flyer with the South African dates of the Ras Kass A.D.I.D.A.S. album tour, 2011

In early 2010 Ras Kass launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the manufacture of 1,000 CDs and 500 records for his A.D.I.D.A.S. (All Day I Dream About Spittin) project and a viral marketing campaign called "Save The Ras Kass", which included a series of satirical web episodes about the plight of the endangered emcee. [22] In an interview with MTV UK writer Han O'Connor he explained his decision to use Kickstarter, stating "we started trying different angles at solving old problems. Kickstarter was the natural evolution of trying creative new business models. When we put out The Quarterly there were people that said, ‘well how come you didn’t create a CD for this?’ and I'm like ‘well if I have to spend that $5000 and you want one, I appreciate it but there’s the small problem that I spent $5000.’" [23] His webisodes document the downfall of an emcee, as he explained, "You just see this downward spiral; it’s just that fall from grace and I’m kind of making fun of that and using me as the vehicle for it." [23] Finally, Ras Kass exceeded the $3,800 needed for the record in less than five days, [24] with the project being released as a limited edition double CD and LP on July 20, 2011. [25]

Barmageddon

In November 2012 Ras Kass stated that he had changed the name of his upcoming LP from P.U.M.A. (Pushin Underground Music Always) to Barmageddon. It was released on February 12, 2013. [26] Barmageddon includes features from Kendrick Lamar, MK Asante, Bishop Lamont, Ice-T, Too Short, and Talib Kweli.

Soul on Ice 2

During an interview with Sway Calloway, Ras Kass announced that he is working on a sequel to his debut album Soul on Ice , called Soul on Ice 2. The album was released in September 2019. [27]

Political Contributions

On July 28, 2020, Ras Kass teamed up with DJ Free Leonard to advocate for the release of Political Prisoner Leonard Peltier, by dropping the single "Freedom", that world premiered on the DJ Kay Slay "Straight Stuntin" Show on XM Sirius Shade 45 Radio. [28]

Personal life

Kass was raised Catholic, and has studied other religions. [29] [30]

Discography

Studio albums

Filmography

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canibus</span> American rapper (born 1974)

Germaine Williams, better known by his stage name Canibus, is a Jamaican-American rapper. He gained fame in the 1990s for his ability to freestyle, and released his debut album Can-I-Bus in 1998. Canibus has released 13 solo studio albums, as well as multiple collaboration albums and EPs with other rappers as a member of the Four Horsemen, Refugee Camp All-Stars, Sharpshooterz, Cloak N Dagga, the Undergods and one-half of T.H.E.M.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Killah Priest</span> American rapper

Walter Reed, better known by his stage name Killah Priest, is an American rapper, member of Sunz of Man and Wu-Tang Clan affiliate who was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He is known for his intensely spiritual lyrics, containing religious references and metaphors. He is connected to the Black Hebrew Israelites through his rhymes, and is known for his controversial and political subject matter. He is also a part of supergroup the HRSMN along with Canibus, Ras Kass, and Kurupt.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Alchemist (musician)</span> American DJ and producer (born 1977)

Alan Daniel Maman, professionally known as the Alchemist, is an American hip hop producer, DJ, rapper, and entrepreneur. He began his music career in 1991 in the hip hop duo the Whooliganz under the moniker Mudfoot, along with now-actor Scott Caan. He has produced music since the 1990s.

Anthony D. Wheaton, professionally known by his stage name Sir Jinx, is an American hip hop record producer and rapper from Los Angeles. He is a cousin of multi-platinum producer Dr. Dre. He began his career as a member of the C.I.A. in the mid-80s with Ice Cube and Kid Disaster. He produced tracks for the likes of Dazzie Dee, Westside Connection, Too Short, Yo-Yo, Tone Loc, Kool G Rap, CeCe Peniston, Xzibit and Kurupt among others, and also remixed songs for Rage Against the Machine, Public Enemy and Toni Braxton.

The Hrsmn is an American hip hop supergroup consisting of the artists Canibus, Ras Kass, Killah Priest, and Kurupt. They have released two albums. The name of the group is in reference to the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, who appear in the Book of Revelation from the Bible. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are traditionally named Pestilence, War, Famine, and Death. Throughout the HRSMN songs, there are many references to each of the members representing a specific entity. They are Pestilence, War (Canibus), Famine (Kurupt), and Death. They have each frequently appeared on each of the members solo albums, such as Canibus's 2000 B.C. and Killah Priest's Priesthood. Other affiliated members include Chino XL, and Pharoahe Monch.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Teedra Moses</span> American singer (born 1976)

Teedra Shenita Moses is an American R&B and soul singer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tragedy Khadafi</span> American rapper and record producer (born 1971)

Percy Lee Chapman, known by his stage name Tragedy Khadafi, is an American rapper and record producer. Chapman hails from the Queensbridge Housing Projects in Queens, New York City, and helped spawn other hip hop artists such as Mobb Deep, Capone-N-Noreaga, Nas. He is documented to be the first to use the phrase "illmatic" in 1988 on a record called "The Rebel", from the Marley Marl album In Control, Volume 1, which was an inspiration and influence on fellow New York rapper Nas.

<i>Soul on Ice</i> (album) 1996 studio album by Ras Kass

Soul on Ice is the debut album by West Coast emcee Ras Kass, released on October 1, 1996, under Priority Records. The album was produced by Ras Kass, as well as Battlecat, Vooodu, Lamont "Bird" Holdby, Michael "Flip" Barber, Michael Schlesinger, and Reno Delajuan. Fellow West Coast rapper Coolio makes the only guest appearance on the album on the song "Drama". The album's title is a reference to Black Panther member Eldridge Cleaver's 1968 book Soul on Ice. Two charting singles were released from the album, "Anything Goes" and "Soul on Ice". It received minimal commercial attention at the time of its release, but has since garnered retrospective critical praise for Ras Kass' complex, historically-aware lyricism.

Peter William Nelson, better known by his stage name Copywrite, is an underground hip hop artist from Columbus, Ohio. He is a member of MHz Legacy. He was a member of The Weathermen.

<i>Rasassination</i> 1998 studio album by Ras Kass

Rasassination is the second studio album by American rapper Ras Kass. It was released on September 22, 1998 via Priority Records. Recording sessions took place at Stu's Kennel, at Audio X Recording Studios and Enterprise Recordings in Burbank, at PatchWerk Recording Studios in Atlanta, at Henchmen Recording Studio and Unique Recording Studios in New York, at Echo Sound in Los Angeles, and at Creator's Way Recording Studio in Chicago. Production was handled by Stu-B-Doo, Klev, Easy Mo Bee, Flip, Jaz-O, Toxic, Twelve, and Ras Kass himself. It features guest appearances from Bad Azz, Dr. Dre, El Drex, Jah-Skillz, Jazze Pha, Kurupt, Mack 10, Phil Da Agony, RZA, Saafir, Twista and Xzibit. The album peaked at number 63 on Billboard 200 and number 11 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums in the United States. Its only single, "Ghetto Fabulous", made it to number 56 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kurupt</span> American rapper and record producer (born 1972)

Ricardo Emmanuel Brown, better known by his stage name Kurupt, is an American rapper and record producer. Born and raised in Philadelphia, he formed Tha Dogg Pound in 1992 along with Daz Dillinger; the rap duo has released eight albums. He also formed the hip hop group The Hrsmn in 1996, with whom he has released two albums. His debut solo album, Kuruption! (1998) was released by A&M Records and peaked at number eight on the Billboard 200.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nottz</span> American hip hop producer

Dominick J. Lamb, better known by his stage name Nottz, is an American hip hop producer and rapper from Norfolk, Virginia. Nottz has produced for some of the biggest names in hip hop, including Busta Rhymes, G Unit, Kanye West, Swizz Beatz, Rah Digga, Scarface, Snoop Dogg, Diamond D, Cassidy, Ghostface Killah, M.O.P., Kardinal Offishall, Xzibit, 50 Cent, Royce da 5'9", Little Brother, The Game, T.I., Dwele, Termanology, Bilal, Phife Dawg, Rakim, AZ, The Lox, Fat Joe, Black Moon, Asher Roth, Slaughterhouse, Method Man, Pusha T, J Dilla, DJ Funk Master Flex, Torae, Dj Drama, Rapsody, Canibus, BJ The Chicago Kid, Murs, Wale, Mac Miller, Shateish, Talib Kweli among many others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canibus discography</span>

This is the discography of Canibus, an American rapper.

Krohme is an American hip hop and metal producer, noted for his work with Chuck D, MC Serch, Sid Wilson of Slipknot, Otep, Obie Trice, Brother Ali, Arrested Development, Lord Jamar & Sadat X of Brand Nubian, Sean Price, Doug Wimbish of Living Colour, Snapcase, Aaron "P-Nut" Wills of 311, Stetsasonic, and more. His music has been featured on MTV, BET, and HBO, as well as global FM and satellite radio stations.

Marc Shemer, better known by his stage name Scram Jones, is a producer, DJ and rapper from New Rochelle, New York. He has produced music for Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Styles P, Tragedy Khadafi, Jadakiss, Saigon, Dipset and Troy Ave. He has been featured in The Source magazine's "Unsigned Hype" column. Scram Jones is jewish.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ghetto Fabulous (song)</span> 1998 single by Ras Kass featuring Dr. Dre and Mack 10

"Ghetto Fabulous" is the lead single released from Ras Kass second album, Rasassination. Produced by Stu-B-Doo, the song featured a verse from Dr. Dre and a chorus by Mack 10. Though "Ghetto Fabulous" had a more commercial sound to it than his previous singles, it was not a commercial success, only making it to 56 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks. The video also features Ice-T.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iron Fist Records</span>

Iron Fist Global LLC is an American hip hop record label, founded in 2004 by DeShaun 'Proof' Holton. Cleveland '1st Born' Hurd is the current president and chief executive officer of the label, Khalid El Hakim is the vice-president and chief operations officer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jon Connor</span> American rapper

Jon Kevin Freeman Jr., better known by his stage name Jon Connor, is an American rapper and record producer. Connor has released various mixtapes and an album effort during his career including the Jay-Z inspired The Blue Album, and the Eminem inspired The People's Rapper LP. His debut studio album, Unconscious State was released in 2013. Shortly thereafter, he was signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment from 2013 to 2019, where he did not release an album. In 2015, he garnered notoriety for being featured on Dr. Dre's album Compton (2015) as well as The Game's album The Documentary 2.5 (2015).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shane Dollar</span> American rapper

Shane Johnson known as Shane Dollar, is a rapper who was born on June 30, 1980, in Suffolk, Virginia. He has performed with celebrity acts including Obie Trice, Cappadonna, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Nottz Raw, Cassidy, Bubba Sparxxx, Yelawolf, Nappy Roots, Ying Yang Twins, Mac Lethal, Ras Kass, Keith Murray, Nine, Canibus, Nature, Ces Cru, Lil Wyte, Kurupt, Xzibit, Jadakiss, Benny the Butcher, Yukmouth, Mickey Factz and Rampage.

This is the discography for American hip hop artist Ras Kass.

References

  1. 1 2 Neil Z. Yeung. "Ras Kass". AllMusic . Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  2. ↑ "Canibus, Kurupt, Killah Priest, & Rass Kass (The HRSMN) – Historic Audio | Ambrosia For Heads". Ambrosiaforheads.com. June 3, 2014. Retrieved November 6, 2014.
  3. ↑ "Top 50 MCs of Our Time: 1987 – 2007 – 50 Greatest Emcees of Our Time". Rap.about.com. Archived from the original on April 13, 2014. Retrieved November 16, 2012.
  4. ↑ "Jedi Mind Tricks: Visions of Gandhi | Album Reviews | Pitchfork". Pitchfork.com. Retrieved November 6, 2014.
  5. ↑ Jason Ankeny (September 2, 1973). "Ras Kass | Biography". AllMusic . Retrieved July 18, 2015.
  6. ↑ Teedra Moses: Simply Complex Part Two Allhiphop.com
  7. ↑ Teedra Moses: A Conversation with the Young Lioness (2008) Beatsboxingmayhem.com
  8. ↑ RAS KASS: “Let the Truth be Told“ Hiphopclub.biz, 2006
  9. ↑ "Wild West Corral – Trick Or Treat". Discogs.com. October 8, 1991.
  10. ↑ Nathan Rabin (September 2, 1998). "Rasassination – Ras Kass | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic . Retrieved July 18, 2015.
  11. 1 2 "Ras Kass and Capitol Records finally part ways". CraveOnline. Archived from the original on February 7, 2008. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  12. ↑ "Ras Kass". HipHop-Elements.com. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  13. ↑ "ukhh.com | features | interviews | Ras Kass Interview by Kobi". Archived from the original on October 8, 2003. Retrieved March 10, 2020.
  14. ↑ "Exclusive Hip Hop News, Audio, Lyrics, Videos, Honeys, Wear, Sneakers, Download Mixtapes". Hiphopgame.com. Archived from the original on October 24, 2020. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  15. ↑ "Mixtape Monday: Mixtape Monday: Ras Kass Claims L.A. Crown; Ice-T Considers 'New Jack' Sequel". MTV . Archived from the original on November 27, 2014. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  16. 1 2 Archived March 26, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  17. ↑ "Ras Kass – Bet That". Xxlmag.com. September 1, 2006. Archived from the original on May 15, 2008. Retrieved September 21, 2009.
  18. ↑ Schumacher, Kris. "Features : Ras Kass: The New Deal". Archived from the original on April 18, 2008. Retrieved March 10, 2020.
  19. ↑ Ismael AbduSalaam and Remmie Fresh. "AllHipHop.com Daily News – : Ras Kass Secures May Release Date From Prison". Archived from the original on April 30, 2009. Retrieved March 10, 2020.
  20. ↑ "Lil B – Bitch Mob (Respect The Bitch)". HipHopDX. May 16, 2011. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  21. ↑ "Ras Kass Announces Release & Tracklisting Of The Quarterly". HipHopDX. November 15, 2009. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  22. ↑ RAS KASS: A.D.I.D.A.S. – Limited Edition CD & Vinyl Kickstarter.com
  23. 1 2 "Ras Kass MTV UK Interview (by Han O'Connor)". MTV UK's The Wrap Up. March 1, 2010. Archived from the original on April 3, 2010. Retrieved May 17, 2010.
  24. ↑ Ras Kass Asks Fans to Donate $3,800 to Release Next Album Hiphopdx.com, February 23, 2010
  25. ↑ Ras Kass Laces "A.D.I.D.A.S." Up, "Play My Sh*t Against Whoever Says They Got A Hot Album" Sohh.com, July 20, 2010
  26. ↑ "Ras Kass "Barmageddon" Album Stream | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHopdx.com. January 23, 2013. Retrieved November 6, 2014.
  27. ↑ "Ras Kass Announces 'Soul on Ice II,' Drops "Downward Spiral" with Freddie Foxxx & Onyx". 2dopeboyz.com.
  28. ↑ Doomstwin (July 28, 2020). "DJ Free Leonard x Ras Kass – "Freedom" (Single Review)". UndergroundHipHopBlog.com. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
  29. ↑ "Ras Kass Explains How Rakim Inspired "Nature Of The Threat"". HipHopDX. November 26, 2012. Retrieved September 29, 2022.
  30. ↑ M (January 21, 2017). "PRO FILES: RAS KASS". Medium. Retrieved September 29, 2022.
  31. ↑ "Rhyme and Punishment (2011)". IMDb.com. Retrieved March 10, 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.