ras kass ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

Ras Kass, Method Man, Lil Fame & RJ Payne Roll On MCs

Ras Kass knows a thing about super-groups. The Southern California veteran MC co-founded HRSMN with Kurupt, Killah Priest, and Canibus 25 years ago. He also linked with Xzibit and Saafir for several memorable songs, amid onetime reports of an album in the works. In 2024, Razzy Kazzy has teamed Philly-by-way-of-Brooklyn... Read more

March 29, 2024 Audio, Trending Stories

Coast Contra Returns With Another Breathtaking Freestyle

After years of paying dues, the Coast Contra group made major inroads during 2022. The quartet of Ras Austin, Taj Austin, Eric Jamal, and Rioloz released their debut album, Apt. 505. That They promoted the self-released LP with a memorable performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and a... Read more

August 22, 2023 Video

Coast Contra’s Scenario Freestyle Is Scary Good

Coast Contra has been one of the most exciting breaking acts of 2022. The high-energy quartet has been around for several years—including an appearance on 2019’s acclaimed and charting Queen & Slim soundtrack. However, after a punctuating appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the Apt. 505 album, alongside work... Read more

September 5, 2022 Video

Ras Kass’ Sons Destroy Mics Just Like He Does

This summer, the Hip-Hop quartet Coast Contra is on a rapid rise. The collective of Ras Austin, Taj Austin, Rio Loz, and Eric Jamal has been releasing songs alongside Tobe Nwigwe, Ciara, and BJ The Chicago Kid amid the release of their LP, Apt. 505. Dave Chappelle also personally requested... Read more

July 26, 2022 Video

Eminem Has Quietly Become 1 Of Hip-Hop’s Biggest Activists

On Sunday night (February 13), Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, and Eminem put on a Super Bowl halftime show for the ages (embedded below). 50 Cent and Anderson .Paak also appeared as Dre's latest comeback campaign resulted in the biggest concert of his 35-plus-year-career. Although Dre... Read more

February 15, 2022 Video

Kurupt Details The Classic Death Row Songs That Began As Freestyles

For more than 20 years, core fans kept hope that the HRSMN might release an album. As one of Rap's earliest super-groups, the quartet composed of Kurupt, Ras Kass, Killah Priest, and Canibus hurdled label challenges, leaks, bootlegging, legal woes, and all that comes with four separate lives and careers.... Read more

July 13, 2021 Exclusive, Video

Ras Kass Recruits Pete Rock For Some Ice Cold Soul (Video)

Ras Kass has steadily dropped quality material since he came on the scene in the mid-1990s. Soul On Ice 2 is an important album in a respected discography, especially since it was first announced three years ago. When this sequel to 1996's cult-lauded original was released at the beginning of... Read more

October 15, 2019 Video

Ras Kass’ Soul On Ice Sequel Uses Lyricism To Confront New Threats (Audio)

Over two decades ago, Ras Kass planted a flag for lyricism that balanced accounts of life in the streets of South Central with information found in the books that upset the setup. That unique gift culminated on Soul On Ice, the MC's 1996 debut that has been heralded in circles... Read more

September 7, 2019 Audio

Ras Kass Rhymes With A Vengeance. He Vows To Make 2019 His Year (Video Premiere)

Twenty-three years ago, Ras Kass dropped his first studio album, Soul On Ice. The LP brilliantly balanced wordplay with rich information about history, religion, race, and life in the Southern California streets from the MC who reps both Watts and Carson. The Priority Records album featured production from Battlecat, Vooodu, Bird,... Read more

July 9, 2019 Exclusive, Video

Ras Kass’ Soul On Ice 2 Involves Snoop, Pete Rock, Diamond D & Immortal Technique

For more than three years, Ras Kass has teased fans with a sequel to his cult-lauded 1996 debut, Soul On Ice. After an album trailer (with a fundraising drive) and a revival rendition of that Priority Records title track, "the Waterproof MC" takes a giant leap today (June 19). The... Read more

June 19, 2019 Audio, Fresh

Elzhi, Ras Kass & Large Professor Rap About The Enduring Problems From Reaganomics

Some really good Hip-Hop music can be found on producer albums. From unknown beat-makers to those getting commercial placements, these compilations of tracks can often feature a wide variety of MCs that also range from underground to legend. In this case, relative newcomer B Leafs has brought together two different... Read more

January 21, 2019 Audio

Ras Kass Reworks “Soul On Ice” With Some New Lyrics That Burn (Video Premiere)

Ras Kass is recognized as one of the most talented lyricists to ever come out of southern California. Between the Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E. and Ab-Soul, Razzy kept Carson, California on the Rap map. And while commercial success has never been an adequate reflection of his talents (partially prompting a self-comparison to... Read more

November 8, 2018 Exclusive, Video

Ras Kass & Apollo Brown Make An All-New Soul On Ice. It’s As Cold As Ever (Audio)

Ras Kass is overtly re-channeling his landmark debut Soul On Ice on his latest song. "SOI3 (Soul On Ice 3)" is produced by Ras' celebrated Blasphemy collaborator, Apollo Brown. The track deliberately reworks Ras' 1996 remix that presented one of the coldest lyricists in the game. Producer Apollo's dark and ghoulish instrumental... Read more

October 22, 2018 Audio, The Bridge

Ghostface Killah’s “The Lost Tapes” Album Is Here. Listen Now (Audio)

Wu-Tang Clan has been bringing the ruckus lately. The surviving members of the legendary group appeared on Logic's song "Wu-Tang Forever" last week. Today (October 5), Ghostface Killah dropped his first project of 2018. On The Lost Tapes, Tony Starks enlists Big Daddy Kane, Snoop Dogg, E-40, Raekwon, Masta Killa,... Read more

October 5, 2018 Audio

Despite Their Name, Brothas Unda Madness Were No Hip-Hop B.U.M.S. (Video)

Although G-Funk was ruling the West Coast in the mid-1990s, there was still a small but strong contingent of Heads that were practice more traditional Rap. These artists tended to show love to all four elements of Hip-Hop culture, rather than just MCing. Collectives like Hieroglyphics and The Likwit Crew,... Read more

October 4, 2018 Do Remember

Tragedy Khadafi Says Marley Marl Did Him Dirty. His New Song Tells All (Audio Premiere)

Tragedy Khadafi (fka The Intelligent Hoodlum) has been releasing music steadily over the three decades but it's been nearly four years since he released his last solo album. That's all changing now though. The Queensbridge legend has been in the booth heavy since 2014's Pre Magnum Opus and is slated... Read more

August 1, 2018 Audio, Exclusive

Apollo Brown & Locksmith’s New EP Combines Lyricism With Personal Reflection (Audio)

Richmond, California native Locksmith has a knack for mixing witty lyrics with a flow that delivers his message with a punch. It serves him well as a battle rapper, but perhaps it's even better when he's constructing a body of music. These attributes are heavily on display in his newest... Read more

June 14, 2018 Audio

Skyzoo & Joell Ortiz Reunite For A Collabo That Is Brooklyn To The Bone (Audio)

ChanHays is a producer from Halifax, Nova Scotia and someone who likes to feature spitters on his high tech, boom-bap instrumentals. At the end of last year, he dropped his debut project, Here, which touted some legendary MCs. Everyone from Ras Kass and Pharoahe Monch to Elzhi, Masta Ace, and... Read more

March 28, 2018 Audio, Fresh

This Mix Takes JAY-Z’s Most Powerful Lyrics & Blends Them Into A New Masterpiece (Audio)

Throughout the ages, many DJs have created mixtapes that artfully honor JAY-Z's vast catalog. In November, MICK and Chi Duly imagined a world in audio where Jay and DJ Premier expanded upon their stellar 1990s collaborative chemistry. The resulting 7:18 is a one-hour crowd-pleaser, placing new and old Hov' verses... Read more

March 12, 2018 Audio, Mixes

Ras Kass, J57 & El Gant’s Jamo Gang Has Eyes On Them & Scopes Too (Video)

UPDATE: Stream and purchase the Jamo Gang's self-titled EP: Jamo Gang EP by Jamo Gang ORIGINAL JANUARY 17 STORY: It's been a year since Ras Kass, El Gant, and J57 announced they had formed the Jamo Gang. With that news, the trio with the Irish whiskey-inspired name released their first... Read more

January 17, 2018 Ready Or Not, Video

Ras Kass Spits Dragon Fire In His “Game Of Thrones” Season 6 Recap (Video)

Over the last 6 years, few television shows have captured the cultural Zeitgeist like HBO's Game Of Thrones. In fact, the epic drama that was adapted from fantasy novels created by George R. R. Martin has grown into the number 1 show on pay television, the lone series preventing 50 Cent's... Read more

May 30, 2017 Video

Producer David Axelrod Has Passed Away. He Leaves Massive Legacy In Hip-Hop.

This evening (February 5), it has been reported that David Axelrod has died. The Roots' Questlove took to social media moments ago to announce the death of iconic music producer, songwriter, and arranger. A native of South Central Los Angeles, California, Axelrod's own music, as well as his productions for... Read more

February 5, 2017 News

Ras Kass’ Powerful New Video Shows The Chilling Reality Of Our Amerikkkan Horror Story

On the eve of Donald Trump's inauguration as President of the United States, Ras Kass is unveiling the video for "Amerikkkan Horror Story." And why not? Trump's campaign has been plagued with ties to a White nationalist (read: White supremacy) movement, and with a presidential cabinet comprised overwhelmingly of White... Read more

January 19, 2017 Video

Ras Kass Forms A New Group With J57 & El Gant. Here’s The First Single (Audio)

Over the years, Ras Kass is a big proponent of collaboration. He has appeared on blockbuster albums like Gangsta's Paradise by Coolio, he rapped alongside GZA on the cult-lauded Wu-Tang Meets The Indie Culture compilation, and he spit bars on the celebrated Caltroit project. Beyond simple song chemistry, Razzy has... Read more

January 9, 2017 Audio

Dres, Ras Kass, ONYX & More Bring Great ’90s Rap Back (Audio)

The Snowgoons are gifted in helping veteran Hip-Hop artists find new dimension in their catalogs. That is precisely why M.O.P., Parrish "PMD" Smith, ONYX, Reef The Lost Cauze and others have trusted the German quarter with major albums in their respective discographies. On their own, Det Gunner, Sicknature, DJ Illegal,... Read more

December 21, 2016 Audio

Ab-Soul Freestyles & Breaks Down His Exceptional BARS For Ras Kass (Video)

Today (December 9), Ab-Soul released Do What Thou Wilt, his first solo album in two years. He stopped by Sway in the Morning to discuss the new LP, and the interview included a very special guest in the form of Ras Kass, who called in to hear a Soulo record... Read more

December 9, 2016 Video

Evil Dee & Joell Ortiz Give Ras Kass’ “Etc.” An East Coast KNOCK (Audio)

Earlier this year, Ras Kass celebrated the 20th anniversary of his debut album, Soul On Ice. The LP broke new ground by combining a deep dive into philosophy, religion and politics with true West Coast Gangsta Rap. Sadly, many of its themes of police brutality, racial oppression and divisiveness among... Read more

November 25, 2016 Audio

Ras Kass Sees Lady Liberty Getting Grabbed & Names Those Who Let It Happen (Audio)

For more than 20 years, Ras Kass has been one of Hip-Hop's most steadfast critics of what he perceives as lies and corruption fed to the people. The Carson, California representative has called out organized religion, school-taught history, and the old guard music industry. In a week that has many... Read more

November 12, 2016 Audio

Soul On Ice: Ras Kass Reflects On His Groundbreaking Album 20 Years Later (Video)

By all accounts, Ras Kass is one of the most gifted lyricists of all-time. For more than 20 years, Ras Kass has been seizing every opportunity to approach rapping with thoughtfulness, complexity, and message-driven content. Of course, he wasn't the first to do so, and he credits KRS-One and Rakim... Read more

October 1, 2016 Video

The Game Lists His Top 3 Los Angeles Lyricists Of All-Time (Video)

The Game joined The Breakfast Club on Friday (9/23) for an extended conversation. There ostensibly to promote his forthcoming album, 1992, he spent the vast majority of his time discussing his current beef with Meek Mill, including vast details about its genesis, the making of his scathing "Pest Control" diss,... Read more

September 24, 2016 Video

On The Anniversary Of His Death, Sean Price Is Remembered In A Collaboration With Ras Kass & Steele (Video)

One year ago today (August 8), Sean Price passed away. Two of his collaborators have not forgotten the Brooklyn, New Yorker's incredible impact on Hip-Hop, especially in the modern era. From Ras Kass' upcoming Intellectual Property: S.O.I.2 album (September 9), the West Coast veteran releases the video to single "Paypal... Read more

August 8, 2016 Video

Hip-Hop Stood Tall In July. Here’s Some Of The Best Of The Month (Audio Playlist)

July was a tense and complicated month. The killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile by police, both captured on film, led to national protests, heated discourse and some misguided shootings of police officers, presumably in retaliation. Political conventions held by the Democratic and Republican parties further divided the nation... Read more

August 2, 2016 Audio

Ras Kass Reveals Intellectual Property: SOI2 Tracklist, Features & Artwork

Veteran lyricist Ras Kass is completing his latest solo album, Intellectual Property: SOI2. Releasing September 9, the album finds the wordsmith returning to his own catalog, after an acclaimed 2014 project with Detroit, Michigan producer Apollo Brown (Blasphemy) and a Semi Hendrix collaboration (Breakfast At Banky's) with Grammy Award-winner Jack Splash.... Read more

July 27, 2016 Exclusive, Fresh

Ras Kass’ Rawest Rhymes Come To Life Over Statik Selektah Production (Audio)

2016 marks 20 years since Ras Kass entered the stage with Soul On Ice. Ever since, the Carson-by-way-of-Watts, California MC has become one of the most lethal lyricists in Hip-Hop, a master of style and substance. When Ras is agitated, he can make some of his best music—whether tackling lesser-skilled... Read more

July 11, 2016 Audio

Ras Kass, Bumpy Knuckles & ONYX Troll Internet Thugs, Like Mr. Robot (Video)

Ras Kass, Bumpy Knuckles and ONYX are from a different school, and they wear that distinction with pride. There's is one where quality comes first, and trends are to be made, not to be chased. On Ras' "Downward Spiral," Bumpy and ONYX join him in the fight to save Hip-Hop... Read more

June 28, 2016 Video

Hear The Best Hip-Hop of March 2016 In One Playlist (Audio)

For Hip-Hop fans, March 2016 will forever be associated with the loss of Phife Dawg from A Tribe Called Quest. Less than 2 weeks after his sudden passing, fans worldwide are still mourning. While March 22 undoubtedly will become an annual day of reflection and celebration for Hip-Hop, there were... Read more

April 3, 2016 Audio, Playlists

Ras Kass, Bumpy Knuckles & ONYX Take It Back To The Days Of Hard-Nosed Hip-Hop (Audio)

Yesterday, Ras Kass announced that he is working on Soul On Ice 2, a sequel to his heralded debut album, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Ras has started a crowd funding campaign to raise money to record the album and he is seeking $35,000. He wastes no time... Read more

March 23, 2016 Audio

Ras Kass Plans “Soul On Ice 2,” Featuring Unreleased Songs (Video)

This year marks the 20th anniversary since Ras Kass' debut album, Soul On Ice. The native of both Carson, California would ink a contract with Priority Records to release what some still consider his greatest lyrical work—and a benchmark of intellectual songwriting. In the time since, Razzy Kazzy has released... Read more

March 22, 2016 News, Video

Ras Kass Entered At The Top Of His Game With This Diamond D Remix (Video)

Twenty years ago, Ras Kass debuted with Soul On Ice. In the two years prior, the Carson, California MC has appeared on the Street Fighter soundtrack (alongside Ahmad and Saafir), as well as Coolio's smash album, Gangsta's Paradise. However, the public had not gotten a true dose of the dense... Read more

March 3, 2016 Do Remember

Ras Kass & Planet Asia Burn It Down. No Fire Drills (Audio)

It was three years ago this month that Planet Asia and Ras Kass released "Kings." The song was produced by South Florida's Numonics. The producer and two California lyrical monarchs return together on "Fire Drills." This song is not just a bell-ringer, it delivers heat as the MCs from Carson... Read more

February 24, 2016 Audio

Ras Kass is Making the Search for Lyrical Hip-Hop Easy with “The Chase” (Video Premiere)

In 2006, Nas dropped Hip-Hop Is Dead, an album which reflected his thoughts on the music industry's failure to promote high-quality, concept-driven, and lyrically centered music. Its release re-ignited a longstanding conversation about what "real" Hip-Hop is, a conversation that continues to permeate the culture. One artist who has never... Read more

January 12, 2016 Exclusive, Video

Royce Da 5’9″ & Ras Kass Are Big On Witty Lyricism And Lots Of Attitude (Audio)

Ras Kass and Royce Da 5'9" have a history of collaborations. Both of these MCs hit the 2000s as lyrical tour de forces. Both men would subsequently face label woes, personal and legal battles, and an ever-changing focus of what's hot in Hip-Hop. But neither artist wavered, continually serving fans the... Read more

December 6, 2015 Audio

As Semi Hendrix, Ras Kass & Jack Splash Seek Answers From God & the Government (Video)

Last month, Semi Hendrix released its debut album, Breakfast at Banksy's, which signaled member Ras Kass' second collaborative album in one year. After releasing 2014's Blasphemy with Apollo Brown, he linked up with Grammy-winning artist and producer Jack Splash to form Semi Hendrix, whose new Mello Music Group LP features... Read more

November 17, 2015 Video

Listen To The Best Hip-Hop Of October 2015 In One Playlist (Audio)

When the year is tallied, October 2015 likely will be remembered as the month where The Game released not one, but two heralded sequels to his The Documentary album. And, while the accolades will be well deserved, there were a number of other strong releases in the first full month... Read more

November 10, 2015 Audio, Playlists

Ras Kass & King Midas Clique Are Setting off Alarms on Police Brutality (Video Premiere)

Last year, Ras Kass released Blasphemy, a collaborative album with Apollo Brown, a widely acclaimed effort that wonderfully paired the Carson, California MC's mastery with the Detroit producer's soulful, boom-bap. Now, the former is gearing up for another Mello Music LP, this time a collaborative effort with Jack Splash, a... Read more

October 1, 2015 Video

Pastors & Politicians Won’t Want You to Hear Ras Kass’ Latest (Audio)

October 16 signals Breakfast At Banky’s, Ras Kass and Jack Splash's Semi Hendrix collaborative debut. The Mello Music Group LP seems to pick up where 2014's Blasphemy (Ras' pairing with Apollo Brown) left off. "Jesus Pressed Mute" is Razzy's latest indictment on government and organized religion. The Carson, California veteran... Read more

September 17, 2015 Audio

Ras Kass’ Lyrics Burn Like Acid In This Psychedelic Side Project Single (Audio)

Ras Kass stays busy. Beyond the Carson, California MC's sprawling independent catalog, he has a host of side projects, including HRSMN (with Kurupt, Killah Priest, and Canibus), White Crows (with Mista Lawnge), and Golden State Warriors (with Saafir and Xzibit). Heads can now add another Razzy Kazzy vehicle to the... Read more

August 26, 2015 Audio

These MCs Are Often Unsung & Underrated…But They Are GOATs (Video)

When you ask Hip-Hop fans to name their Top 10 MCs, there are certain names cited consistently--Nas, Tupac, Eminem, Biggie, Jay Z...but, inevitably, there will be artists mentioned that seem like wildcards, too. However, when you pay close attention, you'll find that these artists' names also recur. These are MCs... Read more

May 20, 2015 Video

Ras Kass Salutes The O.G.’s Of Hip-Hop (Video)

Southern California veteran Ras Kass celebrates his 20-plus-year run in "So OG." As the West Coast Rap mainstay reminisces over a laid-back lavish beat, several critical figures of the 1990s Hip-Hop scene appear in the form of VHS footage. This gives the viewer the impression they are watching a Rap... Read more

May 8, 2015 Video

The Luniz Still Got “5 On It”—Just A Little Early This Year (Mixtape)

Earlier this week, Oakland, California duo the Luniz announced they were reuniting after a more than 10-year hiatus. MCs Yukmouth and Numbskull wasted no time delivering on the promise, releasing a new mixtape today titled High Timez. As with their signature hit "I Got 5 On It," the mixtape is... Read more

April 17, 2015 Mixes