Ras Kass

Ras Kass, born John R. Austin II, is an American rapper known for his intricate lyricism and impactful contributions to hip hop. After emerging onto the hip-hop scene in 1991 with his debut appearance on the single ‘Trick or Treat’ by Wild West Corral, Ras Kass quickly established himself as a formidable lyricist, a reputation solidified by a Hip-Hop Quotable in The Source Magazine for his independent single ‘Remain Anonymous.’ Known for his intricate lyricism and impactful contributions to hip hop, Ras Kass released his critically acclaimed debut album, ‘Soul on Ice,’ in 1996 through Priority Records. This album addressed profound social and racial themes, notably in tracks such as ‘Ordo Abchao’ and ‘Nature of the Threat.’ He followed this success with his sophomore effort, ‘Rasassination,’ released in 1998 on Priority Records.

Building on his foundational work, Ras Kass delivered ‘Soul on Ice 2’ in 2019, a highly anticipated sequel to his debut, and followed it with ‘I’m Not Clearing Shxt’ in 2020. That same year, he released the politically charged single ‘Freedom,’ advocating for Leonard Peltier, reinforcing his commitment to socially conscious lyricism. Maintaining his prolific pace and collaborative ventures, Ras Kass continued his work with The HRSMN, releasing their official debut LP ‘The Last Ride’ in 2021. This project further cemented his legacy as a consistently impactful and revered voice in hip hop, continuously delivering intricate lyricism and socially relevant commentary across his extensive discography and collaborative endeavors.