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RAS KASS (September
2003) | Interview By:
Nima
Dubcnn.com had the opportunity to
conduct an interview with lyrical monster Ras Kass, straight from prison,
where he told us everything about his current situation, his label problems,
his future and much more. Please direct feedback on the interview to:
nima@dubcnn.com
Huge thanks to Ras Kass for taking time out to answer the questions fans
wanted to know! (Interview was done by phone in Septemer 2003)
Questions Asked By : Nima
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dubcnn.com : How did you feel about
Priority Records when you first signed to them back in the day?
I was signed to an independent before then. My reason for choosing Priority
(over Def Jam, American, etc…) was based on three things: 1) me being an
unknown, new artist I was afraid I might get lost amid all the superstars at
Def Jam. 2) I wanted the support of a major label but I figured the “politics”
would be massive so I figured that because Priority was still kinda small I
wouldn’t have that problem. I WAS WRONG! And 3) Since all the west coast icons
in hip hop (NWA, Ice Cube, Snoop) had come from there I thought that my music
would be understood. I wasn’t a “gangsta rapper” but I’m still a west coast
rapper. I thought Priority would cultivate a new west coast artist. I was
wrong.
dubcnn.com : You released Soul On Ice, which is without a doubt one of the
greatest records to come out of the West, out of Hip Hop in general actually.
However, it did not receive the attention it deserved, how did you feel about
that?
Didn’t bother me at all. I was having the time of my life in general. I was
touring with Coolio who at the time was the hottest rap in the industry, and
my friend. Seems to me that magazine writers and critics were disappointed and
took my words outta context so I could sound like them.
dubcnn.com : There also was a Soul On Ice Pre-Release, with songs which didn't
make the final cut. Any chance of this getting Re-Released?
Core Audience. Blood is thicker than water. BBoy Scientist, A Few Good Men,
etc… I doubt it. I don’t have any of those masters anymore.
dubcnn.com : Also, tons of fans picked up on Soul On Ice years later, but it
is almost impossible to find in stores, and the prices on ebay can go over 50
dollars. Why did it go Out of Print so quickly?
Priority Records pulled the plug..
dubcnn.com : When you put out Rassassination, you admitted in the press that
you were willing to "sell-out" to make a name for yourself. (Note: I can't
remember if you actually used the term 'selling out' or whether you simply
implied that.) After your second album failed to elevate you to the status you
deserved, where do you now stand on commercial acceptance versus underground
acclaim?
I NEVER said I would sell out! That’s the magazine bullshit putting words in
my peoples mouths and taking their statements out of context. All my albums
are interchangeable and Ive always explained this. They’re the same!
For example:
Nature of a Threat-Interview with a Vampire
Soul on Ice- Rasassination
Drama (feat. Coolio)-Ghetto Fab (feat. Dr. Dre)
Marinating-Get Your Grind On
The media and fans alike are guilty of trying to make me in their own image.
Its unfair. I’ve always been a an ARTIST: I make songs based on how I feel.
Spit (underground, political, concept/story, and party (commercial)) I stand
as I always have “Love me (or hate me) for me”. Not who you think I should be.
dubcnn.com : It was rumored that 2pac was suppose to be on Rassasination, was
this ever true and what track?
It was definitely foreseeable. I know he respected my flow, as I looked up to
Pac. Actually in a letter 2pac wrote to Wendy Day (while he was incarcerated)
he made a dream album. One of the songs was Ras Kass and Easy Mo Bee. I did
“get yo grind on” and “the end’ with Mo Bee, outta respect to 2pac, who had
just recently died.
dubcnn.com : We know Priority fucked off the Golden State Project, but many
fans still want to see an album with you 3 guys...any plan to still make one?
This is one of the most anticipated records by the fans...
Im still a Goldyn State Warrior. Me and X still ride together I haven’t spoken
to Saafir, but that group in some variation is gonna drop an album ASAP, we
owe it to the West Coast Underground.
dubcnn.com : What about the Horsemen project? That could have been one of the
GOATs.. Straight lyrical canibalism.. What happened to it? Was it completed?
Will it ever come out?
The HRSM recorded about 12 songs. We’ll probably pur that out through Koch. I
want to go in and knock down a whole new lp once Im released. I know everybody
is down for it too.
dubcnn.com : Will you try to bootleg the Van Gogh album or sell it? Most of it
leaked to the internet, are there any leftovers from that we have not heard?
There are 2 versions of the Van Gogh album. We’ll probably sell them online if
anybody wants it.
dubcnn.com : What about the Goldyn Child record, what will happen to that one?
The fans are dying to hear it.. You could sell it through the internet for a
few dollars and the money would go to your family or something!
That’s the plan!
dubcnn.com : Will the Catch Me If You Can DVD be released at the same time as
the LP or before?
I don’t know yet.
dubcnn.com : You put out the Re-Up compilation, and on one track at the end,
you screamed "Kill All The White People". Now alot of people may get offended
by this, could you elaborate a little bit?
It's come to my attention at times people tend to take offense with some of my
statements referring to whites. I definitely wanna address this issue with all
due love and respect. Get over it, NO seriously---Get over it! Good people
come in all colors. As do fucked up people. I'd like to take this time out now
to point out that I am probably, (what I like to call myself) an "equal
opportunity misanthropist", meaning I just dislike everybody. I am kidding,
but the point is I try to be honest about things I see in all kinds of groups
of people. Black/White, Rich/Poor, Male/Female etc... Ironically the same
complaint I get from some of my white friends (fans) is the same as the one I
get from my women friends. I'd say if the shoe fits wear it. If not then it in
no way applies to you. I don't hate all white people, just like I couldn't
hate all women. My mother is one, a woman that is.
Anyway, have some sensitivity y'all. I say a lot of harsh shit about niggaz
too! Be fair. Plus, most of the white people dislike work for the government
and the music industry, HAAAA. As for the song, What do U Want on the Re-Up
LP, when I say "Kill the white people.......except for Mike." It was an inside
joke. If you ever listen to Apache (a flavorunit rapper that was signed to
Tommy Boy circa '96) album there's a skit that goes 'Kill the white
people.......... but buy my record first!" Imitating a Bob Marley reggae tune.
Nonetheless, I was doin an old school hip hop joke. Lighten up folks. I am in
jail now and I think the judge added this to my list of crimes, so far those
who are still mad---justice has been served. Okay? Peace Young World and thank
for all the support."
dubcnn.com : You always say that The Alchemist was a bitch for selling the
Home Sweet Home beat to Jadakiss, but are you sure it wasn't just Priority not
paying him and so he took it to Jada as he got paid, and didn't you think he
would be able to get another beat from him?
I spoke to Alchemist- he admitted it on the phone with 100 dj’s from across
the country. The technitionz conference call. We have his check stub.
dubcnn.com : Now that you are locked up, are you still writing alot of rhymes
in there?
I write ideas down, and concepts. I gotta lot of ill song concepts.
dubcnn.com : Is it hard to write positive rhymes in prison or has most of your
shit so far been pretty negative/depressing?
Im the same. My life been real since I was 16 and stopped living with my
momma. I write about what I see and my analysis of my conditions. Usually pro,
con and narrative.
dubcnn.com : With all the verses you recorded on the run, have you given them
to someone to sell verses to other emcees/groups to keep your name out and
family fed?
No, Its just one full album I’d like to release.
dubcnn.com : Where did you go while on the run?
That wouldn’t be too smart to tell
dubcnn.com : And what were you doing most of the time, trying to get off
Priority, writing rhymes, getting drunk, laying low, doing small gigs?
I networked and recorded an album. I wasn’t a hermit people saw me out when I
wasn’t home working.
dubcnn.com : Who were you mainly hanging with during that time? Are there any
people you'd like to thank or shout out for holding you down?
Thanks to Kristi and Jo at Asti, Re-up, Scipio, 6, Cutler & Sedlmayer, Naomi (launchmedia:group),
Digi Wax, Dr No, Madina (especially you), Perfect Strom, Jay 211, Action. The
list goes on. AllHipHop.com, Spon, Paul, Tung-Ha, all the niggas given me
beats.
dubcnn.com : What actually happened the night you were finally arrested? I
spoke to 40 Glocc the day after and he told me it was in Vegas the night ya'll
did a show and you got pulled over.. Bad Azz uncle was with ya'll too.. Can
you tell us the story?
That story is too long man..
dubcnn.com : Are you officially off Priority records and if so have you been
approached by any big labels to sign.
To my knowledge Priority is contesting the breach. Typical of them. Just
another attempt to stop me and my peeps from eating. They’ll lose. Ive heard a
few major labels were interested but I gotta see whats realistic.
dubcnn.com : Before you got locked up, what was the last CD you bought?
I bought OutKast, and Twista, Adrenaline Rush again.
dubcnn.com : Chino XL recently stated he would do anything to support you and
even make a tribute album with other artists, how do u feel about that?
Im completely grateful to Chino for the sentiment. That’s big of him. Thanks
homey. I don’t think I’d want a tribute album though. Makes me feel dead. Just
sign my Free Ras Kass Petition. Ya know
dubcnn.com : Did you make any other tracks with chino xl?
No
dubcnn.com : Open Bar has signed with Shady, does this mean that it will be
possible to release the Golden State project ?
Yes
dubcnn.com : If Dr.Dre Offered You To A Contact To Aftermath Would You Take
It?
Probably
dubcnn.com : I Know Your Relationship With Sheek (of The Lox), But Whats Your
Relation Ship With Styles & Jada?
I met Lox when we were young, career and age wise. It’s always been mutual
respect when Ive seen them. I think they the illest group ever.
dubcnn.com : Will You Ever Work With Nas?
I don’t know. That’d be up to Nas. Im game!
dubcnn.com : Did you record any tracks with Rakim while he was working on Oh
My God! ?
Unfortunately, no
dubcnn.com : Have you spoken to Xzibit since his "fight" with the Mexicans who
smashed a bottle in his face? If yes, how is he and what's up with him?
Not yet. I got his back, and wish him well.
dubcnn.com : What will be the first thing you will do when you're out of jail?
See my kids, record a song, have sex. In that order.
dubcnn.com : Will ever drive drunk again?
That wouldn’t be too smart, would it? No, I should hope not.
dubcnn.com : We all know that 2Pac came back more vicious after a jail
sentence, is your plan to come back with vengeance and show the whole world
you are one of the dopest MCs out there?
YES!!! Fuck music industry politics. Im not pullin no more punches!
dubcnn.com : If you could have any producers and guest emcees on your next LP,
who would you have?
That’s a big list. I eventually wann work with a lot of people. Depends on
what direction Im going on an album determines who I’d wanna work with at the
time. Definitely Dre, Premiere, Xzibit, Ludacris, Eminem, Nas and Jay-Z.
dubcnn.com : Seeing as many peeps consider Ras Kass to be one of the greatest
lyricists of all time, who do you consider to be the top 5 emcees of all time,
and who are your current favorite 5 emcees?
Top 5 of all time
1- KRS-1
2- Tupac
3- Biggie Smalls
4- Rakim
5- Ras Kass
Currently fav’s (here’s 10)
1- Jay-Z
2- Andre 3000
3- Nas
4- Eminem
5- Ras Kass
6- Twista
7- Redman
8- JadaKiss
9- Styles P
10- Ludacris
dubcnn.com : What do you think of the state of hip hop today.
Too much business. Not much music. Very conformist. A lot of talent is over
looked and even small things like cameos don’t happen because nowadays
“Platinum Stars” don’t wanna do songs with “Underground” rappers. “Hot”
producers work only with “Hot” rappers bullshit! There’s no magic in the
music. It’s all a formula.
dubcnn.com : The last question will be about your protégé, Scipio... When will
see an album by him?
We wanna get Scipio in a position where he controls his own destiny and can
got to any label if he chooses to. It’s a process. We’ll probably team up on
some duo shit before he drops a full solo album, but it’s totally up to him.
dubcnn.com : Oh and I have a special request, could you give us the
tracklistig and guest spots of Goldyn Child, so that if a Bootlegg gets out,
we know if it's the real deal?
This is from memory so it could be kinda wrong.
1- Revelations 22, 22 (feat. Kay Slay intro)
2- The Whoop (Dr. Dre, Busta Rhymes, Dina Ray)
3- Goldyn Chyld (Primo)
4- Everything and More (feat. Isis)
5- C What I C (Pharoah)
6- Is this Love
7- Hate Me More
8- FucQup
9- Back it Up
10- Drinks up High
11- Sex
12- NBA
13- Kick Rocks
14- Happiness
15- The Stance
I am missing 1 or 2 songs. Peace
dubcnn.com : Dubcnn and I thank you a whole lot for taking the time to answer
the fans questions, we will keep promoting Ras Kassiano!
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