Ras will make you see LA (UCLA) like Ed O'Bannon
Few cats had the level of hype surrounding them that Ras Kass did. For a good year, if not more before Soul On Ice came out. From his days on a prior record label, this album, in a slightly different form (a few other tracks) was circulating around the underground. The bootleg was horrible quality, but having a copy was a thing of status. When the real deal finally dropped he alrwady had a rediclious ammount of pressure to live up to. Thankfully though, he doesn't disappoint. Ras has never been one to be quite, he speaks his mind. For better, or for worse the albums opening track finds Ras RIPPING apart Christianity. He's also not one to shy away from controversy. The Nature Of The Threat is basically his version of world history, it's an epic 7+ minute song, with no breaks, no chrouses, no hooks. Many might question where he got his facts from, and just how correct they are. Argue about it all you want, but this song is amazing, and deep. He's educated and it shows through-out this album. At times he overuses big words, but he's just so nice you can forgive him for that. He's raps at times about being paranoid. With the goverment trying to implant chips in out skin to track us, or how the goverment created the HIV virus. So might find what he says questionable. There are illogical moments here and there, but he speaks from his heart. This album is so classic it's not even funny. I would say it's one of the most intelligent & thought provoking releases since the days when Public Enemy were "Fighting The Power" it's good to see a conscience album, and even better seeing how Ras doesn't come off at too preachy. But it's not all world history and big brother talk. One of Ras's best qualities, and one we get A LOT on this album [thankfully] is his ability with cleaver humor. Some of his metaphors are deep, there are things you might not pick up until the 50th listen. I find myself laughing at some of the outragiously ill stuff he says. When it comes to punchlines Ras is one of the sickest kids EVER.He might only be around 5'4 but Ras Kass is one of the big men in the hip-hop world. Buy this album, buy this album, buy this album, oh yeah and BUY THIS ALBUM!
Cancer sticks or hypertension?
This is the PHATTEST West coast album that came out in 1996(and 1995 and 1994). Personally, I consider it to also be one of the best rap albums ever. The beats and production are good, but it is the incredible lyrics that really set this album apart from other hip hop albums. I heard a rumor that "Nature of the Threat" was based upon his college thesis. This might sound boring, but it is definitely not (trust me). The other tracks are also lyrically on point, even though they are not based on any of his college work. There is one other thing about this album that other albums don't have. It has all of the intangibles which are necessary to make a good album great. Everything flows together on the album. Ras Kass even made Coolio sound good (who is featured on the track "Drama"). Its like a puzzle that is completely put together and all you want to do is admire it. I still can't say enough about the lyrics of this album. They are definitely the best I have heard in a while. A classic album and a must buy for any rap lover.
Best Rap: Tie--Nature of the Threat+Soul on Ice Other classics: On Earth...,Reelishymn,Etc., Ordo Abchao, The Evil That Men Do Worst Rap: Marinatin' (which is actually pretty good)
I hate priority records
FREE RAS KASS! now i had enough of this fake hip hop i hope the four horsemen get a major label deal and go platnium and shake up the game please!! get this cd hunt for it hard to get if you dont have the money
10 of 10 lyrics 8.5 of 10 beats
Ras Kass- Soul on Ice
Ras Kass's debut album "Soul on Ice" (1996) is a memorable album. Ras Kass is one of those MC's who leaves an impression. I only came across this album recently, and have only heard a few tracks by Ras Kass over the years. The album opens strong with the powerful opening track "On Earth As It Is...". Next comes "Anything Goes", backed by a laidback beat, Ras Kass talks about making money, women, rides, prisons and the police. This is followed up by the chilled out "Marinatin'". Kass is lyrically ill on "Reelishymn" a track about the rap game where he drops real lines likes "Make a radio hit and headz criticize it, underground classic and nobody buys it". Ras Kass then lays down his version of historical events, and talks about racism and much more with "Nature of the Threat", this is real unique track to me as I have never heard anything like it. On "Sonset" Ras Kass rips into those who disrespect Los Angeles and the West Coast, Ras kills this track without saying any names or getting specific. Ras talks about some women on "Drama", which is followed up another standout the deep "The Evil that Men Do". On this cut Ras Kass gets introspective talking about growing up hard, his struggles, his family. Next couple of tracks are decent and then Ras closes off the album with "Ordo Abchao" (Order Out Of Chaos). Overall this is an album I would recommend for those who are looking for something different, and to those who are tolerant enough to listen- you will get to hear a talented lyricist who lays down his views without holding back. Musically to me- beats etc, this is an average album, lyrically Ras is a gifted MC, would love to see him getting the production backing he deserves. Then again maybe he is one of those MC's who is destined to keep it underground. Only time will tell.
Ras Kass Soul On Ice - Hot
Basically this album gets the 4 stars strictly for lyrics. Lyrically this guy is off his mind, with ridicules metaphors and a tight flow that is extremely versatille. The stuff he raps about is sometimes so ridicules that you actually need to look up what he is talking about. Of course, everyone knows about Nature of the Threat, but thats not the only lyrically mind blowing song. Etc.. is nuts, he just goes bananas on that cut. The reason its not a strict classic is because of the production is relatively weak, and some of the songs don't seem like they belong on this album. Its basically a concept album of paranoia, distrust, and anger. Overall a very strong album though, I would higly recommend this if you like Nas Illmatic, Organized Konfusion, Gza of Wu Tang, Canibus, Chino XL, or AZ Doe or Die. I don't have his second album, I do have his unreleased Van Gogh, which although production wise is better, lyrically and conceptually he falls off, simply because he was looking to sell more units. I would pick that up if possible too. I also would recommend trying to find 4 Horsemen material, which includes Ras Kass, Kurupt, Killa Priest, and Canibus, lyrically that might be the greatest team ever to come together. This album is not a typical west coast album from the early 90s, where you come to think of snoop, or pac, or dre. Buy this album if you are into lyrical content, methaphors and flows, not for G-Funk, or "classic" cali production.
