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“Let us carry on our tradition to freedom” –
That is the theme that permeates throughout the long-awaited Scientific Non-Fiction album by Throwback recording artist Ras Ceylon, a Rastafarian rap artist of Sri-Lankan descent. Technically, his third album, Ras has made a name for himself on the underground hip-hop scene with his popular mixtapes.
A mixture of Rap, Hip-Hop, Jazz and Reggae flavors, Ras generated a dynamic buzz with the new album’s first single, “Western Front,” which was the No. 1 Pick Hit of the Week at the online music trade, www.rapattacklives.com. Currently, the album’s official second single, “Betta Be Ready,” featuring Stic.Man of Deadprez and Sinista Z, and its profound accompanying video is getting attention on You Tube, various online sites, as well as BET, and others.
Ras Ceylon personifies the independent music spirit. Doing an album completely on his own terms, Scientific Non-Fiction offers the listener a lyrical haven of eloquent and socially conscious messages. This is no more evident in songs such as the reggae-laden “Play Wit Fiyah”; the street anthem “War A’Gwan”; and the call to arms tracks, “Time Not Wasted” and “Many Levelz.” The album is also chock full of other musical gems such as “The Damage” and “Dopest Ethiopian” both which have single potential written all over them.
Scientific Non-Fiction is produced by June22 who has been collaborating with Ras from day one—allowing the album to maintain a cohesiveness missing in many of Hip-Hop today’s projects. “Back in the day, Hip-Hop albums used to have a certain vibe, because they were produced by one producer,” recalls Ras, who co-produced the album. “Eric B. and Rakim, Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth – the albums had that important M.C./Producer relationship. I wanted to re-create that feel.”
The industry constantly hear claims that Hip-Hop has lost its way, its lyrics lack meaning, and its messages only cater to sex-sells and materialism themes. Not with Ras Ceylon who refuses to water down his message. In the vein of Common, Mos Def or earlier works from KRS-One, X-Clan and Brand Nubian, Ras Ceylon may soon find himself as the ‘new voice’ for conscious Hip-Hop.
As a Rastafarian rap artist of Sri-Lankan descent, Ceylon’s goal is to maintain integrity both artistically and professionally, “A lot of times, artists feel the need to get away from that ‘conscious label’,” states Ras. “They think it is some kind of stigma. I don’t have a problem with that. It’s not just what I write about, it’s about the lifestyle I live and the work I do in the community. Anything I rap about is very authentic. There’s a message. It’s important to stay conscious and represent, and set an example for these young people. There aren’t too many positive examples out there. Conscious to me means ‘you’re awake’, and if you’re not awake then you’re not conscious. I’m definitely not trying to sleep.”
Hailing from Southern California and based in Oakland for the past 10 years, Ras is influenced by his family and the teachings of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie. He is seriously committed to giving back to his local and global community. Ras is a counselor and mentor year-round for Project Avary (projectavary.org) organization, which also hosts a summer camp for youth whose parents are incarcerated. Ras is also active with his work as an out-reach counselor at a continuation high school through the East Bay Agency for Children in Oakland, and recently received an award from the Mayor’s office in recognition of his work.
Ras maintains his affiliation with the Prisoners of Conscious Committee, bringing awareness and support to Political Prisoners; and was a member and officer with the Oakland Chapter of the Ethiopian World Federation.
“Long-term, I would like to eventually form my own non-profit organization that addresses the need for better economic opportunities in low-income areas here and abroad,” says Ras. “My vision is that I will have land/property on three different continents and utilize a capital base here in the U.S. to support “Third World” Empowerment programs worldwide.”
Ras Ceylon’s personal, musical and artistic objectives are rooted in the Rastafarian Revolution principals. He says, “The aim, focus and goal is about liberation—freedom in the mind, body and spirit. I grew up loving music in all forms. To me, music is more than just entertainment. I’m about uplifting people through its vibrations and frequencies. And uplifting people, and my community is definitely what I’m striving to achieve.”
- Website:
- http://www.rasceylon.com
- Social Media (FB, IG, Twitter)
- http://myspace.com/rasceylon
- Profession:
- MC
- Location (City, State):
- Oakland CA
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