By Andreas Hale

HHS: So Ras Kass tell us exactly how you are feeling today, Institutionalized dropped, being a free man after 19 months of being incarcerated and back on the scene.

Ras Kass: Man I’m feeling blessed really. Motivated. Still hungry. I really feel like I accomplished something on my own terms. I put a project together and I had the support of a lot of people that helped it come together so that I could get it out and not have to go through a bunch of industry shit and have my album maybe not come out and that kinda gay shit. Ya know I’m just feeling good overall.

HHS: In the recent XXL review of Institutionalized (which got a XL), they kind of accused you of “dumbing down” your lyrics. I didn’t really see it, instead I saw it as Ras is growing. But with that said, in order to “make it” in this business I understand that you have to be able to speak to your people. But how do you feel about them saying that you have “dumbed down” your lyrics.

Ras Kass: Well for one, it’s not a whole magazine that said this. It’s the writer’s opinion….basically that one person’s assessment. My whole thing is if you accuse me of dumbing down then you have to accuse everybody. I think that’s disrespectful. That means you got to accuse Jay-Z, Nas, Rakim, Krs-1, Eminem, especially Biggie and Tupac. You gotta accuse everybody. So how about we say that every song doesn’t have to be a fuckin 7 minute history of the world. I think I set a precedent for myself. I read the review and I felt that it was kinda like growing pains.

You know I started at the same time as Xzibit but my nigga is on his 5th album. Because of my company, my nigga has doubled what I’ve done. So people haven’t gotten to consistently hear my growth. So they basically keep trying to make these assessments of who I am based on two records that I made when I was a fucking little kid. It’s cool because I wrote how I’m feeling today. I didn’t write this album from prison, I wrote this while I have been free on the street. If you don’t like it, if you don’t like my specific kind of beef- like I said in a past interview- somebody may like bar-b-que ribs, somebody may like cheeseburgers and its all beef- but if I ain’t making the type of beef you like then, fuck it, get it from somewhere else.

I don’t think it is incredibly dope for me to make Nature of the Threat 2005 or 2006. Niggas think that if Ras Kass makes a long song talking about history then it is going to be dope. So I feel like “Write Where I Left Off” is one of the most creative records I have ever wrote. The melody and the flow of it is ill! And the whole shit is homonyms for real. It’s really a thinking record. If you really catch all the homonyms and the double meanings and everything, you’ll know that is a lyrical record. 
 
HHS: Your level of depth and intellect surpasses many artists. As a matter of fact if the dictionary had a picture for the word “Unappreciated” it would probably have you face by it. We know everyone wants to be #1 in the biz but are you happy with your progress as an artist and a human being in this rap game right now?

Ras Kass: Yeah I definitely am. I’m the rapper’s rapper. Like I said on the “Conceited Bastards” joint “Groupie bitch your favorite rapper is a Ras Kass fan” and that shit remains true to this day. I can live with that. I used to have to hear that shit from superstars saying “You’re underrated” Nah I’m just rated where I’m supposed to be today. And when that rating changes then it’s whatever. I’ve never been starving. I’ve always kept a crispy pair of kicks, some nice gear and drove a hot ass whip. So God has always helped me provide for myself. I have never had a job. I’ve never had to go work at McDonald’s or no shit like that. This is what I do for a living. I’m compensated well- even though I can be compensated more which is my goal- I’m straight. Bitches like me, niggas in prison respect me, niggas in the street respect me. I’m good…I can live with that.

HHS: How do you feel about the rap game today? It’s so different than when you first got in. Back when Soul On Ice came out the game was a little more lyrical and focused more on content as opposed to now where it’s more based materialism than lyricism. How do you feel about artists such as the Ying Yang Twins and 50 Cent?

Ras Kass: To be honest, it’s a natural evolution. No matter how things change they always stay the same. I mean, the early (rap) nigga- before we could even understand what he was talking about- I had to really realize that LL Cool J was on some shit with Walking With A Panther. This nigga was talking about Moet and Dom P. I didn’t know what the fuck that was I was still drinking Old English! I was drinking a $2 bottle of beer…..a big one. So I couldn’t relate. But it’s growth. Sometimes growth is retardation but it’s still growth. I’m not really mad at it.

Back in the days we used to have these really simple hooks. LL Cool J will be my example. “Rock the Bells” that’s all he had to say… “Rock the Bells!” Technically that’s a fucking dumb hook. No disrespect, that’s a classic record. But technically it’s not way out. Now niggas is going back to those simple hooks. You know sometimes less is more and I appreciate that. Ying Yang Twins? They whispered on a record. I had to really listen to it in the club and I was like “I like this record, it’s funny to me.” I had to put myself in that position. Like I’m in the club with a drink in my hand I’m like “These niggas is really up in the club whispering in a chick’s ear.” It is creative. I don’t knock anybody for what they do.

Whatever I bring to the game, if I got the right machine behind it, I can sell the same amount of records and just be me. Eminem is a lyrical dude, Jay-Z is a lyrical dude ya know? But when Eminem came out he was pulling out chainsaws and had his own approach and made his mark in the industry and was selling units. I’ve been knowing Eminem for 2 or 3 years before that and I always thought he was dope. I’ve been knowing Jay-Z. He was my labelmate when he dropped Reasonable Doubt. Before he sold 5 million on his 2nd or 3rd album I was already like “Dude’s nice” and he was already like “Dude’s nice.” It’s just about you doing what you do and eventually the world will catch up to what you are doing.

HHS: You spoke about having “the right machine” and I know that due to your ongoing legal battle you may not be at liberty to speak on this; but is there a “right machine” out there right now for Ras Kass?

Ras Kass: I would say yeah (laughter). I think I had to do what is best for me. If you don’t do something to change your life how can you expect somebody else to come and help you. So I know that there were certain things that I had to do and I took certain steps to make them happen…legally or whatever. If you don’t invest in you then how can you expect someone else to invest in you. I have been totally blessed. Xzibit told me when I first got to prison “Watch who stays around and watch who disappears.” I was surprised at how many people stuck around and all the people who wrote me you know what I’m sayin? Whether it was just a “Hey nigga how you doing” from MOP or Busta Rhymes. Niggas really showed me love. Crooked I, 40 Glocc, David Banner. Niggas really took the time to let me know. They didn’t turn their back on me and supported me. Niggas showed me that if I ever needed a studio, a beat or whatever that they were there for me.

HHS: That’s peace. So with all the respect from all these artists and all these projects and talk of The Horsemen and Golden State Warriors, why are there no really recognizable names on the Institutionalized album? Was that done purposefully?

Ras Kass: Yeah. My whole thing is that I’m an industry darling but one of the things that I know is that people give a fuck about names. Like, nobody gave a fuck about Eminem when he was just a white boy that was dope. But let him sell 10 million then people overly give a fuck too much. And I consider that “groupie.” If Dr. Dre was a nigga that lived down the street and made dope beats would people be going crazy every time he dropped a beat?

HHS: Nah

Ras Kass: No probably not… I get a little peeved because this is what I think will probably happen. I’m gonna fuck around and sell 2-3 million albums and its going to be corny to me to watch certain facets of the industry treat me brand new. “Oh my God! This is hot!” No you faggot…why don’t you just keep saying I’m too lyrical or dumbing down my shit or whatever the fuck you used to say. Don’t get that way after I sell all these records.

I give this example…. On my second album I got a lot of criticism. One of the most important records on that album was “It Is What It Is” which was personal and had family issues. Some of it was written to my mother and I sobbed as I wrote it. Every time I would go over the verse I would be sobbing as I wrote that record. So I don’t give a fuck about what some industry person has to say. I give a fuck about what’s important to me. Like my mother. I was like “Ma, this is how I feel.” Ironically Jazzy Pha is on that record singing. Nobody really gave a fuck back then but now he’s “Jazzy Phizzle For Shizzle” people might hear that record and be like “Oh my God! Jazzy Pha and Ras Kass have a song together!” That’s gay! This album was to take the focus away from all that name dropping shit.

People kept asking “Who’s on the album?” It doesn’t matter. If my grandma did all the beat and if they are hot they are hot! Don’t get it fucked up thought. I do have a Dr Dre record, a Scott Storch record, a David Banner record, a Hi-Tek record, on and on and on. But I really felt like this record was so strong that I could touch the streets on my own terms without the “names.” I’m really happy and blessed with my record. Those folks got the record first. Jimmy Iovine, Dr Dre, Paul Rosenberg, Eminem got their copies. I just wanted to show that I could do it on my own.

HHS: What’s the deal with Golden State Warriors and The Horsemen? Will there ever be a project coming from you cats?

Ras Kass: Xzibit is my brother. I don’t have no genetic brother but that’s my brother. Before we had record deals we were rolling together. We are always a team. Saafir stepped away and became Muslim. Trying to get his spirit right and we respected that. Golden State will always exist because….ummmm….2 out of 3 ain’t bad (laughter). With the Horseman….Killah Priest is my doggie man! He’s got an album coming out. I just did something on it. Kurupt is my homeboy. Canibus would cut clippings out of magazines and send them to me saying that “you are one of the greatest.” That’s the shit I’m talking about! Homies like that. I have had to handle my business first though. Without that I probably would never be able to do a Horseman album or a Golden State album. I tried to do them before with a particular record company and they ruined them. I mean ruined them! I lost a million dollars trying to do the Golden State album at Capital Records.

HHS: Damn!

Ras Kass: Yeah….Xzibit will tell you too. Ask him and he’ll be like “Yeah….lost a million dollars.” That shit is ridiculous. I don’t want to get into it too much but we tried to get that done for over a year. In the meanwhile this is a company that wouldn’t put out my album and lost millions of dollars. This is before 50 Cent and right after Eminem came out. This is before D12 comes out. You gotta think about it. This is the first group associated with Dr Dre and Eminem and where the fuck you think we would be at today (if that album came out)? If you look at what D12 has done, going double platinum. Look at what 50 Cent has done. He’s selling a shitload of records. Not taking anything from them but look at the timing and situation. We would have been the main game in town. And these clowns fucked that off. Fucked it off!

HHS: I can’t understand how every time the buzz started to build the labels would kill it! Why?

Ras Kass: I don’t know. People asked me if I thought it was some kind of major conspiracy. I never thought it like that but I don’t know. I really don’t know. I don’t stressed like I used to when I was more into it and now I’m about my business but I really don’t understand it. I don’t know man! That’s not even good business! Odds are you have two artists (Dre and Eminem) who have sold millions and, odds are, that if they assist with one or two songs, odds are, you will move a few units. All you have to do as a label is sign off on that shit!

HHS: Damn! I’ve never seen a situation like yours….

Ras Kass: I don’t know man. That’s just not good business. I just had to begin to take care of my own business. I had to grow up a little bit. So it’s all good.

HHS: What’s up with Re-Up?

Ras Kass: I just had to own something and control my own destiny. I’m enjoying that. It’s kind of like Xzibit and his Open Bar label which has Strong Arm Steady. Now I’m Open Bar and Strong Arm Steady as well. It’s all extended family. 40 Glocc is Re-Up but he’s signed to Infamous G-Unit as Mobb Deep’s first artist. I want to do what 50 Cent did for G-Unit. Getting into a position of power and making sure my people get the same thing.

HHS: A lot of cats have been arguing over who is the best and the rest and I know that you aren’t too shy about proclaiming your point. So for the record….

Ras Kass: I’m the fucking king of the west…its no mystery!

HHS: I want you to let people know why!

Ras Kass: Why? I earned mine the old fashioned way. By being a nigga that earned respect in the streets of LA and kept my integrity I never tried to be something I wasn’t. I never got beat up on for popping a lot of shit. I don’t get my ass whooped and can’t come back to the hood. I earned it on the streets and as far as on the mic? Homie I was Batman when the New York niggas like Jay-Z came, they paged me like Batman an I had to show other people that there was a west coast nigga that could rap. I did that. I did that for my coast. When it was time to show east coast that we had a dope nigga, they called me. I aired niggas out in ciphers ever since I was 14 or 15 and never was a faggot in these streets. You can take a general consensus, even bitches who don’t know me, and ask them “you got a cousin or a brother? Is he younger or older? Doesn’t matter! Go ask him about me.” She’ll come back and say “He said you’re the shit and that you are underrated” Okay….yeah….I’m the king of this coast homie. And you can ask Dr Dre. He gave his top 5 several times…I’m the only one who hasn’t sold no records yet though. But it’s a matter of time.

HHS: True indeed. One other question….with all the substance loaded in “Nature of the Threat”, I believe that when I met you awhile back you mentioned that you were a history major in college. Is that right?

Ras Kass: Yeah.

HHS: Okay so with that being said, can you give a little insight on what made Ras Kass….Ras Kass.

Ras Kass: I was already developing as a person before as an emcee. I’m a product of my mother. If I would say the sky is blue she used to debate why is the sky blue. How come it can’t be green. She made me this analytical person that I am. She made me learn that if I have an opinion that I should have intelligent reasons to explain why I felt what I felt. I started studying. I’m a black nigga. Racism is something I was aware of and I wanted to figure it out. I was “the rapper” in high school and was the class clown. But I was already reading outside of school. I was already developing and learning history. If you don’t where you been, you have no idea of where you are really at and where you are going. And that’s why I love history.

I went to college and I dropped out. I just like buying the books. I ain’t even going to lie to you…I fuckin failed black history class (laughter). Teachers said I was so smart but I don’t apply myself. I was like “yeah….I wanna be a rapper.” I wasn’t giving 90 percent. I just wanted the books. I took physical anthropology, cultural anthropology, history. Everything history related, I was loving it. In the process of doing that, I was working on my first record. Plus I graduate early. I graduated high school when I was 15. I’m taking all these classes and had all these books and I had an epiphany that I wanted to write this record. It was originally supposed to be for my second album but whatever. It was writing itself inside my head. I was taking all of these notes inside my head and reading all these encyclopedias and all these books and I remember laying everything out on the floor and making a time line. And then I wrote it. It took like an hour. It was real quick.

HHS: Okay so here’s the question….a lot of cats may say “yeah its dope, but I don’t know if all that shit is true.” But you researched everything you wrote in that song right?

Ras Kass: Yeah.

HHS: Okay just wanted to make sure

Ras Kass: Yeah. My only opinion was that white people are potential predators. And that’s because of the power of racism. Its one thing to be prejudice but racism is a power. I don’t have the power to control a race. Other races have an economic and psychological and all these other factors. So racism and prejudice are too different things. My biggest reward was having a white cat in Poland, who studies this, come up to me and say “your shit is real.” I did the research. Some of that some people may not want to hear. But for those who have researched it, they can appreciate it. I appreciate the professors that use it in their classrooms as a study guide. So I really can’t be that far off with my observations. And it was like “you don’t have to believe me….but….prove me wrong.” Do your research. If you can prove me wrong I can live with that. But don’t give me no Klu Klux Klan book and tell me something else. Give me three or four references and prove your point.

HHS: Aiight so closing this out….what’s coming up for you?

Ras Kass: I’m really just enjoying Institutionalized. I still got all these records though. I love recording more than hitting the club. I’m back in love with rap and hip hop. I want to do something a little more quirkier and make me laugh so me and Dow Jones have a mixtape coming called “Revenge of the Spit” and its funny because Steven Spielberg gave Xzibit a real light saber. That’s my homie and we live together in LA. Long story short, I took his light saber and took these stupid pictures so that gonna be the cover. Some straight spitting. Kweli’s on it, Mos Def, Kool G Rap it’s a lyrical project but its funny. That should be out towards the end of the year. Hopefully by the end of the year I’ll be out of this legal situation. Maybe I’ll do Institutionalized volume two if I’m still dealing with this label shit but who knows?