He released his debut album Soul on Ice in 1996. The album built up considerable hype through the release of several independent singles, including "Remain Anonymous" and "Won't Catch Me Runnin'." Soul on Ice saw little commercial success but was adored by the hip-hop underground, which appreciated both his sharp battle rhymes and his militant Afrocentricity. The latter also caused controversy due to the songs "Ordo Abchao" and "Nature of the Threat," which were tracks detailing the history of white-on-black racism, the latter lasting for well over seven minutes and likely his best-known song. Some claimed that Ras was extreme to the point of racism against Caucasians.
Ras Kass made a big push to make sure his second album Rasassination was commercially successful. As well as securing guest appearances from Xzibit and the Wu-Tang Clan's RZA, he received considerable assistance from superstar West Coast producer Dr. Dre, who rhymed on the lead single "Ghetto Fabulous," the video for which was supported by an extravagant video shot on a luxury yacht.
The album contained some of his most intellectual material to date ("Interview With A Vampire," a theological and spiritual exploration that featured Ras rhyming from the perspectives of God, himself, and the Devil) and occasionally addressed very personal subject matter ("It Is What It Is," concerning his relationship with his mother). Despite the single, his album didn't sell well.
Ras Kass' third album Van Gogh was originally intended for release in 2001. However, the nearly-finished album was leaked onto the internet months before the release date. It received excellent reviews,but the bootlegging caused his label Priority Records to push the release date back twice before the record was eventually shelved indefinitely. This further worsened the relationship between the label and Ras Kass, which was already strained due to disputes over several things, including the level of promotion Ras was being given, and the alleged block of the Columbia/SME Records release of his supergroup Golden State Warriors' debut album. The unreleased Van Gogh album even featured the lyrics "Fuck Priority Records, like Prince I'm writing SLAVE on my cheek" (this was later fulfilled as Ras Kass appeared in popular hip hop magazine XXL with SLAVE written on his face).
The relationship between Ras and Priority reached breaking point when the label also shelved the intended Van Gogh replacement Goldyn Chyld, an album that featured tracks from Van Gogh as well as new material. The indefinite postponement was due to a dispute over the lead single: Ras wanted to release the DJ Premier-produced title track, while Priority wanted a Dr. Dre-produced track, against the wishes of both Ras and Dre. This prompted Ras to launch a Free Ras Kass campaign (supported by an on-line petition and T-shirts) to gain his release from his contract with the label.
In February 2004, Ras Kass went on the run from the authorities after a warrant was issued following an arrest for reckless driving. He then gave himself up during Memorial Day Weekend in May of that year. While incarcerated, he organized the independent release of a mixtape titled Re-Up, which featured himself and other artists. Priority Records unsuccessfully attempted to block this release. In the 2004 song "Rise of the Machines," (which featured Ras) Vinnie Paz, front man of the hip-hop group Jedi Mind Tricks showed where he stood on the issue by saying the words Free Ras Kass on the track. In July 2004, Ras filed a lawsuit against Priority Records, Capitol Records, and EMI in protest to his treatment by the label and claimed breach of contract in an attempt to have the mixtape nullified. Ras was denied his release from his recording contract with Priority/Capitol/EMI Records in January 2007, even though Priority was absorbed by Capitol during 2004.
The HRSMN was collaboration between four emcees: Canibus, Ras Kass, Kurupt, and Killah Priest. Together the group released one album called The Horsemen Project during 2003 on Think Differently Music/Proverbs/Babygrande Records. Since that release, fans wait for another album. Although some members of the group kept calling it the Four Horsemen, Canibus always had the idea to add more people and form some kind of hip hop supergroup. A lot of names have been mentioned in the past, such as Pharaohe Monch, Kool G Rap, Pac-Man, Young Zee, Chino XL, Royce Da 5'9", Journalist, Lyrisick, Common, Rakim, Pace Won, Keith Murray, Vinnie Paz, Lonnie B, Danja Mowf, and Crooked I. None of these emcees were made a member of the group (though some artists on this list were featured on tracks)
Ghetto Fabulous
Ras Kass Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm down with you baby I'm there
Man don't miss this it's gonna be FABULOUS
We ghetto fabulous baby
The best food drink and women that money can buy
Every day of my life is off the ringer
I got the hottest flow to hit the street since lava
So holla, we all hustle for dollar dollars
From Sac to Houston, New Orleans to D.C.
To beep beep
Bangin, catch me with a dimepiece next to me
My Body all over Your Body like LSG
Neighborhood celeb with the keys to my city like the mayor
Rookies askin us how to be a playa
Get in where you fit in, and never get your ghetto pass revoked
No matter how much money you make
Stay true to the game loc, guest list terror clothes
In jeans and tennis shoes, breakin your strict dress codes
Spit lyrical bricks, thirteen deep
So I can be richer than Master P sellin Ghetto D
Ghetto, fabulous
Money make the world go round so let's handle this
Ghetto, fabulous
Broadcastin live from Los Angeles
We ghetto, fabulous
Money make the world go round so let's handle this
Ghetto, fabulous
Broadcastin live from Los Angeles
You ain't heard of me, you ain't listenin hard enough
Started in Compton servin from a ice cream truck
Now ten years later whippin a custom Navigator
Steppin on your toes playa, stuffin up your alligators
I'm ghetto, like Newport cigarettes, feel me
Boom bap and slap that ass silly
This is for the full time students slash part time strippers
And young niggaz, clockin at least five figures
Some of us pro atheletes, some of us rap over fat beats
Some of us hustle in the streets
Twenty deep in Club Nikki's so you know we gots to mingle
Off a pocket full of singles, huh
And it's all bueno, musical mafia like Frank Sinatra
Pop a thirteen shot glock to make you Go See the Doctor
Ain't nuttin nice
From hood to hood, love livin the lavish life
Ghetto, fabulous
Money make the world go round so let's handle this
Ghetto, fabulous
Broadcastin live from Los Angeles
We ghetto, fabulous
Money make the world go round so let's handle this
Ghetto, fabulous
Broadcastin live from Los Angeles
Nigga Stu-be-Doo in the GS, three ooh ooh
Playin number two Tekken, zero to sixty
In six point seven seconds *tires screech* hangin out the window
Actin up, chickenheads like "You doin fo' months!"
Flexin the Rolex oyster perpetual, thirty-five diamonds
Across the face, still eatin out foam cups and paper plates
We don't call it playa hatin in the nine-eight, it's P.I.
That's pass intereference, automatic first down
Want Juice like Tupac, then Obey Your Thirst clown
Be in the PJ's in NY, rockin DK
Mix EJ with OJ, OK, we say
"L.A. niggaz got crazy came
Like John Elway got a superbowl ring"
The homies down for whatever, we stack the chedda
Swiss bank accounts, and mo' mozzarella fella
Ghetto, fabulous
Money make the world go round so let's handle this
Ghetto, fabulous
Broadcastin live from Los Angeles
We ghetto, fabulous
Money make the world go round so let's handle this
Ghetto, fabulous
Broadcastin live from Los Angeles
The lyrics to Ras Kass's song Ghetto Fabulous express the lifestyle of those who come from the ghetto and acquire wealth through various means. The opening lines, "I got juice but I can't stop no ocean liner baby! I'm down with you baby I'm there," suggest that while the individual may have some power and influence, they are not invincible and still are loyal to those they care about. The chorus, "We ghetto fabulous baby, The best food drink and women that money can buy," highlights the idea that with wealth and success comes access to luxurious experiences and possessions that were once unattainable.
Ras Kass also includes various references to his experiences and surroundings, such as "My Body all over Your Body like LSG," referencing the popular R&B group LSG, and "Started in Compton servin from a ice cream truck," referring to his upbringing in Compton, California. The lyrics also touch on themes of hustling and staying true to oneself despite newfound wealth and success.
Line by Line Meaning
I got juice but I can't stop no ocean liner baby!
I have considerable influence and power, but even that cannot stop massive forces that are beyond my control.
I'm down with you baby I'm there
I am here for you, always.
Man don't miss this it's gonna be FABULOUS
Do not miss out on this incredible experience.
We ghetto fabulous baby
We are living lavishly, but still grounded in our origins within impoverished urban areas.
The best food drink and women that money can buy
We have everything money can buy, but still retain connections to where we came from.
Every day of my life is off the ringer
My life is always filled with activity and excitement.
That's guaranteed like a fistfight on Jerry Springer
It is an absolute certainty.
I got the hottest flow to hit the street since lava
My music is incredibly popular and has a unique style.
So holla, we all hustle for dollar dollars
We all work hard for our money.
From Sac to Houston, New Orleans to D.C.
Our influence is felt across the country.
Catch me with a dimepiece next to me
I am often seen with an attractive woman.
My Body all over Your Body like LSG
Our connection is intense and physical, like the music group LSG.
Neighborhood celeb with the keys to my city like the mayor
I am a local celebrity and have considerable influence and access.
Rookies askin us how to be a playa
Young, inexperienced people come to us seeking advice on how to seduce women.
Get in where you fit in, and never get your ghetto pass revoked
Find your place in our community, and do not betray your origins or you will be ostracized.
Spit lyrical bricks, thirteen deep
My music is powerful and impactful, with thirteen deep layers.
So I can be richer than Master P sellin Ghetto D
I aspire to have even more success than Master P, who is known for his Ghetto D music.
Money make the world go round so let's handle this
We need to take care of our financial success and keep it moving.
Broadcastin live from Los Angeles
We are broadcasting our success and lifestyle from the heart of LA.
You ain't heard of me, you ain't listenin hard enough
If you do not know who I am, you are not paying enough attention to my music and influence.
Started in Compton servin from a ice cream truck
I began my journey to success selling ice cream in the impoverished area of Compton.
Now ten years later whippin a custom Navigator
Now, only ten years later, I am driving a custom Navigator, showing how far I have come in a short amount of time.
We don't call it playa hatin in the nine-eight, it's P.I.
We don't hate on players in 1998, we call it Pass Interference (P.I.), like in football.
Some of us pro atheletes, some of us rap over fat beats
Some of us are professional athletes, while others make music.
Twenty deep in Club Nikki's so you know we gots to mingle
My crew is always with me at Club Nikki's, and we like to socialize.
Off a pocket full of singles, huh
Even with only a pocket full of single dollar bills, we are still living large and having fun.
And it's all bueno, musical mafia like Frank Sinatra
Everything is good, we run the music scene like Frank Sinatra ran the mafia.
Pop a thirteen shot glock to make you Go See the Doctor
We are not afraid to use guns as intimidation to get what we want. The reference to 'Go See the Doctor' is sexual, alluding to getting checked after being 'shot'.
From hood to hood, love livin the lavish life
We move from one impoverished area to another, but we always maintain our lavish lifestyle.
Nigga Stu-be-Doo in the GS, three ooh ooh
A friend named Stu-be-Doo is driving a luxury vehicle with a license plate that reads '3-ooh-ooh'.
Playin number two Tekken, zero to sixty
He is playing a popular video game, Tekken, and able to go from zero to sixty quickly in his car.
Flexin the Rolex oyster perpetual, thirty-five diamonds
He is showing off his expensive Rolex watch with 35 diamonds.
We stack the chedda, Swiss bank accounts, and mo' mozzarella fella
We make a lot of money and keep it in secure Swiss bank accounts, and eat a lot of mozzarella cheese.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANDRE YOUNG, DEDRICK ROLISON, STUART CRAIG BULLARD, JOHN R. AUSTIN, JF KUHN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Woods Sylvain
HOW DID RAS NOT BLOW UP WITH THAT BEAT!!!
ChiefSiebs
Beat is from Dr Dre's Been There Done That video
B.Allen
One of the absolute best beats. Its the perfect beat, the beat, Ras Kass lyrics, Dre's verse, Mack 10 On the hook, Ice T in the video. This shit is beyond a classic. Its the perfect beat. This part 3:35 that dam chorus, every body steppin @3:57 dope asf🎵 westsideryders baaaby!!!
amaru250
He didn't produce it.
Diane V
@amaru250 Just say Stuart Bullard produced the s*&&. Instead of just saying "He didnt produce it."
Mario Moore
He is a phenomenal rapper, he never caught his break to make him one of the best West Coast rappers I've ever heard, but still all hands down his music is classic
Cameron Brown
Facts
Curtis Washington
Ras Kass is still one of my favorite artists. His lyrical skill is unmatched. Song still rocks today.
Lesley Faulkner
Man this beat ....after all these years 🔥🔥🔥🔥❤
PutoYanu
🎯