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)
Rasassination
Ras Kass Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What, yeah yeah
1-9-9-9, the "Waterproof" nigga
Y'all little faggot ass niggas, you always gotta fuckin' comment
Y'all like little bitches
I'ma pull your skirt up, fo' sho
You ain't got enough calcium to have a bone to pick wit' me
on me, fuck they whole batallion
I'll chop ya head off and wear ya skull like sophmore medallions, papi
I'm the one wit da million dolla' smile and three dollars to my name
puttin black eyes in the game like mascara
Diabetic MC's must think shit is sweet
these venomous techniques, I leave heat
A nigga gots to have it in these streets
Bubble eyed G-S on they teams wit beats
Screamin, "I'll make ya famous,"
Write my rhymes in alien and battle niggas in sign language
Cowards make a little cheese then enlarge
artificially, like Pamela Anderson Lee's double D's, please
I'm bangin from Belize to Tel Aviv on the Red Sea
Racin' Saddam Hussein on Kawasaki jet ski's
(chorus)
Walk holdin' my nuts, I don't give a fuck
Spit some shit so nasty it'll make Lil' Kim blush
Nigga, rasasanation's the name
I'ma put it on a bullet, and put it in ya brain
See that's wussup, only I don't give a fuck
Spit some shit so nasty it'll make lil' Kim blush
Nigga, rasasanation is the name
I'ma put it on a bullet, and put it in ya brain
(Ras Kass)
Stay pussy as a pantha, puffin' a hav-a-tampa
askin rappers, "What do you call a million rabbits
walkin' backwards?" (backround) A recedin' hairline
You shouldn't be nervous though, cuz if I blow
I'ma buy ya record contrac, neva shoot a video
but realy though, is ya nice without rent-a-cars and hype? (nope)
While me and my 12 homies, sip wine like Jesus Christ
wit' super models bitin' on my ears like Mike Tyson on
fight night (Sho' ya right)
The dumb and dumber, my cats pack thunder,
and I got mo' wraps than Mumra, mean green
like that super hero with the lantern and ring,
then watch bootleg cable on a 60 inch screen
Champagne, greens, in 3d, while bastards out catchin' V.D.'s
See me easily givin' fools the finger like E.T.
we be rougher than callous (y'all faggots)
Sing a love ballad, then toss each other's salad
(chorus)
(Ras Kass)
Now welcome to the terrordome (fuckin maricones)
Hoes in the ozone, cell phones and clones it's on
Busta Rhymes said, "There's only 2 years left"
So nowadays I'm playin' russian roulette wit' a tech (ha)
Ghetto holocaust survivor, everyday,
From the S.S stormtroopin P.D. in L.A.
Tellin me bein' black on Saturday night is a felony
If ya name ain't Michael Jordan or
Bill Bellamy, you ass out (mash out)
Cause a lot of white people is racist that's why I'm
bustin' nuts in their teenage daughters faces, Homie
Cuz when it rains it pours, Got me wearin a six foot
condom, screamin' "FUCK DA WORLD"
Makin' butterfly-ass niggas commit insecticide
Half god - 50% zilla - illa - my alphabet slitha across
ouiji boards from the philla-gilla,
have dead niggas dancin around they graves like Thriller
(chorus)
(Ras Kass)
Yeah, what, the "Waterproof", Stu'B'Doo on the track
Rhettmatic Beat Junkies on the scratch
Listen, all y'all niggas be having too much to say man,
y'all niggas can eat a fat big dick
If you're pissed off you dying with your dick in your hand, guaranteed
All y'all bitch ass niggas
trying to play me on the Liberaci Versace tip
I'ma catch you outside your mansion with a big four fifth
Rasassination
The opening verse of "Rasassination" by Ras Kass is filled with aggressive energy and bravado. He expresses that he sees himself as superior to other rappers who try to pick fights with him, claiming that they do not have enough "calcium" or toughness to match him. Ras Kass then proceeds to describe how he could easily defeat and humiliate his opponents, from choking them out with their own clothes to wearing their skulls like jewelry. He also boasts about his poetic techniques, writing his rhymes in alien languages and battling others with sign language.
The chorus repeats the idea that Ras Kass is a dangerous force to be reckoned with, capable of making even Lil' Kim blush with his explicit lyrics. He underscores this point by declaring that he will put his "rasasanation" (a play on the word "assassination") on a bullet and put it in his enemies' brains. The second verse continues the theme of Ras Kass being a powerful and intimidating rapper, calling himself a "ghetto holocaust survivor" and claiming that he is constantly under attack by police and racist white people. He also describes his sexual conquests with white women, using his experiences to lash out against the racism he faces. Overall, "Rasassination" is an aggressive and confrontational song that portrays Ras Kass as a talented yet dangerous rapper.
Line by Line Meaning
What, yeah yeah
Ras Kass begins his song with a casual greeting.
1-9-9-9, the "Waterproof" nigga
Ras Kass establishes the year and album he's representing.
Y'all little faggot ass niggas, you always gotta fuckin' comment
Ras Kass addresses critics that he views as weak and irrelevant.
Y'all like little bitches
Ras Kass continues to degrade his critics, likening them to submissive females.
I'ma pull your skirt up, fo' sho
Ras Kass asserts his dominance and readiness to expose his critics' weaknesses.
You ain't got enough calcium to have a bone to pick wit' me
Ras Kass dismisses critics as lacking strength and durability.
Like a gracie I choke a nigga out wit' his own gi
Ras Kass describes his fighting style and ability to defeat an opponent with his own weapon.
on me, fuck they whole batallion
Ras Kass challenges entire groups of opponents, regardless of their size.
I'll chop ya head off and wear ya skull like sophmore medallions, papi
Ras Kass further emphasizes his brutality and the extent to which he'll dominate his opponents.
I'm the one wit da million dolla' smile and three dollars to my name
Ras Kass pokes fun at his financial situation while highlighting his unique qualities.
puttin black eyes in the game like mascara
Ras Kass boasts about his ability to contribute to the hip hop world.
Diabetic MC's must think shit is sweet
Ras Kass criticizes rappers who underestimate the severity of their problems.
these venomous techniques, I leave heat
Ras Kass promises to continue delivering lyrical blows to his opponents.
A nigga gots to have it in these streets
Ras Kass acknowledges the need for aggression and ambition in the rap industry.
Bubble eyed G-S on they teams wit beats
Ras Kass comments on the abundance of gangsta rappers in the industry.
Screamin, "I'll make ya famous",
Ras Kass satirizes the common desire for fame among rappers.
Write my rhymes in alien and battle niggas in sign language
Ras Kass challenges his opponents in unconventional ways to showcase his prowess.
Cowards make a little cheese then enlarge
artificially, like Pamela Anderson Lee's double D's, please
Ras Kass criticizes rappers who use their money to enhance their image unnaturally.
I'm bangin from Belize to Tel Aviv on the Red Sea
Racin' Saddam Hussein on Kawasaki jet ski's
Ras Kass brags about his international appeal and adventurous lifestyle.
Walk holdin' my nuts, I don't give a fuck
Spit some shit so nasty it'll make Lil' Kim blush
Nigga, rasasanation's the name
I'ma put it on a bullet, and put it in ya brain
Ras Kass repeats the chorus to emphasize his disregard for social norms and his lethal rhymes.
Stay pussy as a pantha, puffin' a hav-a-tampa
askin rappers, "What do you call a million rabbits
walkin' backwards?" (backround) A recedin' hairline
Ras Kass taunts his opponents for their lack of confidence and intelligence.
You shouldn't be nervous though, cuz if I blow
I'ma buy ya record contrac, neva shoot a video
Ras Kass magnifies his own success and insinuates that he can control the careers of others.
but realy though, is ya nice without rent-a-cars and hype? (nope)
Ras Kass questions the legitimacy of rappers who rely on empty gestures and expensive props.
While me and my 12 homies, sip wine like Jesus Christ
wit' super models bitin' on my ears like Mike Tyson on
fight night (Sho' ya right)
Ras Kass paints a vivid picture of his extravagant lifestyle and the attention he receives from women.
The dumb and dumber, my cats pack thunder,
and I got mo' wraps than Mumra, mean green
like that super hero with the lantern and ring,
then watch bootleg cable on a 60 inch screen
Ras Kass gloats about the amount of weed he has and his love for comic book character Green Lantern.
Champagne, greens, in 3d, while bastards out catchin' V.D.'s
See me easily givin' fools the finger like E.T.
Ras Kass continues to party while mocking his fellow rappers and their rampant promiscuity.
we be rougher than callous (y'all faggots)
Sing a love ballad, then toss each other's salad
Ras Kass contrasts his own straight masculinity with the perceived homosexuality of his opponents.
Now welcome to the terrordome (fuckin maricones)
Hoes in the ozone, cell phones and clones it's on
Busta Rhymes said, "There's only 2 years left"
So nowadays I'm playin' russian roulette wit' a tech (ha)
Ras Kass employs a sense of urgency and paranoia while referencing Busta Rhymes' apocalyptic prediction.
Ghetto holocaust survivor, everyday,
From the S.S stormtroopin P.D. in L.A.
Ras Kass references his upbringing and the violence he witnesses on a regular basis.
Tellin me bein' black on Saturday night is a felony
If ya name ain't Michael Jordan or
Bill Bellamy, you ass out (mash out)
Ras Kass illustrates the societal prejudice and limited success experienced by black men in America.
Cause a lot of white people is racist that's why I'm
bustin' nuts in their teenage daughters faces, Homie
Ras Kass makes an offensive and inflammatory joke to showcase his rebellion against a racist society.
Cuz when it rains it pours, Got me wearin a six foot
condom, screamin' "FUCK DA WORLD"
Makin' butterfly-ass niggas commit insecticide
Ras Kass takes a nihilistic approach and views the world as something to be endured with as much protection as possible.
Half god - 50% zilla - illa - my alphabet slitha across
ouiji boards from the philla-gilla,
have dead niggas dancin around they graves like Thriller
Ras Kass employs a series of words and imagery to describe his unique and otherworldly abilities.
Yeah, what, the "Waterproof", Stu'B'Doo on the track
Rhettmatic Beat Junkies on the scratch
Listen, all y'all niggas be having too much to say man,
y'all niggas can eat a fat big dick
Ras Kass gives credit to his collaborators before making another crass statement to his critics.
If you're pissed off you dying with your dick in your hand, guaranteed
All y'all bitch ass niggas
trying to play me on the Liberaci Versace tip
I'ma catch you outside your mansion with a big four fifth
Ras Kass threatens his critics and vows to take them down with extreme prejudice.
Rasassination
Ras Kass repeats the title of his song to end it with a powerful statement.
Contributed by Camden V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jay The Rarest
This is one of Ras Kass's most underrated songs.
loren mcdoyle
@1trx2 https://youtu.be/oPeRqeORF80
1trx2
Word
ARIF trae rap
No doubt! Ras is finest lyricist. Sadly all the label drama prevented him from being more recognized in the game. But Hip-Hop heads know his ill pen game and music.
Saudi Tate
This shit should be in a time capsule along side bob marley...yeah i said it.
Trent Yates
I agree as well
Kijuan Ward
The second most underrated rapper in HISTORY! Next to G. Rap
loren mcdoyle
https://youtu.be/oPeRqeORF80
JayFarris
He was slept on his lyricism is crazy!
DeShawn
Man people really slept on this song and the album for that fact