Hip-hop is all about the lyrics. So why is it that 90 percent of what's on the radio is about partying? West Coast rapper Ras Kass is easily one of the best lyricists in rap. Both Rolling Stone and Pitchfork have said as much. He raps about anything he can fit in a sentence, weaving complex biblical metaphors, dark humor, ambitious concepts, and hilarious punchlines in with some strange, tricky flow. He took an extended hiatus from music after releasing two classic, under-appreciated albums, 1996's Soul on Ice and 1998's Rasassination. When he returned to music in 2005, he started prolifically self-releasing albums and singles. 2012's "Sushi" is a particular gem. It celebrates raw hip-hop (sushi = raw) and playfully questions people's cultural stereotypes. (Aaron Carnes)
Hip-hop is all about the lyrics. So why is it that 90 percent of what's on the radio is about partying? West Coast rapper Ras Kass is easily one of the best lyricists in rap. Both Rolling Stone and Pitchfork have said as much. He raps about anything he can fit in a sentence, weaving complex biblical metaphors, dark humor, ambitious concepts, and hilarious punchlines in with some strange, tricky flow. He took an extended hiatus from music after releasing two classic, under-appreciated albums, 1996's Soul on Ice and 1998's Rasassination. When he returned to music in 2005, he started prolifically self-releasing albums and singles. 2012's "Sushi" is a particular gem. It celebrates raw hip-hop (sushi = raw) and playfully questions people's cultural stereotypes. (Aaron Carnes)
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