Greetings
This is the first announcement going out
to reggae fans all over the globe from the RAS Records
publicity department. By reading this page regularly, you’ll
get an inside view on some of the latest developments in
reggae music. Read on to hear a bit on what’s happening,
starting with our new releases of the millenium…
Culture’s Payday has true music
and modern conscious lyrics
Aside from being a legendary group with a
history of quality music both live and recorded, Culture is
making their mark all over again with their latest release on
RAS Records. When you get the album, first check out the list
of outstanding musicians. Clive Hunt and Joseph Hill refused
to skimp on bringing out top-quality real instrumentation and
backing singers on this release. Then, when you take a
listen, read along with the lyrics. Dr. Dread and I spent
hours and hours transcribing Joseph Hill’s words of wisdom
(no easy task!) and we would periodically share notes on how amazing
they are. No one thinks the way this man does! Nothing gets
by him! His conscious eye is firmly fixed on watching
society. For whatever isn’t going quite right in the world,
Joseph has an explanation and a solution to match. And to top
it all, he still has a sense of humour while making complex
symbolic comparisons and praising Jah. Last week, Culture
kicked off their massive US Tour in RAS’ home-base city of
DC to a sold-out house. A fabulous show! Sold-out dates
followed in Philadelphia and New York City. Check their
itinerary for a show near you!
Prince Malachi rises to his potential
With the release of just his third album Watch
Over We, Prince Malachi proves he has risen to his
potential and that his talent is in full bloom under the
production of Phillip "Fatis" Burrrel of
Exterminator. Some tracks fire strong while others are more
soft-spoken, but the message is present throughout. You may
recognize "Universal Pain" from the Lion release Roaring
on RAS. It still sounds as good! My personal favorite on the
album is "Fishers of Men." The rhythm is wicked.
The lyrics are potent, too, leaving you bobbing down the
River Jordan, determined to be a fisher of men.
In the studio
Just in time for the East Coast snow
storm, we had some special visitors from Chile stop by RAS.
Four of the Gondwana guys came up to DC to do some mixing for
their new album to be titled Alabanza (trans.: Praises).
I just have to say- these guys are the real deal. You know
they’re Rasta because you can almost see the glow of
love coming from them. It’s not often you meet people so
kind and genuine. Look for them on a select number of US and
Caribbean dates this summer, including Puerto Rico and Reggae
on the River in California.
The first week in January, Skelly and Wiss
were at Leggo Studio in JA recording a new Israel Vibration
album due out in the next few months. Are you ready for a
listing of some of the musicians? Sly Dunbar, Chinna, Flabba
Holt, Stevie G., T Bird, Dean Fraser, Nambo, JC Lodge doing
some backing, the list goes on. I’ve heard just a bit and
it’s got me dying for more. Look out for this, I’m
warning you. I’ll keep you updated on its release.
Natty Takin’ Over
Speaking of IV, did you know that the
latest video from Israel Vibration "Hard Road" from
Pay The Piper was one of two videos picked to be
featured during January, 2000 in the 3,900 + Blockbuster
video stores nationwide? It was scheduled to be running in
between films on their in-house channel. Not too shabby!
Final note
As many of you have witnessed, a lot of
changes have happened both in the music business and
specifically for reggae in recent years. RAS’ mission has
always been to bring you the very best of the Real Authentic
Sound of reggae music. This is why we continue to go through
great effort to pick only musical gems. Supporters like you
make the effort worthwhile. Thanks for your patience and
interest in being part of our goals!
Maximum Respect from RAS Publicity and
Promotions
