Although there have been plenty of “projects” – some of them quite impressive, it has been nearly 12 years since fans have had product from Ras Kass that feels like it an album. With Priority records and California State Corrections finally behind him, Ras Kass releases his Kickstarter-funded A.D.I.D.A.S. The title which is an acronym for All Day I Dream About Spitting, showcases the emcee doing what he does best. Free from the confines of label politics and impending criminal cases its apparent from the jump that Ras is enjoying every second of spitting.
Lyrically, the “Waterproof Emcee” is still on another level. Every single one of the 28 tracks has its share of quotables. Even the worst track on the album, “Me and My Kids” hears Ras spitting, “Even when my shorty spit niggas hit the deck / It brings a whole new meaning to me coming correct.” Without question, the man who brought the world a lyrical masterpiece in Soul on Ice is still the envy of his peers. Like any Ras project, some of the lyricism may be too dense, as has historically been the case – with even well-read listeners playing catch-up. It’s clear that from 10 plus guest appearances on the album, that his peers are still using the artist as their bar. Artists like Royce Da 5’9″, Canibus, and Chino XL usually steal the show lyrically on an album and while all bring forth dope contributions none are Ras Kass. Only Jean Grae and Ice-T’s verses stand out in a project full of quotables from Ras Kass.
Ras Kass’s first two projects gave him the reputation of a superb artist who was plagued by his choice of questionable production. The counter-point to Razzy’s ear has long been Diamond D‘s “Soul On Ice” remix, and later leaked work with DJ Premier and Rick Rock. On A.D.I.D.A.S., he recruits close to 20 producers to assist on the project. There are 26 tracks on the album and nearly a different producer for each track, and the album lacks a cohesive nature due to that. Each beat-maker brings a different style and at times the project can seem manic. The production itself is hit or miss with the only consistency being Ras’s lyrical assault. A.D.I.D.A.S. brings forth a long awaited reunion with Alchemist on “Linguistics.” It’s easily one of the best tracks on the album. Skillz takes care of the hook and Ras slays a dope beat by Al. The track sees Razzy adding to his repertoire of spitting knowledge and still sounding relevant as he did on “Interview of a Vampire” and “Soul on Ice.” Even the intro hears Ras sounding as comfortable as ever over production, while Mr. Porter on “Radio” continues his hot trend and DJ Noriega might have produced the best track on the album with “Muse.” Without question there is a lot to love about this project, with “Muse” and “Linguistics” being the most noteworthy.
With that 12-year break between official releases, Ras surely wanted to give fans as much as he could on this album. It’s hard to knock Ras Kass for releasing a double CD, but unfortunately it’s a valid complaint. It’s an admirable gift to fans given this project’s inception, but if the project was condensed, it could have been stellar from top to bottom. Tracks like “Me and My Twins” have no business on a Ras Kass album. The same could be said for tracks like “Mr. Right, “On Top” and “3008.” Ras’ top tier lyrical abilities can’t even compensate for poor production, terrible hooks and questionable topics. He still manages to have a moment or two during these lesser than average cuts, but the listener moves on quickly to hear another form of Ras Kass.
Though the means of getting his album havs changed, the Waterproof Emcee’s abilities have not. The album has some very visible flaws, but it’s easy to understand each of them. Although the context of the album may be tarnished ever so slightly, the same fans that made this album happen are treated with bonus music. With that said, Ras Kass has officially rejoined the working class of Hip Hop.
This has to be the best 2 disc rap album ever. maybe one or two ok songs the rest is fire. Ras is BACK!
Solid album.. an independent album better than most big label albums
5starz period
“Faggots wearing women skin like buffalo bill”-EPIC
RAZZY’S DOPE
DAMN
real talk here 5starz
This is my nomination for Most slept on album of the year or album of the year. He is the best lyricist bar none I would like to see him do a track with eminem. To me he is better than em lyrically. I think HHDX copped out. Really 3.5 rating is a play it safe strategy. The album deserves 4 -4.5 rating. Hooks were not all that good. This is the only negative. This album reminds of Soul on Ice. Soul on Ice did not have stellar production but it was still classic. This is similar to this album. If the HHDX staff are true hip hop heads they would know this. Tracks like Van Gogh, Soul on Ice, Understandable Smooth – who in hip hop could lyrically spit this way other than him.
just grabbed this album last night but haven’t had a chance to listen to the whole thing yet so I’ll wait on my rating.
Out of the 8 songs I’ve heard so far…FIRE.
This nigga is irrelevant and wack. guarantee he aint going no where wit this shit. 2000 sold the 1st week if his gay ass is lucky.
how many albums have you sold?
This is the first album since OBCL2 where you could feel the amount of work the artist put in. This is all we fans ask for. 5 stars for the effort.
It’s hot Cuzz keep doing what you do and it’s been awhile.
ok
i like
dope
great to hear Rass spittin like this over banging beats. Real hip hop is being slept on big time. Love the Killah Priest verse
Rass is on the come up, he deserves a lot a recognition. One of my favs for sure
Great album.
iwantmusic.com
He’s one of the wackest dudes to come out the west. Hang up the mic and get a job at ur local zoo. Feed the monkeys or some shit…
EMINEM RECOVERY IN STORES NOW!@#$# AOTY!!!!
You think anyone’s even going to consider buying Recovery with you shitting all over these reviews? Stfu and people will buy it if they like it.
dude below is a hater
dude above is a bitch
THIS ALBUM IS ON POINT. bEST RAZZY IN YEARS!! tHE PRODUCTION WAS HIS MAIN ISSUE. MOST OF HIS ALBUMS GOT FLAWLESS RHYMES OVER GARBAGE BEATS. tHIS ONE KNOCK THO.
ADIDAS is on point, the reviewer here may have been a little harsh but his points were valid…If you want another opinion check out the review on http://mediamindfield.com
ADIDAS is on point, the reviewer here may have been a little harsh but his points were valid…If you want another opinion check out the review on mediamindfield
i agree with the reviewer, nice to see Ras Kass doing a double album for the fans but there were a few tracks the album could have done without. if this was a 1 disc album with only the best tracks it could have been dope. but still its a nice comeback album for Ras Kass and is a decent album
Nice album. 1 disc and it’s a hit. Few skipples that didn’t feel quite finished. Ras is nice with the lyrics. Linguistics is my hit right now. Like the HSMN piece also. Can’t give it a 4 cause of the few notable tracks that could have been left off.
5
THE BOMB!
Love the single and the video
5 star nigga
Great Job Razzy!
No wonder this reviewer had so many issues with this album, he can’t even spell or articulate his thoughts properly. This album went over your head especially if you think Ice-T had one of the only two stand out verses as a feature on the whole album. Look, this project touches on all the elements while staying consistant with high calliber lyrics. Sorry, Ras dropped a classic with this one. Even the title is commendable. “3008 has no buisness on a Ras Kass album.” Seriously??? Go shoot yourself.
Don’t care, its f-n Ras Kass! 5*
i gotta get this one
Good god, Ras is a beast!