Ras Ceylon is a Sri Lankan-American recording artist from Oakland, California. He has been bringing uplifting messages to the masses for over 20 years, releasing 5 solo albums to date and appearing on multiple projects with notable Rap and Reggae artists. He works closely with Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. Black Panther Party Cubs and is a member of Sizzla Kalonji's Judgment Yard fam. Ras Ceylon's latest single “Chamber Szn” amasses over 2100 streams since the album’("To Srv The Ppl") was released on December 16th. The track features Solomon Childs and Timbo King and is produced by DJ Just Jay. The trio delivers strong messages and the hook “ Chamber Szn, It all happens for a reason” is catchy with a purpose.
Ras Ceylon has spent over two decades relentlessly organizing his community, providing them with the tools to rise above oppression, and being a voice of the voiceless through his music and activism. "To Srv The Ppl" (To Serve The People) is Ras Ceylon's first full-length solo release in 10 years (7th album overall), recorded entirely in 2022. The 13-track album embodies thought-provoking and politically charged subject matter that revolves around freedom, family, spirituality, and revolutionary change. The album’s artwork depicts Ras Ceylon's involvement in the “Justice For Oscar Grant Movement” of 2009-2010. This picture was taken at a march when Oscar Grant's killer, Johannes Mehserle, was released after being found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and serving just 11 months in county jail.
Ras's socially conscious lyrical imagery is a masterful fusion of hip hop, roots reggae, and dancehall blending straightforward bars of struggle with insightful metaphysical wisdom floating over exquisitely curated soundscapes provided by well-rounded beatsmiths including Dawit Justice, DJ Just Jay, Kinetic 9 (Killarmy), and Dr. Edward Love.
"This project is more than just music for me. It is the soundtrack to my way of life and my philosophies. From a young age, I took heed to a higher calling from those in my community to serve the people, all people that are oppressed worldwide. It is this chosen path that translates beyond words into actual physical action. This album is an update of where I currently reside mentally and spiritually. It is an audio journey for listeners into the movement of self-determination."
Released by the Billboard-charting, Miami-based reggae record label, Chalice Row, Ras Ceylon's "To Srv The Ppl" is the label's first hip-hop release boasting notable guest appearances from reggae superstars Sizzla and Perfect Giddimani to longtime Wu-Tang Clan swordsmen Prodigal Sunn (Sunz Of Man), La The Darkman, Timbo King, Kinetic 9 (Killarmy), and Solomon Childs. "To Srv The Ppl" is unlike any current album in today's market in that it is a rare jewel that shines through originality and authenticity rather than the glorification of crime and violence. "To Srv The Ppl" is available now on all streaming platforms with physical CDs and Vinyl soon to be available. Be sure to connect with Ras on his website, social media, and digital music platforms.
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