Veteran Ras Kass sat down with AllHipHop for a wide-ranging conversation about his new album Leopard Eats Face, hip-hop competition, ghostwriting, Drake, Jay-Z comparisons, Dr. Dre, Coast Contra and the realities of 30 years in the music industry. Chuck Jigsaw Creekmur and DJ Thoro pulled out all the stops in this interview, as it was their first with the West Coast rap icon.
In the interview, Raskas shares his thoughts on what defines a true lyricist, why he believes record sales don’t always reflect skill, and how label politics impacted the trajectory of his career. He also reflects on the legacy of one of the most influential songs, “The Nature of Threat,” his competitive mentality as a host and why he still views hip-hop as a sport.
Raskas also talks about his relationship with producer “The Alchemist,” working with Dr. Dre, and why he believes financial independence — not billionaire status — is his real goal.
This is a highly edited (and edited) interview. For the full, unedited version, watch the interview below.
AllHipHop: Talk about the mentality behind leopards eating faces.
Ras Kass: Hip-hop is competitive. Steel makes steel sharp. I am stating that I am a leopard and I am going to eat your face. Available to all MCs.
AllHipHop: So this is still about proving lyrical dominance?
Ras Kass: I didn’t enter this race to finish second. You respect the greats, but you still strive to be the best. No one is sicker than me.
AllHipHop: “The Nature of Threat” remains one of your most discussed records. Where were you mentally when you wrote this?
Laskas: First a question, why are black people so hated globally. I want answers, not superficial information.
AllHipHop: This sounds like an in-depth study.
Ras Kass: I studied history, anthropology, and religion for many years before writing this book. I want the truth, not just talking points.
AllHipHop: Did you expect the backlash?
Ras Kass: I think it could ruin my career. Everyone except my mom told me not to release it. She told me it was important.
AllHipHop: Do you feel like it changed your trajectory?
Laskas: Of course. Since then, a lot of people in the industry have disliked me.
AllHipHop: You once said the only difference between you and Jay-Z was record sales.
Ras Kass: The difference is a million records. Talent isn’t always reflected in sales numbers.
AllHipHop: Do you think this culture conflates popularity with technique?
Ras Kass: People confuse money with ability. Vanilla Ice also sold records. That doesn’t make him a bar god.
AllHipHop: So what is your definition of greatness?
Ras Kass: If we talk about rap, then we should talk about rap ability. If you don’t write your own rhymes, you shouldn’t be in that conversation.
AllHipHop: You even mentioned specific artists.
Ras Kass: Derek had help with the writing, which allowed him to move away from what was, for me, purely lyrical dialogue.
AllHipHop: Is Hip-Hop doing this for itself or due to outside influences?
Ras Kass: We repeat what the industry tells us. Executives say lyrical rap is dead, and then artists and fans start repeating it.
AllHipHop: Where does this lead?
Ras Kass: Lowering the standards. When the standard drops low enough, the average starts to look abnormal.
AllHipHop: You mentioned how artists have had different responsibilities in the past.
Ras Kass: Artists have faced financial pressure from their communities. Financial boycott used to be a real tool.
AllHipHop: What has changed?
Ras Kass: Now people complain but still support things they claim they don’t like.
AllHipHop: What should people do?
Ras Kass: Stop supporting things you don’t respect. Money is the only thing companies and artists really respond to.
AllHipHop: That era with you, Canibus, Killah Priest and Xzibit felt like a different type of lyrical competition.
Laskas: We are the slaughterhouse before the slaughterhouse. It’s pure competition and respect for the bar.
AllHipHop: What’s driving this hunger?
Ras Kass: We are young, talented and trying to prove ourselves. People really treat it like a competitive sport.
AllHipHop: Many fans believe that connecting with Dr. Dre changes everything for you.
Ras Kass: Dre did his job. My label doesn’t have it.
AllHipHop: What went wrong?
Ras Kass: You can have great records, but without the right machinery to support them, they won’t reach their potential.
AllHipHop: Did Dre explain it to you?
Laskas: He told me I was like a bicycle with a broken chain. No matter how hard I try, I will never move forward with this label.
AllHipHop: There are rumors about Alchemist issues. How is the situation now?
Laskas: The situation has been resolved. This was a misunderstanding and we are past it.
AllHipHop: Can you guys work together again?
Laskas: That’s the plan. We want to make music together again.
AllHipHop: You mentioned that you feel emotionally older than you are because of everything you’ve been through.
Ras Kass: Life has its ups and downs, but I’m still standing and still motivated.
AllHipHop: What drives you right now?
Laskas: I don’t need extreme wealth. I just want financial stability and security.
AllHipHop: You even mentioned a specific number.
Ras Kass: Five million dollars of liquid is enough for me. I don’t think anyone really needs hundreds of millions or billions.
AllHipHop: Final thoughts?
Ras Kass: I have worked hard and I will continue to work. Our goal is to continue creating and enjoying the journey no matter the outcome.
