Good evelin’ , this an article I wrote for Riddim Magazine however it is published in german so please read the english version.
Reggae’s ability to be redefined by different generations is a major component of this gargantuan genre. Reggae has been revitalized and revived but it is time for it to be refreshed. Reggae refreshers not to be confused as a new flavour of Kool-Aid but instead, are a group of Jamaican reggae artistes that instead of breaking the mould are sculpting their own personal definition of reggae in a modern Jamaica.
Immanuel Kerr musically known as Ras – I is a musical oasis in the vast desert of musical mediocrity and his sound quenches the thirst of the musically deprived. In analyzing this charismatic crooner, Ras – I’s singing style can be characterized as a slow flowing stream that massages your ears with his musical therapy. His voice is rustic but that blends excellently with his magnificent vocal range as he can hit any note in the musician’s notepad.
Going forward we must pay recognition to Ras-I’s first name which is ‘Immanuel’. This is a biblical name frequently found in the book of Isiah and it means ‘God is with us’, which he definitely is as Ras – I ’s angelic voice brings us to heaven even in the midst of our own personal hell. Songs such as ‘Crazy over You’ feat Runkus & Royal Blu and ‘Sarah’ are introductions into book on romance and are powerful ballads that are relevant in this current generation. ‘Know Herb’ is a symphonic documentary as he illustrates the different types of ganja, its medicinal and mediational properties. This musical pamphlet about Marijuana is important as it clarifies the main uses for this versatile plant. Ras – I’s celestial voice aligns our own personal constellations with every rendition of his songs from his amazing discography, there is no fault in his stars.
Ras – I is indeed a charismatic fellow but his meekness and humbleness will allow for him to inherit his own musical kingdom. However, in order to investigate more into his musical background, I visited a rehearsal session that he had with Runkus, Royal Blu and DJ Stamma. The rehearsal session was a melodic mansion as youthful exuberance mixed with potent lyrics to form the foundation, with varying chords, choruses, notes and varying rhythms inhabiting this structure of sounds.
A substance of frequent use during this rehearsal session was the good ole sensimina which has a multitude of different names, the most popular being marijuana and weed. Ras-I’s love for this euphoric plant was made known throughout this session to even such lengths in which I awaited his post on Instagram with the caption being “Spending time with bae”.
His love for marijuana is one thing but it doesn’t compare to his fondness for music with his favourite line being “ a inna studio mi born”. That is quite a sight to imagine he using his umbilical cord as his first guitar string and his baby soother as his microphone recording hits such as ‘Goo goo gaa’ and the crowd favourite ‘Baby Ras-I do do do’. Furthermore, his musical background is deeper than the Marianna trench as his mother Lorna Wainwright was a famed member of the reggae group called ‘Mamas’ coupled with studio sessions admiring reggae greats such as Gregory Issacs, Dean Frazier. This love for music interfered with his earlier studies as homework was forsaken for his only teacher; music. Music would be his mentor, life coach and lecturer in this crumbling institution we called life.
Ras-I’s music can only be described as the perfect brew of roots reggae with a hint of jazz and a smidge of hip-hop to generate a musical concoction that is savouryfor all audiences. This teamed with his immense work ethic is a refreshing attribute to see in millennial artistes. Ras-I’s ability to go out and create events where he showcases his talent is unparalleled. These traits tie in to create a knot of opportunity that will secure a legendary future. He doesn’t believe in abiding to a singular label when speaking about his music but versatility is the flame that engulfs his musical catalogue. He still loves the traditional aspect of reggae as “mainly roots reggae mi love” as he signals out roots reggae as his major love.
Ras – I’s discography will be growing as he is currently working on a project called Tsojourna which holds close meaning to him as it is named after his niece who was named after the African American abolitionist and women right’s activist Sojourner Truth. The breakdown continues as Ras-I’s mind is an ever working matrix, but instead of being Neo he opts to be himself as he reveals that To Soujourn means ‘ to journey’. Ras – I’s is on the road to Zion but his journey is not to be underestimated as he embarks on this mission in a chariot of glory.
Mhm.
Selah.
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