One of the original West Coast fire spitters is back with a vengeance. Ras Kass, who has been discussed in the news the last few years for everything except his music, proves nothing has changed his focus as an artist. With a public feud with The Game, a DUI conviction, and a trip to the big house, Ras' music is rawer then ever. If you judge a book by its cover, then you may not give Institutionalized the time of day. The cover contains a bland layout with a photoshopped Polaroid of Ras sporting his prison garments. The shell of the project is hollow, but the content makes up for it.
The first track, "Victory" (We Shall Overcome), starts with the sounds of an anxious crowd cheering as the medieval chamber strings sets up a perfect backdrop for the "waterproof mc" to rhyme over. Ras spits, "I'm not the most famous / But my flows more heinous / Ten years consistently classic, but the radio never played it." Ras lets off several shots at the issues that plague his psyche: wack rappers, religious nuts, the economy, and of course, The Game. Institutionalized wouldn't be complete without a few darts aimed at the butterfly-tattooed gangster. Ras' jab is note worthy, but not a knockout.
On "Behind The Musick," Ras takes listeners on the frightening ride that he has endured in the music industry. He raps about being "locked down on Priority for eight years" and that he "watched dudes go plat, and overnight hot / Then every clown running to the same producer he got." If you think the aforementioned line is scathing, wait until Ras delves into everything that can be wrong with the present-day hip-hop. Ras touches on everything and then some.
"B.I.B.L.E." is the hip-hop version of Bill Maher's "Religulous." The production features a classic sample with a heavy soul clap every two bars. The controversial verses are incessant and out spoken. Ras claims he "is the only talking aborted fetus, and gargles Holy Water, [while throwing] darts at white Jesus." Every bar is meaningful and sometimes comical. For example, Ras states, "Kanye said that Jesus walks / that's probably 'cause black men can't catch a cab in New York." Ras showcase this incredible versatility throughout Institutionalized.
"Elevate," featuring Crooked I and Odious, is one of the most lyrical songs of the year. The production is intense, with a BPM fast enough to match Crooked I's feverous sermon. Ras follows suit in a remarkable manner. The late great Proof makes an appearance that will make any hip-hop head pour out a lil' liquor. When listening to this feature, it makes one almost forget that Proof is no longer with us. It's easy to get lost in his sixteen bars.
Ras Kass isn't interested in being a cliché rapper. He's doesn't want to be the but of a joke in future years. Ras is sticking to his guns. Not much has changed for the "Left Coast" legend, accept better beats. Ras has always broken through the roof with his unique concepts (i.e. "Interview With A Vampire," "Nature Of The Threat") and he continues to prove his ideas are still flowing frequently. If you are into what some consider "anti-ringtone rap" or "lyrical" music, then maybe its time you get Institutionalized.
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