Ras Ceylon

The War Report Gideon Force Feat. Ras Ceylon 01/12 by Black Truth Media | Blog Talk Radio

2012-01-12T11:41:00.000-08:00

The War Report Gideon Force Feat. Ras Ceylon 01/12 by Black Truth Media | Blog Talk Radio

Ras Ceylon "Fyah Still Burnin" (Official Music Video)

2011-11-28T20:19:00.000-08:00

Ras Ceylon & Bobo David - (Judgment Yard) - "Keepin It Real" in Jamaica...

2011-11-28T20:17:00.000-08:00

Ras Ceylon "Fyah Still Burnin" (Official Video)

2011-11-04T16:48:00.000-07:00

RAS CEYLON & BOBO DAVID INTERVIEW

2011-06-10T14:37:00.000-07:00

RAS CEYLON & BOBO DAVID INTERVIEW

"Gideon.Force Vol.1" by Ras Ceylon

2011-03-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

"Gideon.Force Vol.1" by Ras Ceylon

Ras Ceylon Brings a Fire

2011-03-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

Ras Ceylon Brings a Fire

Ras Ceylon presents: "Gideon.Force Vol.1" (((Trailer)))

2011-02-21T15:09:00.000-08:00

WIKKKED MAN ZONE

2011-02-18T13:58:00.000-08:00

Gideon.Force Volume 1 releasing 03/01/11!!!!

2011-02-09T17:48:00.000-08:00

Ras Ceylon on Hard Knock Radio - January 19, 2011 at 4:00pm | KPFA 94.1 FM Berkeley: Listener Sponsored Free Speech Radio

2011-01-24T14:06:00.000-08:00

Hard Knock Radio - January 19, 2011 at 4:00pm | KPFA 94.1 FM Berkeley: Listener Sponsored Free Speech Radio

Powerful Cali artist and activist Ras Ceylon chops it up w vivafidelradio

2011-01-24T14:03:00.000-08:00

Powerful Cali artist and activist Ras Ceylon chops it up w vivafidelradio

MUNGA HONOURABLE & RAS CEYLON (GIDEON FORCE) - (STRUGGLE GOES ON) - PROD...

2010-12-20T14:59:00.000-08:00

I HAVE ALOT 2 UPDATE ON THIS BLOG BUT 4 NOW....PEEP/HEAR THIS:

"4 AIYANA JONES" controversial video / song (free download)

2010-06-27T12:08:00.000-07:00

WE MADE THIS SONG 4 THE 7YR OLD MURDERED IN COLD BLOOD BY DETROIT PIGS....ANOTHER LEFT ONE (F1RST CLASS) BANGER.....DOWNLOAD THE MP3 AND SHARE THE VID (WHILE IT IS UP CUZ YOUTUBE HAS ALREADY MYSTERIOUSLY REMOVED ONE OF THE VIDEOS THAT WAS MADE FOR THIS SONG)

http://http://www.mediafire.com/?54ajmnt2wku

NO MORE STOLEN LIVES / JUSTICE 4 AIYANA JONES, OSCAR GRANT, AND ALL VICTIMS OF POLICE TERRORISM!!! STR8 UP MORE FIYAH 4 THIS WIKKKED SHITSTEM!!!!

NEW FREE BIG TUNE DOWNLOAD: "THE QUESTION" BY RAS CEYLON PROD.BY F1RST CLASS!!!

2010-05-24T11:09:00.001-07:00

FREE LINK 4 RAS CEYLON "THE ?" PROD BY F1RSTCLASS:

http://www.mediafire.com/?mhcgnjjoqdm

THIS TUNE IS PART OF THE NEW GIDEON.FORCE SOLO TING IM BUILDING...BLESSED 2 WORK WITH A MUSICAL PRODIGY ON THE SONG, MY LIL HOMEY YUNG L1 AKA LEFT ONE (F1RST CLASS) HE FROM GUATEMALA BY WAY OF DEEP EAST OAKLAND CALI..AND THE DUDE IS SICK IN THE STUDIO. HE ACTUALLY PRODUCED THIS SONG FOR ME, AS IN MORE THAN JUST MAKE THE BEAT WE SAT IN THE LAB AND DISCUSSED THE CONCEPT, TOPIC, AND HE EVEN COACHED ME THRU THE LYRIC WRITING! I HAVE BEEN MAKING MUSIC FOR ABOUT 13 YRS NOW BUT MAKING THIS SONG WAS AN EXPERIENCE..STAY IN TUNE!!!

"TO THE WILL OF THE DEVIL / I WILL NEVER SUBMIT"

"10 yrs after Lets Get Free....Its still NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE" witness history in the making 05.22.10 SFC

2010-05-03T15:15:00.000-07:00

GET YOUR PRESALES FAST B/C THE EVENT WILL SELL OFF:

http://www.inticketing.com/evinfo.php?eventid=94204/

So this concert coming up will be the first of many presented by Gideon.Force, I am also working with DEECEE's SoulShakedown and the Rockit Room to make it happen.

10yrs ago when my comrades dead prez released "Lets Get Free" I remember thinking, damn finally someone out there (beside my crew YI'z) is putting out some Revolutionary Hiphop...a month later I was sharing the stage with M1 at the Uhuru House in East Oakland (early summer of 2000). Since then they have gone on to release multiple mix CD's, solo album etc. While I too have also released a number of projects since then (including Betta B Ready single/video with stic.man of dpz). A decade later "Lets Get Free" still stands strong. So I thought given that this the 10yr mark of that album coming out why not have a concert to salute, honor, and celebrate that seminal joint.

So thats what we doing Sat.May22nd @ the Rockit Room in SF. Also given that I am bout the POCC Code of Culture, we are also tuning the event into the "Justice 4 Oscar Grant Campaign" which we will support by having a panel discussion moderated by POCC Min. of Info JR, beginning at 8pm sharp with concert rite after. This is an X-tremely historic and significant event, not your average rap show...and its still bigger than Hiphop!!!

MO 411:

http://rock-it-room.com/event_details.php?EventID=269

BETTA B READY 4 THIS!!!!

RC tee-shirts + "Rise of the Brown MC" mix

2010-05-03T12:28:00.000-07:00

SO THERE IS ALOT GOING ON RITE NOW....HERE ARE A FEW UPDATES

WE NOW HAVE "RAS CEYLON IS GIDEON.FORCE" X-CLUSIVE TEES AVAILABLE @

http://nickelplated22.wordpress.com/2010/04/30/silk-screened-rasceylon_gftee

ALSO DAVEY D HAS JUST POSTED A MIX DEDICATED TO THE STRUGGLE VS. IMMIGRANT DISCRIMINATION IN ARIZONA CALLED "RISE OF THE BROWN EMCEE" AND INCLUDING A RAS CEYLON JOINT ON THE MIX...LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD IT HERE:

http://hiphopandpolitics.wordpress.com/2010/04/30/rise-of-the-brown-emcee-pt-4-dedication-to-arizona-free-the-land/

important Bay eventz: POCC Congo & Haiti Report Back (4/18 &4/21) + "Lets Get Free" annivers. / Justice 4 Oscar Grant Campaign (5/22)

2010-04-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

more 411 on POCC "Back from Haiti" @ www.blockreportradio.com

presale tix 4 deadprez/ras ceylon show:

http://inticketing.com/events/94204/Dead-Prez

also this Sunday:
BlockReportRadio presents
Kambale Musavulli, the spokesman for Friends of the Congo, who will be giving us an update on the Congolese War in Africa, that has already claimed the lives of 6 million people. Come find out how this genocide taking place is directly related to your cell phones, laptops, PS3's, and Ipads...

Sunday, April 18th at 6:30pm
Black Dot Cafe,
1195 Pine St, West Oakland
Donation based

APRIL SHOWZ...LOUIE CULTURE IN SFC 4/6 + "LIL BOBBY HUTTON DAY" IN WSO 4/10

2010-03-24T21:12:00.000-07:00

INI WILL B ROCKING A GOOD RAGGA NITE WIT LOUIE CULTURE LIVE N DIRECT FROM JA...I WILL B DOING A LONG AWAITED SOLO ACT THAT NITE...GOT NUFF FIYAH 2 RELEASE..JAH KNOW!

ALSO I WILL B PERFORMING FOR THE 12TH ANNUAL "LIL BOBBY HUTTON DAY" ALSO IM BRINGING OUT SUM OF MY STUDENTS FROM OAKLAND EMILIANO ZAPATA STREET ACADEMY'S SPOKEN WORD CLASS 2 SPIT SUM FIYAH FOR LIL BOBBY (THE 1ST MEMBER AND MARTYR OF THE BLACK PANTHERS)

listen 2 "Scientific/Non-Fiction" thru lala.com

2010-03-12T11:03:00.000-08:00

Scientific Non-Fiction - Ras C...

FREE DOWNLOAD..BIG TUNE..."Anyday,Anytime" f. Norris Man on mp3!!! (link below)

2010-02-09T18:17:00.000-08:00

FREE DOWNLOAD OF THE BIG TUNE "ANYDAY, ANYTIME" FEAT. NORRIS MAN (rmx) Produced by PATSON (Congo/Belgium)...this is InI new sound...BOOM!!!!
click this link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?kdnimzjdyni

performing at HAITI RELIEF BENEFIT + SAN DIEGO show

2010-01-26T13:48:00.000-08:00

INI GOT A FEW UPCOMING PERFORMANCES/LIVE SHOWS COMING UP...1 BENEFIT FOR HAITI (www.haitiaction.net) IN PALO ALTO ON SAT.JAN30TH (SEE FLYER)
ALSO I WILL B DOWN IN SAN DIEGO (SEE FLYER) PERFORMING AT A BEAT BATTLE FRI.FEB5TH

Ras Ceylon Southern Cali mini tour 12/7/09-1/2/10!!!

2009-12-10T12:29:00.000-08:00

I will be doin some So.Cal dates comin up this month:

Thurs night: Dec 17th in @ Tropics Lounge in Fullerton for "Wheel it up pt.3" -including a dj/prod team beat battle, selections from Westafa & HungryBros.Boom Sound, and live performances by Ophrap and headlining performer: RAS CEYLON (Throwback Records)---see flyer for mo 411

Saturday night Dec19th @ 2nd St. Jazz Club in Los Angeles for "Crates&Mics" -including performances by LAXBoyz & Skeem Price, selections from HungryBros.Boom Sound and hosted by RAS CEYLON---see flyer for mo 411

Sunday night Dec20th @ Tribe of Kings weekly Sunday ting in San Diego...DJ Westafa will be DJing and Ras Ceylon will perform a few tunez (not a full show).

and

finally Fri Jan1, 2010 in Palm Springs-details TBA-but it will including Westafa & Dawit Justice (HungryBros.BoomSound) spinning Roots Reggae & Dancehall all night and a full length live performance by Ras Ceylon! (see flyer)

These will all be live events with Reggae Dancehall & Hiphop selections from DJ Westafa-Hawaii (Westaeast/ChannelRock) & HungryBros Boom Sound (Dawit Justice & June22) and I will be performing tunez from "Scientific/Non-Fiction" and the upcoming "Gideon Force" album feat. Norris Man, M-Selah and mo....BOOM!!!!!!!!!

any ?s or u wanna link wit InI during this time hit me up @ rasceylon@gmail.com

Ras Ceylon opening for DEMARCO str8 from Kingston JA in OAKLAND

2009-11-09T14:52:00.000-08:00

THATS RITE! 1NCE AGAIN INI IS PERFORMING LONGSIDE ANOTHER ARTIST THAT MI RATE!

DEMARCO, ALONG WITH BUSY SIGNAL, MAVADO, MUNGA AND OTHERS (2 ME) REPRESENT THIS NEW STYLE OF DANCEHALL THAT IS VERY HIPHOP INFLUENCED AND ALWAYS BANGING!

THIS SHOW WILL BE HUGE AND HISTORICAL FOR THE WHOLE BAY AREA!!!

ALSO I WILL BE PERFORMING WITH MOMI DIGITAL AND WE WILL BE PREVIEWING SOME OF OUR NEW "GIDEON FORCE" TUNEZ SO U KNOW ITS ON AND CRACKING!!! BOOM!!!

GET TIX @ www.inticketing.com here is the direct link:

http://inticketing.com/events/58931/Demarco-Live--Direct-from-kingston-Jamaica

Ras Ceylon+ Momi D Live in studio performance + intvw on KALX 90.7

2009-10-06T16:38:00.001-07:00

October 3, Ras Ceylon and Momi Digital on KALX Live Hoste...

Kalx Raps

http://kalx-raps.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-10-05T23_36_29-07_00

Kalx Raps
2nd and 4th Sunday on 90.7 FM Berkeley
October 3, Ras Ceylon and Momi Digital on KALX Live Hosted by JahWobs

Give Thanks to Ras Ceylon and Momi Digital for coming into the studio and laying down a huge performance and sticking around the studio to reason for awhile. Look out for Ras Ceylon's latest album "Scientific Nonfiction," and his upcoming mix CD "Gideon Force" cohosted by Momi Digital with appearances by Norris Man and others.

www.myspace.com/rasceylon
www.rasceylon.com/

Performance includes:
Betta Be Ready
Open Fire
War A'Gwan
Fire Burn Dem
Serious Thing
Time Not Wasted
Haters
Play Wit Fyah
Keep It Movement

Followed by interview and reasoning.

Hi everyone, I thought you might enjoy this podcast: http://kalx-raps.podOmatic.com

2009-09-01T10:40:00.000-07:00

Posted from X is THE WEAPON Blog
Courtesy MURDER DOG Magazine

My bredren, Ras Ceylon got a bit of shine in the July Issue of Murder Dog Magazine, talkin about our album Scientific Non-Fiction, OakTown Buisness, Being a Conscious MC, civil war in Sri Lanka and other thought provoking topics. Vibe out on some of the Beats from SNF, while you peep the Full, Un-Edited Inner View below...

PLAY THESE:
SNF Riddim Snippets 08' by JUNE22

Ras Ceylon / June22 - Rise In Power 08' by JUNE22

READ THIS:

ANSWER ME THIS...
Q&A conducted Niki Gatewood for Murder Dog Magazine
photos courtesy Black Dog Bone

“The work that His Majesty set forth is no joke. It’s a daily struggle for equal rights and justice for all and demands discipline of the mind, body, and soul. People in general are suffering right now and a lot of ‘em are lost or hopeless. Rastafari provides InI the fuel to keep burning fiyah on oppression and Hip-Hop is my voice. So I trust my perspective can reach someone out there that needs it,” Ras Ceylon pauses as he readjusts a renegade dred lock. His honey eyelids blink shut and the intense ebony gaze is momentarily hidden from view.

Personal responsibility may be characterized as having the capacity for moral decisions, therefore being accountable and capable of one’s rational thoughts and actions. Seduced by the world’s temptations, it’s easy to become ensnared amongst compromising situations, corroding one’s sense of personal responsibility. As it pertains to Hip-Hop, MCs often live their lives amid the unflinching public eye; their personal responsibility is often scrutinized.

Originally from Southern California and now living in The Bay, Ras Ceylon is an MCs who embraces his personal responsibility to Hip-Hop as well as his personal responsibility to his community. Some of his albums have been marked with the warning sticker, Mental Advisory: LYRICAL CONTENT. His lyrics manifest his love for Hip-Hop and his love for community. Murder Dog is granted an exclusive glimpse into the realm of constant lyrical and community progress.

How are you doing? I hope that everything is going well in your world.
Yes I’m doing well, still giving thanks while we in the struggle!

I’ve been looking forward to this interview, you’re truly interesting and your lyrics are reflective of an elevated mindset, given the many things that you must think about, how d you decide which ones to put on wax?
Well to tell you the truth, when I’m writing a song I really just let the track and vibes inside the beat dictate the lyrics I write. There is not much premeditation except for a general or sometimes specific concept of where I wanna go with it, but like I said in a song with my crew East Bay Politix: “Jah Guide the flow.” So I never quite know what I might say next, because it’s not entirely in my control. Making music is a real spiritual thing when you allow it to be. I feel free when creating because I’m not concerned with “what’s hot” or “what the people want”, I just ride out with what feels right on every verse. The only challenge is when putting together an album because you have to decide what songs to put out and which ones to put on ice for the time. The creative process is always the best and easiest part to me, next to performing!

As your name, Ras Ceylon, is a combination of your faith (Rastafarian) and part of your ancestry (Ceylon, colonized name of Sri Lanka) why is it important for you to impart your perspective to the public?
I been putting music out since my first release in 1999 (Ceylon -“First Lesson” ep) which was a red cassette tape and from that time to pressing vinyl, to CDs and now downloads I have got a good response from people from all walks of life so I got to keep it movement. I know for sure that I’m bringing something different to the table. My life experience and overstanding of the world as a Hip-Hop emcee inspired by His Imperial Majesty Haile Sellassie I, gives me a duty to share what I know and live out the message. The fact that I’m from Sri Lanka is a little less relevant only because I was born and raised here in Cali so my style and sound is influenced more from this West Coast lifestyle than Sri Lanka. I chose the name Ceylon strategically though when I first started recording at age 16, so I would always remember where I come from and the war going on there. Later after many years of growing into Rastafari way of life I added “Ras” to my stage name, again with a purpose this time to emphasize the seriousness of my music. The work that His Majesty set forth is no joke. It’s a daily struggle for equal rights and justice for all and demands discipline of the mind, body, and soul. People in general are suffering right now and allot of ‘em are lost or hopeless. Rastafari provides InI the fuel to keep burning fiyah on oppression and Hiphop is my voice. So I trust my perspective can reach someone out there that needs it.

Is there a distinct style difference between the solo message of Ras Ceylon and the message of Hungry Bros and East Bay Politix?
Richport the Savior and myself, being the two youngest members of a large crew-Youth Internationals-we got branded Hungry Bros hella years ago because we were always trying to jump on every beat when the whole crew was still active. When me and Richport do our thing it’s the same vibe as when I do my solo stuff, except we build on and communicate about what we’re writing together. My other group East Bay Politix is a little different because we usually in the lab called Cybertron in deep East Oakland and Sin-Z’s production creates a whole universe unto itself. E.B.P. is definitely revolutionary Town Biz that includes Islamic elements and pushes Black consciousness to the fullest through comic books and music. But anything I do with my comrades is all one because we’re expressing liberation with our different voices. Hungry Bros and EBP have actually collab’d too so we all about unity. The one thing that ties me to the rest of my musical fam is the message, so we all come together and sharpen our swords with content in mind everytime.

You’ve been quoted as saying, “Action is necessary to bring about any kind of change,” in respect that quotation, what are you doing to make the public aware of your projects?
Like I said in a song, “I stay campaigning and sustaining the uprise.” We always campaigning. Whether it’s a revolutionary campaign such as “Free the SF8” or “Justice for Oscar Grant” or a musical campaign like the “Betta B Ready” video or my new album, I always strive to organize myself and others around me with focus, energy, and most importantly activity. Throwback Records has helped me push truth into the forefront, even if most thought the industry wouldn’t be ready. Before hooking up with TR it was more of a “dirt-style” hustle for me. That included everything from financing, retailing and promoting all my own products to spending hours on end in front of record stores slinging CDs. I was pushing this music movement before the internet took over. So while we do utilize the viral/web side of things, I still stay grassroots and ground-level. I’m performing all the time from the Bay to L.A. and beyond at Rap & Hip-Hop shows and Reggae/Dancehall clubs so we always active. Also through my interactions with the POCC (Prisoners of Conscious Committee) chaired by Fred Hampton Jr., I am in tuned with the “Code of Culture” in which I accept the responsibility to get involved in the revolutionary campaigns that we mention in the music. So its more than just speaking on the issues, you gotta actually work towards that goal, otherwise you just talking. So yeah, action is definitely the business because the minute you stop being active is the moment things stop moving for you.

Scientific/ Non-Fiction, your third album was released in 2008. People may purchase it through iTunes and in The Bay it’s available at any Amoeba & Rasputin’s stores. For those who haven’t heard it what can they expect?
Overall I think folks can expect the unexpected. There is so much going on in the album that there probably is a little something for everyone. One thing that stands out to me are the Hip-Hop OG’s that are on there spitting with me. From Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. of the POCC, Tajai of Hieroglyphics and stic.man of deadprez to current Hiphop Political Prisoners Askari X (RBG) and Tragedy Khadafi =FREE EM ALL! So obviously there are some high powered collabos on “Scientific/Non-Fiction” that makes it a special project. I am real thankful for the way it all came together because none of the collaborations were planned out, they all just manifested perfectly. Beyond that, the listener will definitely learn something, I guarantee it. I always say each song I make is a lesson, so there’s a lot in there to soak up. But its not preachy at all because I don’t tell people what to do and what not to do, its more about revealing truth and actual facts. We been putting warning stickers on the CDs that say “Mental Advisory: Lyrical Content.” So you know the album is deep on the message tip. Really though it’s not no way out sh*t, just real spit that usually goes beyond self-promotion and materialism that is common today. You gonna hear about a lot of relevant information that is important to think about in these times and days. There are also some stories I tell on there and different little things that keep it interesting, overall though I think it’s simply a good Hip-Hop album with a crucial edge to it.

June 22 and yourself were the only producers on Scientific/Non-Fiction, do you think you accomplished a Golden Era sound for the album? How do you achieve an interesting, cohesive, sound without it becoming montone?
Me and June22 have been making music together over ten years so it was real easy to make an album with him. He really overstands what I’m striving to achieve with each song made. I don’t know if this album is quite Golden Era because the music is up to the time and even has a lot of Reggae vibes on there as well. You could say it has a Golden Era sound in the sense that it feels like an actual album, with interludes, scratches and balance. There are also a whole lot of different sounds including live instrumentation to ill samples and banging beats. Nowadays most artists put out CDs that play more like mixtapes than actual LPs. “Scientific/Non-Fiction” is definitely a work of art in the sense that it was fine tuned over and over again. I spent time on every detail of the production from mixing to sequencing the album, so we were diligent about the whole process. I mean there were more songs that didn’t make it than the 16 that did. And some of those were dope tracks but we really were striving to get it to be a straight up album. You may see some of those extra songs come out on a mix CD soon and I know a few of them will be used for other projects. But yeah I got a lot to say on different topics so “Scientific/Non-Fiction” is hitting on many levels. Big up Throwback Records and my whole team!

If your hands are partly responsible for shaping new conscious Hip-Hop, what are you hoping that your fingerprints will leave on the mic?
Every time I grip the mic I’m making a fist. So that in itself is the imprint. My music is for everyone, not just for a “conscious” crowd because it’s pointless to preach to the choir. Hip-Hop has always had substance, even the turf music out here in the Town has elements of consciousness to it, so I don’t like to separate the music into categories. I think people can recognize that there is a genuine artistry being put together to separate my music from other stuff out there. I am humbled and honored to have worked with and to be able to build with the folks that I do, so to be mentioned with those heads is peace. I deliver Hip-Hop without compromising the content for any industry or commercial interest. So that fist around the mic represents the righteous fight of liberation that we wage against injustice through the music and action.

Last week, Sri Lanka declared victory over the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) after killing its leadership and remaining fighters, do you believe that the war is really over? What are your thoughts on President Mahinda Rajapaksa remarks that he plans, “to have most people returned to their homes within six months,” is this mere propaganda? Is the United States negligent in its efforts to aid the apparent humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka?
This war has been officially waging for over 30 years but if you study the history you’ll see that the seeds of division were sown through 500 years of colonialism. The funk between the two ethnic groups on my island that caused the civil war is a result of classic divide and conquer tactics, that were common during the African slave holocaust and European imperialism. Everywhere where people of color have had civilizations flourishing, we were suddenly caught up fighting each other over resources that we had shared for 1000s of years. You find the same thing in Rwanda, Somalia, or any other so called 3rd World country. Why is that? I think it is critical to analyze the conditions that created these conflicts instead of just being reactionary and want to kill your cousins. It’s the same thing on the streets of the U.S. we divided into blocks, turfs, and sets where we are seeing our own kinfolk as the enemy. As far as Sri Lanka we’ll see what happens but one thing I know for sure is that the masses of people there (historically Tamils since “independence”) are suffering there, and will continue to unless the political leaders begin to decolonize their minds and act accordingly. But things are critical in the regions where the recent military offensive happened and immediate aid is needed in a major way. The last time I was there was the summer of 2005 and I actually traveled to the northern region and visited Jaffna which has seen the brunt of the war and the people there all showed love despite our differences. So I know from first hand experience that the division between Sinhalese and Tamil people in Sri Lanka is artificial and exploited by the powers that be, to capitalize off the war. There is a humanitarian crisis going on out there but also right here in West Oakland, so there is a lot of work to be done worldwide!

Being that you’re focused on empowering and uplifting the community, how are you using your time to benefit those that are in your immediate surroundings and those that are overseas? What are some of your long-term goals outside of Hip-Hop?
Since I moved to the Bay in 1999 I have been working with youth of all ages in different capacities, from after school programs and coaching hoops with elementary and middle school kids to counseling and outreach with teenagers. I have hella youngstas in my life that I constantly build with here in the Town. It’s been a trip watching some of these young folks grow up and it also has been hard watching them go through hardships, but it feels good to be there for them. I think it’s vital to contribute to the community I stay in and do more than just rap about the problems. There is a war going on (“round the globe / down the road / some just don’t know”) out here and these are survival times so everyone can use a helping hand. I do wanna branch out and do more work overseas but the situation right here is crucial too. A long-term goal of mine is to be able mobilize movements all over. After traveling to places like Sri Lanka and seeing how rough it is, I know that I got to utilize my time here to build up some capital and get power to really help people to help themselves. I’m more about empowerment than charity, feel me? At the end of the day it takes a revolution to make a real solution, but the work has to be done first, through all means necessary whether it’s economic, social or political.

To the fans that you’ve already touched and the fans that are on the horizon, what projects should they be looking out for?
Obviously go get that “Scientific/Non-Fiction” as soon as you read this! We are striving to put out a “Free the SF8” East Bay Politix compilation and comic book and are working on the funding for that right now. Also look out for Momi Digital aka 2TrillNThaVil who is a dynamic emcee that I’m recording and performing with all the time, her styles are incomparable to any other artist out there and we got some new music coming soon that is fresh. Also June22 and Richport the Savior have just released their album “Warning Signs” online and a Hungry Bros project is in the pipeline too. There is a lot more coming from Ras Ceylon and you can stay in tune to updates and reach out to me on MySpace, FaceBook, Twitter, You Tube and Ras Ceylon.com. I’m still an independent artist doing my own business along with Throwback Records so we aren’t hard to find, just hail us up.

I’d like to thank your for your time; what closing remarks would you like to resonate with your supporters?
You betta b ready cuz babylon is soon to fall..first free ya self then free em all! Rise In Power to all fallen souljahs. Keep it movement and Give Thanks for Life!

One Perfect Love

"Any Day / Any Time" how tru collabos manifest Jah Works!

2009-07-10T12:14:00.000-07:00

So I was checking my traps on Tuesday July 7th aka hittin up Amoeba and Rasputin's on Telegraph Ave. in Berkeley to see how many units I have left and when I need to "re-up" more CDs in the stores.

As I was checking some of the new releases I heard someone behind me say "Rastafari!". I turned around and sited up the 1 Norris Man. We then began reasoning about the music works and things of that nature in a real natural vibe. I gave his bredrin my number after we decided that we would do a combination/collabo track soon.

I then trodded over to Intermezzo's to get a big ol salad. After that I walked back over to my car to see Norris and his bredrin Ras G in the car right next to mine! So it became obvious to both of us that something is trying to solidify this connection. We then reasoned some more about Rastafari works and exchanged albums. He then told me that he would be calling me to link in the studio the next day. I then called the homie True Justice who had just given me a riddim to write and record to let him know that we may need to get in the lab tomorrow.

Weds rolled around and I was doing my usual helping the youngstas over at Dewey High summer program when I got a ring from Ras G to link up the studio. I hit True and a few hours later we were in the lab on 17th St. in Downtown Oakland.

Once the riddim was playing the vibes were on and Norris Man started chanting and singing some real righteous wordsoundpower. I too was writing and spitting some lyrics. It was truly a blessing to link wit an artist of his caliber and to have the mutual raspect for both of our artistry. His Majesty Haile Sellassie teaches us that "unity is strength" but alot of Rastas dont practice this principle. It is obvious to me from building wit him that Norris Man is a solid bredrin who recognizes the importance of unity amongst InI Souljahs!

All in all the song "Any Day / Any Time" will be a Norris Man / Ras Ceylon collabo (with some nice vocals from Momi D as well) and will be on True Justice next album as well as possibly a single. Stay in tune for a preview of this HOT track!

Like I said Betta B Ready cuz anything can happen...and this is another example of that!

2009-06-19T14:11:00.001-07:00

Ras Ceylon feat. Sinista Z & Stic.man - Betta B Ready (Lumbajac Clean Urban Remix)
Free Videos at www.blastro.com

Brand New In-Depth Innerview of I by POCC MOI JR 4 SFBayview newspaper/ Block Report

2009-05-09T21:19:00.000-07:00

plz leave comments on this link:
http://www.sfbayview.com/2009/%e2%80%98scientificnon-fiction%e2%80%99-an-innerview-of-rapper-ras-ceylon/

May 9, 2009
"SCIENTIFIC/NON-FICTION" An Innerview of Rapper Ras Ceylon by POCC Minister of Information JR

Ras Ceylon is a very unique artist that lives in the Bay. He’s politically active, his family is from Sri Lanka, he reps Rastafarianism and has linked with Askari X, Tajai of Souls of Mischief, Chairman Fred, Stic.man and a whole host of others to create a piece of audio art. I respect the dude and the group he is a part of, East Bay Politix, because after sitting down with the Prisoners of Conscience Committee and having a discussion on the Code of Culture, they went from just saying conscious stuff on the mic to aiding and assisting on actions of resistance specifically in the case of the San Francisco 8. Ras Ceylon is a very interesting MC, so check him out in his own words …

M.O.I. JR: What are the ups and downs of being a ragga-rapper from Sri Lanka?

Ras Ceylon: Well, being me, Ras Ceylon - “ras” signifying Rastafari faith and “ceylon” being the colonized name of Sri Lanka - has ups and downs within music and life. There is struggle but I still give thanks for it all. A lot of times folks may not know how to react to my music, because it is a little different in sound and content, but I think over all the message gets across because it’s universal.I was born and raised in Southern Cali and been in the Bay 10 years, right outta high school, growing up with hip hop and coming into Rasta as a teen, so all that is soaked up and delivered in every lesson (song).

It feels good to still be doing it, because I got a lot of older homies that put me on back in the day that either aren’t doing music now or have switched up the whole program, so I feel like I’m supposed to be keepin’ it movement, just like this still for Youth International’s sake.

I’m grateful for the all the downs and ups ‘cause all that is wisdom. I have seen a lot in hip hop and have been able to bless the stage with and built with a lot of cats I used to listen to when I was young, so it has been dope evolving with the culture.

Being from Sri Lanka is ill because my island has been a war zone for 30 - or 500 - years. To make a long story short, during British occupation, the Tamil people of Sri Lanka, who are the minority, were made the elite class; then once “independence” was granted, the Sinhalese majority, from which I am descended, took control with a lot of reactionary ethnic nationalism - classic divide and conquer - ever since! Every time I have visited Sri Lanka - only about five or six times - I witnessed the post-colonial shitstem first hand, from emergency curfews in the streets and political assassinations to insane poverty, so I am always conscience of the conflict and struggle.

The world news will tell you it’s ending right now, but really it is a sick humanitarian crisis worsening daily. The last time I went was 2005 after the tsunami - we came with donations, aid etc. - but the war was still more visible than the so called natural disaster. My mother, sister and I visited the town of Jaffna, which is in the North, and saw the brunt of the war - it was only just opened then closed during a short cease fire while we were there - and the people were all showing genuine love off top, just for visiting, despite us being Sinhalese. So I saw that it is really political corruption and neo-colonial mentalities and misunderstanding that keeps this brutal war going, and that’s what I’m speakin’ on in songs like “Decolonize,” which is on my last CD and “My Island,” which I wrote out there.

M.O.I. JR: You recently rocked the Shattuck Down Low in Berkeley with your crew, Momi Digital, East Bay Politix and Richport the Savior, and opened up for the legendary Roots Reggae king Capleton. How did you hook that up? How did it feel?

Ras Ceylon: Yeah, that was nice, especially having my fam with me. Richport and I are a So-Cal-based group called Hungry Bros, and also Momi Digital was up there burning fire (not literally pigs!) wit me, so it was blessed. Capleton is one artist that I can say for sure has been a big musical influence with his consistency and the intensity of his stage show, so I was honored to open for him. A lot of times folks will link me on concerts with artists that have a similar message, and it feels good showing artists from outta town - and remindin the local crowd - that we get down too, and build more bridges from there.

M.O.I. JR: East Bay Politix has been involved in the campaign to Free the SF 8, as well as other campaigns. Why is this important to you as an individual as well as the group East Bay Politix?

Ras Ceylon: Well, since gaining a better perspective on life through the inspiration of Haile Selassie and having a somewhat politically active family - not immediate but relatives - growing up I know that action is necessary to create any kind of change. I also recognize the thousands have sacrificed for us to be able to even speak freely and have seen that these individuals are often neglected, so I feel it’s necessary to do that work and put it right in the rap!

I have been pretty much on that mission since my first release, which was a tape back in 1999 called “The First Lesson”; at my shows back then I passed out info on Mumia Abu-Jamal and had a crew that made music with relevant content. Also I have got political education from the POCC, and I am in tune to the Code of Culture, in which I accept responsibility to not only rap about the issues but get actively involved in the campaigns as well.

I was disgusted when I heard about the bogus San Francisco 8 case because these are grandfathers that are no threat, except to the system because of their revolutionary minds. It is a great injustice and another form of police terrorism, especially when you come to find out the same cops that tortured these brothers showed up 30 years later to harass them.

We made the “Free the SF 8″ song right after attending one of their court dates, and I am thankful to have linked wit my comrade Sin-Z, founder of East Bay Politix, because we both recognize that unity is strength when striving to overcome these insurmountable odds. East Bay Politix is a vehicle for this liberation movement through the music and comic books. Also, recognizing the role of hip hop in today’s society, I think it’s powerful when we thrust revolution in the mix to counteract the 85 percent crap that corporate radio - Clear Channel/mass media - keeps pushin’ down the people’s throats.

M.O.I. JR: Can you tell us the name of your new solo album, and can you tell us about the concepts behind it? Who is it featuring?

Ras Ceylon: Yes, my new baby is called “Scientific/Non-Fiction”! Fa-real though, I’m real juiced that this album is out especially because it has been years in the making! The whole concept is just about revealing the science behind reality on different topics from life on the West Coast to war to Rastafari, love and revolution. Musically, it has a little bit of every flavor from reggae to jazz, but is fundamentally hip hop. I worked with one producer, June22, to give it a real album feel, like it used to be. It was crazy how the features came together because none were premeditated but just naturally happened and were all right on time.
The second single and video is “Betta B Ready,” which features stic.man of dead prez and Sinista-Z. The video is getting a real good response and you can peep it online all over. Also I did collabos wit two hip hop legends that are now hip hop political prisoners: Tragedy Khadafi aka Intelligent Hoodlum and AEM s/c Askari X on the songs “The Damage” and “Many Levelz.” So Free TRAG! and Free X! Of course Hungry Bros are represented and there a couple other folks that contributed, but most of it is InI.I also have Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. of the POCC doing the foreword, so “Scientific/Non-Fiction” is a serious piece of work. This is my first album with any kind of label support and Throwback Records has helped me to keep my grind pushing and elevating. Even as the music industry and economy shifts, we keep it movement!

M.O.I. JR: Do you have any comments on all of the police killings and scandals that are going down in Oakland as we speak?

Ras Ceylon: Most definitely. I think it’s extremely telling that as soon as the people in the Town get some sense of progress with the (s)election of President Obama we get harsh wake up calls out here reminding that it’s far from all good. I personally experienced getting profiled and pulled over more in the months leading up to and after the election in Oakland, more than I have had the decade I been here.

What happened to Oscar Grant on New Year’s was not just an act of brutality and homicide by police, but also a symptom of white supremacy as a system trying to remind people of color of our “place” and the value of our lives in the eyes of the beast. I say “Justice for Oscar Grant” and really what is going on with Mehserle’s trial? I don’t think there is any logical reason that he got bail, and now his trial is postponed, while most people are getting railroaded in their courts daily.

Lovelle Mixon’s death and the four cops were another example that things are messed up out here and are not going to get better by criminalizing a community. The disconnection between the police and especially the young residents here is being heightened by all of this, from the shootings to what mainstream media called “riots” in response.

It really is eerily similar to conditions that inspired Dr. Huey P. Newton to start the Black Panther Party for Self Defense because the police to this day still act as an occupying army within the neighborhood, streets and turfs. So I definitely am in solidarity with any community-based organizing that is effective in bringing about solutions to these issues. Oakland needs to heal and have peace, but that can only happen with justice and people feeling like free citizens in their own city, which we still haven’t got to yet. That’s why I choose to keep it movement and stick to the fundamental principles that I feel can bring liberation. If you wanna know more about that philosophy, you can to listen to my lyrics.

M.O.I. JR: Where will you be next?

Ras Ceylon: Well, the next official show booked right now is May 22; Momi Digital and I will be at Malone’s in my birthplace area in the city of Santa Ana - which had a BPP chapter too! - but I probably will be touching some mics before and after that here in the Bay. Also national and international tour plans are in the works, so stay in tune.
I am up on all those standard websites under “Ras Ceylon” so the people get reach out and holla at me on MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc. etc. Go get “Scientific/Non-Fiction” at all Amoeba’s and Rasputin’s stores here in the Bay and on iTunes. Also look out for the East Bay Politix “Free the SF 8″ comic/CD coming soon and more reality music, JAH Blessed! Also be sure to check out http://www.rasceylon.com/ and my label’s website, http://www.throwbackrecs.com/. Big up to the SF Bay View, POCC Block Report and Minister of Info for your work and this innerview. Stay up and keep it movement. Free ‘em all! And give thanks!
Email POCC Minister of Information JR, Bay View associate editor, at http://mailtoblockreportradio@gmail.com/ and visit http://www.blockreportradio.com/.

the prophet Capleton Live wit Ras Ceylon 4/16/09!!!

2009-04-11T22:48:00.000-07:00

THIS IS KING SHANGO (1 OF INI ALL TIME FAVORITE ARTIST OF ANY GENRE!) AKA CAPLETON'S 1ST EVER APPEARANCE IN THE EAST BAY CALI!

INI IS VERY GRATEFUL 2 B OPENING UP 4 THE REAL FIYAH MON RITE DOWN THE STREET IN B-TOWN...MO FIYAH!!!

ON STAGE WIT ME DAT NITE WILL B MOMI DIGITAL, SIN-Z, POSSIBLY MY HUNGRY BRO RICHPORT WIT RUMI ON THE 1'S AND 2'S

RASTAFARI LIVETH!!!

SHOW INFO: http://www.going.com/capletonberkeley

Open Fire in OakTown!

2009-04-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

Greetings in the Spirit of Justice!

While I usually hold this blog exclusively for music news, what has been going on lately in the city where I stay @ has made worldwide headlines and I feel like speaking on it.

By now I am sure all of you have heard about the murder of Oscar Grant in cold blood at the hands of BART pigs on New Years morning. Since then there were 2 rebellions (what the media would call riots) in downtown Oakland (which is a bizness not residential district) on January 7th and 14th. I attended rallies before both of these spontaneous rebellions broke out and witnessed the intimidation/agitation of the local riot pigs decked in full gear; armed with guns, teargas, helmets, batons, and even a tank. It was obvious to me that this show of force was intended to suppress the peoples desire to voice dissatisfaction with what was going on-but that didnt happen!
There are numerous articles already written around the facts of the case and the current status so I am not gonna get into that. I will include sum lyrics from a new East Bay Politix song that we wrote for Oscar Grant III, that summed up InI feelings immediately after:

"Its a New Year / the Black Prez is here / but if u think its all good / you not seeing clear / cuz fear is still in the heart of these wicked police / but we caught em this time now rebellions in the streets / yellin NO JUSTICE NO PEACE / backin it up wit action / they wouldnt have done shit till we got 2 smashing / u know whats happening? / my folks have had enuff / born and raised ina shitstem that dont give a fuck / so its time 2 erupt / Oakland 2 Palestine / Genocide Worldwide / 2 many violent crimes / perpetrated by the state / occupations everday/ i was in downtown O staring down a tank / what u think? / the war is on / we East Bay Politix Ras Ceylon / I blaze fiyah on the pigs / we got the rite 2 live / and every youngsta in the hood could be a revolutionist....u dig?"

So that last line was made into the flesh by the young man Lovelle Mixon, who on was also killed by the OPD on Mar 21st of this year but no before he took out 4 of them. Since that happened there has been an outpouring of grief, sadness, mourning etc etc over the loss of these "peace officers" lives. Flags were at half mast, agents of the state from all over the world gathered @ Oracle Arena for a humongous funeral (in which the cops families asked the Black mayor Oakland not to speak becuz they didnt want it political-yet they had the Governator and other white politrickians speak. Overall I feel that it is hypocracy that the lives of these 4 non-residents of this city are obviously valued more than the lives of 2 young men from the Town.

I stand firm in principle. For anyone that really feels my music or overstands my lyrics can probably tell that I take these types of issues seriously. Not only that, I will not change my objective opinion simply because it does not match the status quo. In other words, "fuck what babylon talkin, InI deal with Truth & Rights, all day, everyday." I will keep this Revolutionary mindstate wit no apologies 2 the authors of lies and hate. I stand in solidarity with all victims of institutional white supremacy, capitalism, patriarchy, brutality, criminalization and oppression. Just like the comrades Chairman Fred Jr, Tragedy Khadafi, stic.man & Askari X, I mean what I spit and stick 2 the PEOPLES script in which we dont fall for no govt. tricks!

After all this happened I went back and stuck in "Scientific/Non-Fiction" CD and it seemed even more relevant now than when we dropped it in October. Suggested tracks 2 cope wit d Oakland Inferno: "Betta B Ready" becuz the "War A Gwan" and there are "Many Levelz" when we "Open Fire" on the "Western Front"!

This is Ras Ceylon, reporting live from West Oakland, occupied Kalifaztlan, modern babylon.

Ras Ceylon speaking on Panel @ Urban Network Conference 2009

2009-02-19T09:32:00.000-08:00

I have been invited by the good folks @ Urban Network to sit and speak on their Independent Artist's panel called "Mining your Success as an Independent Artist" on March 14, 2009.

here arethe panel speakers:

10:30am-11:45am Indie Artist Panel, Mining Your Success as an Indie Artist [Colonial Rm]*Howard Hewett
*DJ Quik
*Tony Rich
*Sy Smith
*Tech9ne
*Ras Ceylon

4 mo info hit up:

www.urbannetwork.com

"SCIENTIFIC/NON-FICTION" available worldwide!!!!

2009-01-11T18:14:00.000-08:00

JUST 2 LET FOLKS KNOW U CAN NOW GET MY NEW ALBUM "SCIENTIFIC/NON-FICTION" PROD. BY JUNE22 IZ AVAILABLE @ THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, and most other online/download sites.

All Rasputin's and Amoeba locations in CA.

Hard Copies exclusively @ www.throwbackrecs.com

GIVE THANKS 4 THE SUPPORT WIT OUT IT WE CAN'T KEEP THIS MOVEMENT!!!

my next Show: Immortal Technique @ DNA Lounge...Afgani War Refugees Benefit!!!

2008-11-17T10:39:00.000-08:00

This Thursday November 20th @ the DNA Lounge in San Francisco, Myself with DJ Sean G, Momi Digital, and East Bay Politix will be performing at event organized and headlined by Immortal Technique who will be sending all proceeds to Omied Intl. an organization that is sponsoring the building of Orphanage in Afghanistan for the victims of the (unjust) war and occupation of their land by u.s. forces.

Stand up for the cause! RAISE YA FIST and BE ACTIVE!!!!

presales:

http://www.dnalounge.com/tickets/#2008-11-20

BETTA B READY ON MTV & MO!!!

2008-10-09T15:12:00.000-07:00

As crazy as it may seem...we are getting Revolutionary material in the mainstream!!! The new video just got picked up by MTV Jams and MTV U.K. not to mention 100's of local video programs!

check the following websites that are also showing love 2 the video(s):

www.urbanbass.tv

www.blastro.com

so wut do you think...the revolution can be televised???

GIVE THANKS

Brand New Video: BETTA B READY!!!!

2008-08-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

Yo we have recently posted our video for "Betta B Ready" online! This video has been a major project and the great 1 Lumbajac of Hoodlum West / Motion Sic Media has just set a new standard for Rap Videos!!! This video will eventually be on the major video outlets and on T.V. from BET, MTV to the underground shows!

The song "Betta B Ready" features stic.man of deadprez & Sinista Z (East Bay Politix)

Stay in tune because we will have 2 remixes wit accompanying remix videos!

Help us spread this video and let ini know wut u think of it!

Betta B Ready!!!!

guest collabos

2008-07-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

my new album features guest appearances from some of my heroes in the rap game...non of which was premeditated, all came together for the Purpose:

Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. of the POCC kicks the intro/poem!!!

Askari X & Tajai join me on "Many Levelz" which we recorded @ the Hiero Compound in deep east Oakland!

stic.man of deadprez (buy the new Nas!) is wit me on "Betta B Ready" (video soooo soon come)

Finally the legendary Tragedy Khadafi f.k.a Intelligent Hoodlum shows up on "the Damage"...mo info on the "Free Tragedy" campaign very soon

Ras Ceylon

The War Report Gideon Force Feat. Ras Ceylon 01/12 by Black Truth Media | Blog Talk Radio

Ras Ceylon "Fyah Still Burnin" (Official Music Video)

Ras Ceylon & Bobo David - (Judgment Yard) - "Keepin It Real" in Jamaica...

Ras Ceylon "Fyah Still Burnin" (Official Video)

RAS CEYLON & BOBO DAVID INTERVIEW

"Gideon​.​Force Vol​.​1" by Ras Ceylon

Ras Ceylon Brings a Fire

Ras Ceylon presents: "Gideon.Force Vol.1" (((Trailer)))

WIKKKED MAN ZONE

Gideon.Force Volume 1 releasing 03/01/11!!!!

Ras Ceylon on Hard Knock Radio - January 19, 2011 at 4:00pm | KPFA 94.1 FM Berkeley: Listener Sponsored Free Speech Radio

Powerful Cali artist and activist Ras Ceylon chops it up w vivafidelradio

MUNGA HONOURABLE & RAS CEYLON (GIDEON FORCE) - (STRUGGLE GOES ON) - PROD...

"4 AIYANA JONES" controversial video / song (free download)

NEW FREE BIG TUNE DOWNLOAD: "THE QUESTION" BY RAS CEYLON PROD.BY F1RST CLASS!!!

"10 yrs after Lets Get Free....Its still NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE" witness history in the making 05.22.10 SFC

RC tee-shirts + "Rise of the Brown MC" mix

important Bay eventz: POCC Congo & Haiti Report Back (4/18 &4/21) + "Lets Get Free" annivers. / Justice 4 Oscar Grant Campaign (5/22)

APRIL SHOWZ...LOUIE CULTURE IN SFC 4/6 + "LIL BOBBY HUTTON DAY" IN WSO 4/10

listen 2 "Scientific/Non-Fiction" thru lala.com

FREE DOWNLOAD..BIG TUNE..."Anyday,Anytime" f. Norris Man on mp3!!! (link below)

performing at HAITI RELIEF BENEFIT + SAN DIEGO show

Ras Ceylon Southern Cali mini tour 12/7/09-1/2/10!!!

Ras Ceylon opening for DEMARCO str8 from Kingston JA in OAKLAND

Ras Ceylon+ Momi D Live in studio performance + intvw on KALX 90.7

"Any Day / Any Time" how tru collabos manifest Jah Works!

Brand New In-Depth Innerview of I by POCC MOI JR 4 SFBayview newspaper/ Block Report

the prophet Capleton Live wit Ras Ceylon 4/16/09!!!

Open Fire in OakTown!

Ras Ceylon speaking on Panel @ Urban Network Conference 2009

"SCIENTIFIC/NON-FICTION" available worldwide!!!!

my next Show: Immortal Technique @ DNA Lounge...Afgani War Refugees Benefit!!!

BETTA B READY ON MTV & MO!!!

Brand New Video: BETTA B READY!!!!

guest collabos

"Gideon.Force Vol.1" by Ras Ceylon