International Reggae and dancehall artist Ras Rebel recently released his new single, “Cali Love,” his reimagining of Dr. Dre and Tupac’s classic hit.
“Cali Love” features E.N. Young, who co-produced the track with Ras Rebel. The pair previously collaborated on “Boss Lion,” with Grammy Award winner Mykal Rose (Black Uhuru). For the new single, they returned to E.N. Young’s studio, Imperial Sound Studios in San Diego, California.
Talking about the song, Ras shares, “‘Cali Love’ personifies the versatile and unique style of reggae that I deliver called Ragga-Hop. This new single is a hybrid between 2 of my loves …Dancehall Reggae & West Coast Hip-Hop…”
For those in SoCal, Ras Rebel will perform with Jamaica’s renowned band The Wailers on April 9 at The Canyon in Agoura, California. In the past, Ras has performed with notable artists such as Damian Marley, Stevie Wonder, Mykal Rose (of Black Uhuru), Cypress Hill, Steel Pulse, Gregory Isaacs, Third World, Yellowman, Jesse Royal, Collie Buddz, J Boog, Anthony B, Kabaka Pyramid, and Julian Marley.
For more than two decades, Ras has epitomized the West Coast Reggae sound, highlighted by his mindful lyrics, West Coast rude boy style, and message of Love and Truth. He’s toured pretty much everywhere, including California, Jamaica, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New York, Atlanta, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Mexico, and internationally in places like Japan, Korea, Sweden, and Australia.
“Cali Love” opens on wah-wah-infused vocals rolling into a delicious, potent rhythm laced with Ras’ distinctive rub-a-dub flair. The mood and feel of the harmonics are plush and festive. The fat pulse of the bassline gives the tune a luscious teeter-tottering undulation as Ras’ rapping-lite voice imbues the lyrics with a tasty, alluring flow.
With “Cali Love,” Ras Rebel amalgamates hip-hop and reggae elements into a tight, powerful song full of beaucoup energy.
