Hard Knock Radio host Davey D welcomed longtime Bay Area artist, educator, and organizer Ras Ceylon to discuss his ninth album, Scrolls of Lion Rock, and the role politically conscious music continues to play during a period of growing repression, war, and social upheaval.
The conversation began with Davey D asking whether songs like “Free the World” are created with the intention of becoming movement anthems. Ras explained that throughout his career, beginning with his first cassette release in 1999, substance has always come before commercial appeal. He said the song was intentionally crafted as a universal anthem connecting the genocide in Gaza with struggles facing oppressed communities throughout the world, emphasizing that meaningful music should naturally emerge from an artist’s convictions rather than feel forced.
Davey connected Ras’ work to the cultural philosophy of the Black Panther Party Cubs, noting that Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. has long stressed the importance of artists serving as the movement’s cultural arm. Ras agreed, explaining that years of organizing and political discipline prepare artists to respond when moments of crisis arise. Rather than waiting for instructions, he said revolutionary artists “lock and load” because they’ve already been training during “peacetime.”
Asked to introduce himself to listeners unfamiliar with his work, Ras described himself as “a humble servant of the people” whose life has been divided between organizing, education, and music. He discussed his connections to the Black Panther Party Cubs, Jamaica’s Judgment Yard movement led by Sizzla Kalonji, and more recently the Wu-Tang extended family. He paid tribute to the late Oliver “Power” Grant, co-founder of Wu-Tang’s business empire, explaining that Scrolls of Lion Rock serves as both a continuation of his own artistic journey and a tribute to Grant’s mentorship.
The discussion then shifted to artistic censorship. Davey asked about Ras’ new song “River to the Sea” and the risks artists face for criticizing governments. Ras reflected on how his earlier peace anthem “Heal Lanka” was banned in Sri Lanka, preventing him from safely returning to his homeland for thirteen years. He explained that authoritarian governments understand the power of culture, often targeting musicians and journalists who challenge official narratives. Despite knowing there may be consequences, Ras said artists have a responsibility to speak truth during moments of injustice, arguing that fear is one of fascism’s most effective tools.
The interview concluded with an in-depth conversation about the modern music industry. Davey questioned why major labels continue posting record profits while independent artists struggle to earn meaningful income from streaming. Ras argued that independent musicians must build alternative economic models through physical media, direct-to-fan sales, live performances, and ownership of their publishing. He described Scrolls of Lion Rock as a carefully curated body of work—available on vinyl, CD, and cassette—that encourages listeners to experience the album as a complete artistic statement rather than a collection of singles. Davey broadened the discussion by comparing the exploitation of musicians to the widening wealth gap affecting workers across numerous industries, framing the conversation as part of a larger critique of economic inequality.
Sunspot Jonz joins Ras Ceylon for pt2
Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.
