Rapper Ras Ka** was born John Austin in Watts, CA; a voracious reader throughout his youth, he adopted his stage name in honor of the African king Ras Ra**. After releasing a pair of independent singles, Ras Ka** emerged as one of the most highly regarded new rappers in some time, winning particular acclaim for his sk**s as a lyricist (in the space of six months, he twice earned Rap Pages magazine's Rhyme of the Month award as well as The Source's Hip Hop Quotable honor); his long-awaited debut LP, Soul on Ice, finally appeared on Priority Records in 1996. Rasa**ination followed two years later. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide