Ras-I, One of Reggae's Most Purposeful Voices, Claims His Space with New Album, "Heart of Love"
- May 13
- 4 min read
There is a version of an artist who chases the algorithm, bends toward trends, and quietly lets go of the music that made them. And then there is this: a man who calls his third album a "claiming of space," who responds to every question about influence with a simple, unshakeable motto - reggae music forever.
If you know nothing about Ras-I, know this. Born Immanuel 'Ras-I' Kerr, he is a multifaceted artist who was exposed to music and instruments at a very young age. He sings, writes, and arranges many of his songs, while also producing, playing guitar, keyboards, and percussion. He takes music seriously, and creates with a strong sense of purpose, classifying his music as "roots reggae with notes of old school rhythm and blues and a little funk".
"Heart of Love" is not an accident of inspiration. It is, as he tells it, the most deliberate project of his career, an album conceived in full awareness that a third record carries weight, that it makes a statement whether the artist intends it or not.
"This is the third album, so it's a statement album for me," he says. "It's a claiming of my space." And while there is warmth and mellow texture in his music, always has been, this project leans hard into the roots. The drum and bass are heavy. The foundation is unmistakable.
"The world is in a state now where we need more love. So this is just my contribution." — ON THE VISION BEHIND HEART OF LOVE
But what does the title mean? Love, he says, in the fullness of the word, not simply the intimate, though that lives here too. Love for self. Love for family. Love for the Almighty. Love for community. He speaks about the album as a civic gesture, a contribution to a world that he believes needs more of exactly this.
"These Are The Days" with Kabaka Pyramid
The single that introduces the thematic foundation of "Heart of Love" is “These Are the Days. Anchored in lived experience and conscious reflection, it is a meditation on growth, discipline, and spiritual responsibility. The song confronts the idea that faith alone is not enough, emphasizing preparation, consistency, and commitment as essential parts of walking one’s purpose.
"These Are the Days is about understanding that prayer must be matched with preparation," Ras-I explains. "We pray, we prepare, and we train, because faith without the work won’t carry you where you’re meant to go. Life changes, the road gets demanding, but the focus must remain."
Kabaka Pyramid shared, “These Are the Days speaks directly to the times we’re living in. It’s a reminder that growth requires intention and action. Ras-I’s message is grounded and real, and the song reflects the discipline and consciousness that reggae has always stood for.”
"Home" Single
"Home", which arrived on March 20, he describes as any space where his heart is at peace, where his body can finally exhale.
"Anywhere where my heart is at peace and my body can say, yeah, you can relax," he explains. "Anywhere you find that sense of peace, that sense of belonging where you don't have to do much, you just have to be present."
It is a generous, portable definition of home. And it shapes how the song moves, it is not rooted to a geography per se, but more to a feeling.
"Home" features Khalia (JARIA's 2020 'Breakthrough Artist of the Year), whose voice Ras-I describes as "refreshing in the space." The connection came through legendary producer Tony "CD" Kelly of K..Licious Music, where he had an opportunity to contribute to her album, and Khalia returned the favor with this collaboration.
He speaks about the recording session with ease: "I had my idea and concept ready, and we sat down and penciled out the rest of the song." Khalia, he says, told "a nice story." The right voice for the right moment.
Collaborations
Elsewhere on the album, the collaborations speak to both loyalty and reach. He speaks with genuine gratitude on working with Govana. He also collaborated with artists like Jemere Morgan, Eynesta, Haile, and Royal Blu, just to name a few.
There is reciprocity in how he builds, a philosophy of giving and receiving that mirrors the album's broader theme.
Roots First
He loves dance. He loves hip-hop. He says so plainly, without apology. But he returns, always, to what he carries as a responsibility. Reggae music is the foundation, not just of his artistry but of a cultural lineage that extends past him, to his peers, to the generation that will follow them. "We cannot forget that as people who are waving this reggae banner, he says."
"The moment we forget reggae music and decide to divert into different genres fully, we're doing a disservice to our country." — ON STAYING ROOTED
The international flavour on "Heart of Love" is real. He wants listeners to feel that. He namechecks a lineage of artists whose music crossed borders without losing its spine. That is the lane he is in. Reggae music with international flavours. Not the other way around.
His rule, when he feels himself drifting: "I remember saying reggae music first, and everything else after." The motto holds.
"Heart of Love" is out on May 15. Thirteen tracks. No shuffling recommended.
Tracklist
01. Heart Of Love
02. Forever & Always
03. Reggae Mountain (Feel No Way)
04. Essence
05. Play On (Dear Music)
06. These Are The Days feat. Kabaka Pyramid
07. Holding Strong feat. Nesta
08. Champion
09. Oya feat. Govana
10. Home feat. Khalia
11. Hear My Call
12. Different
13. Love Some More
See our full interview with Ras-I on Youtube.
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