In Conversation with Hip Hop Artist and Activist Ras Ceylon

KPFA - Hard Knock Radio · Jun 25, 2026 · 59m

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…