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Posted by Robert
Rap News Network
5/11/2004 9:34:38 AM
Lawyers for the currently incarcerated Ras Kass, have filed a civil complaint against Priority Records in a Los Angeles County Superior Court.
The rapper, who has been signed to Priority since 1995, is demanding to be released from the label based on claims that Priority has breached specific acts of his recording contract and is citing emotional distress. He is seeking damages in excess of $5 million dollars.
Ras Kass has formally and informally sought release from the label based on his contract, that according to his lawyer allow him to do so. Priority have refused to release him.
To date, Priority have released two Ras Kass albums including 1996's Soul On Ice and 1998's Rasassination, both receiving high praises from hip-hop magazines and critics. Two more albums, Van Gogh and/or Goldyn Chyld, continue to sit on Priority's shelves.
Many of Ras' fellow artists and hip-hop industry heavyweights are behind Ras Kass and are supporting him.
"Ras Kass is THE SPITTER; I respect him as an artist, and he takes Hip-Hop and music seriously," Xzibit said of Ras Kass. "The West Coast is waiting to hear something that explosive."
Rap Coaliton founder, Wendy Day states she is thrilled Ras Kass refuses to be bullied by the music industry.
"I am happy to hear Ras Kass taking back control of his life and career by refusing to be bullied anymore by Priority Records," said Wendy Day. "I stand in solidarity with Ras Kass and support his efforts to regain his freedom from this Goliath!"
Ras Kass himself continues to fight his battle from behind bars. Priority Records' failed efforts to properly support and promote two of his released albums, with promises of much more, leaves Rass Kass no choice but to demand his release.
"I want what is fair; all I want is to create great music, have the proper team behind me, and be the artist that I am. I am prepared to do what it takes in order to be released from this ugly situation," Ras Kass said in a released statement.
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