Reasoning With Rassi Hardknocks About “Legal,” A Reggae Song for the Movement

In Comes A Brand New Marijuana Anthem for 2016

The stink of Marijuana vapors is creating a cloud cover that commands our attention. For the first time since the 1913 Ganja Law, which was strictly enforced by the island’s government, the citizens of Jamaica now have the opportunity to use recreational marijuana. Whether one smokes or not, the whole concept of legalizing the infamous green leaf  highlights the mainstreaming of the Marijuana Movement.  Audio & Interview After The Jump

In the U.S., Colorado became the first State in the United States to end marijuana prohibition, turning a new leaf in the movement. Following this Washington, became the second state to legalize recreational use. Now Alaska, Oregon and District of Columbia have  legalized the  recreational use of Marijuana. In Deleware, you can have up to one ounce in private use. In Georgia, they legalized the possession of 20 ounces of cannabis oil. The use of medical marijuana is now legalized in 23  states. New changes in state laws have overshadowed the taboo view of the recreational use and medical use of marijuana. However, the global conflict of the  laws surrounding the use of marijuana  versus cigarettes or alcohol is clearly evident. Why is marijuana illegal and these other drugs of choice legal. It is a complex question, in which the answer may continue to decriminalize the herb.

Now a legal we legal, a legal we legal/ Nuh worry bout illegal Blaze it…

Interview: 

We spoke to Rassi Hardknocks regarding his song “Legal” featuring Micah Shemaiah off the “Great Songs” album

 Charlene: Hail up, King.

Rassi Hardknocks: Hail Empress.

Charlene: So di ting legal in Jamaica now! You can light up on the streets?

Rassi Hardknocks: Yeah mon. Two ounces but you have five ounces dem fi lock you inna jail. See, if them make it legal across the board the poor man will benefit.

Charlene: Higher heights. That’s really interesting.  I like the word play between the words legal and illegal in your song  – it really emphasizes the pivotal point about the current sanctions and shifts in momentum.

Rassi Hardknocks: Hear how Jah works. We made the song on the Monday and that same Tuesday they legalized the 2 ounces in Jamaica. Word, Sound, Power!

Charlene: Seen. Tell us about the production on this tune.

Rassi Hardknocks: This song was produced by Uncle Ben from Channel One and the engineer is Supa Blacks.

Charlene: Can your fans expect a video soon?

Rassi Hardknocks: Video coming soon too. It’s gonna be a blockbuster.

Charlene: How did you find your niche in music?

Rassi Hardknocks: I started out as a deejay for Jah Love Muzik. I worked with Dub Club and  with Yaadcore, Dub Wise, and Vinyl Thursdays.  I also worked with Micah Shemaiah and We Generation Music and many many artists. Call me the music scientist. I took time to learn the craft and now I’m a magnetic field that people gravitate towards.

rassiclean

Charlene: Yes I. You made your observations as a deejay and tested your hypothesis. Now you are an artist.

Rassi Hardknocks: Many people did not think I could do it but from I was a youth, I love music. My mother was a singer—Marva Gillespie—and we recently collaborated on a song called “Jerusalem” for my album.

Charlene: Wow, that was your mom? Special tune. I liked the vocals on that one. The whole album is very spiritual.

Rassi Hardknocks: You know I grew up 12 Tribes of Israel, so both mother and father is Rastafari.

Charlene: You got the “Ragga in My Soul,” Rassi Hardknocks. It was a pleasure to speak with you.

Rassi Hardknocks: Give t’anks sistren. Strength to Strength. Thank you Boomshots for featuring my tune in collaboration with Micah Shemaiah, “Legal.” This tune is a light for the movement.

“Legal” Dubplate for Yaadcore
https://www.instagram.com/p/BBDhc-ej4AL/

 

 

Purchase “Legal” by Rassi Hardknocks ft. Micah Shemaiah on iTunes or Amazon

Purchase Rassi Hardknocks Great Songs album on iTunes or Amazon

Photograph of Rassi Hardknocks by Seala Media

Follow @CharStarImani

Follow @Boomshots

Leave a Reply