It took Ras Fraser Jr. three years to produce and release his third studio album, “I Am Conscious”. But the melodic singer, the son of reggae legend Phillip Fraser, said the 36 months of waiting was worth it, as the 10-track album, published on October 25, was the “true manifestation of the Most High”.
“Plus, Mama Bev say anything you rush to do it don’t last, and this is an album you need to work on’. So I and my team did so to the best of our abilities,” said Fraser Jr. of his strictly roots album.
Fraser Jr. spoke confidently that fans can listen to the album from beginning to end, with every song as strong as the next.
“What the fans are getting is good energy and good vibes. People purchasing the album will tell their friends about it, breaking the streaming pipelines as we move towards collective greatness,” said the young singer.
The album is packed with a host of big-name reggae acts including Anthony B, who was featured on the track “Most High Protect”, Norris Man on “So Hard” along with Natty King on “Disgrace”.
The production was carefully crafted together by some of the best in reggae including Big Mill Productions, Soul Fyah Productions, who produced tracks 2 through 10, to Zack Reed and Ben Barbic, producers of the first track.
“The entire album was mixed and mastered by Fyah Wayne and the cover art was hand-painted by Ras Elijah. We give thanks and congratulations to everyone who has been involved with the project,” said Fraser Jr., before adding that he was close to the production process.
“I play a vital role in this production. For example, I arrange and organize the tracks. I also recorded my part as a solo engineer and then sent it to the artistes. When I receive the files, I put everything together for mixing and mastering.”
“The experience (of working with everyone) was a journey, a journey to greatness. It wasn’t hard for us to connect because the musical flow with my brothers was amazing. Plus, it was the coronavirus when everyone was in lockdown, so everything worked in our favour,” he said.
Fraser Jr. said he wants his album to be “in every household”, even if his marketing team will be focusing primarily on the reggae market worldwide.
“…because with the message within the music, I believe it will bring it to the next dimension. And I am also looking for more placements with some commercial and acting scenes.”
For the time being, Fraser Jr. said his focus is solely on promoting the album. However, during the construction of “I Am Conscious”, he had released several tracks to keep fans entertained.
Some of them were “Feel Good Today”, produced by Frenz For Real and Zinc House Records, “Ghetto Revelation”, also produced by Richnation and Osmana Records and Can’t Lose, by Barrier Sound Music.
Fraser Jr. said it was a great feeling to share DNA with a reggae legend but stressed that musical heritage does not give him an edge over his peers.
“I n I still have to practice my craft to perfection so I can master it. It is a great feeling knowing you forward from the bloodline of a legend, but that doesn’t mean it’s all because you still must put in the work overtime,” he shared.
But being the son of Phillip Fraser, known for several classics including “Never Let You Go” and “Tonight”, meant that he was introduced to music very early. And although he veered off into other vocations periodically, his love for words and melody never waned.
“I started music at the age of 8, but then I ventured into playing football and loved it and was good at it too. I scored lots of goals and played for lots of teams. I do construction, too, but music is my heartbeat. She is my passion, and I can only give Jah thanks for the ability to multitask,” he said.
Ras Fraser Jr. said his music is inspired by an expansive library and things that occur in and around the world daily. He adds that reggae music is not dead and paid homage to the support that he gets.
“I just want to big up my team Zack, Big Mills, Ralston Barrett, Navis bomb, Dj Popsi, Delly Ranx, Steven, Upmost Elijah, Biggs TV, Votcopromo, Fyahnation, Progress Family Car Wash Family, Lakers Family, Drive Waaycam and Rico Vibes.”