Ras Fraser Jr talks album success

It took Ras Fraser Jr three years to produce and release his third studio album, I Am Conscious, but he said 36 months of waiting was worth it.

This 10-track album, which was released on October 25, was the "true manifestation of the Most High".

"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," he said of the roots-reggae album. The project features big-name reggae acts, including Anthony B on the track Most High Protect, Norris Man on So Hard, and Natty King on Disgrace.

"We give thanks and congratulations to everyone who has been involved with the project," said Ras Fraser Jr, adding that he was deeply involved to the production process.

"For example, I arranged and organised 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."

He described the experience of working with everyone as "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 [period of the] coronavirus, when everyone was in lockdown, so everything worked in our favour," he said. Ras Fraser Jr is the son of reggae performer Phillip Fraser, but insisted DNA does not guarantee success.

"I and I still have to practise 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 over time," he shared.

Although he veered off into other vocations periodically, his love for words and melody never waned.

"I started music at the age of eight, 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.