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Ras Ceylon on Black August, Resistance Culture, and the Fire Behind Jacket Fulla Medalz and Soul Mechanix
In a powerful and far-ranging conversation on Hard Knock Radio, we caught up with educator, activist, and emcee Ras Ceylon to reflect on the deep meaning of Black August, the cultural resistance embedded in his new album Jacket Full of Medals, and the global fight for liberation.
Black August Is Not a Party—It’s a Practice
Opening the segment with “Go On,” Ras Ceylon laid the foundation by honoring Black August, a month rooted in resistance and remembrance. He connected its origins to the 1971 assassination of George Jackson, the legendary Panther and prison intellectual. Ras reminded listeners that Black August is not meant to be celebrated casually—it’s a discipline that calls for study, sacrifice, and solidarity with political prisoners.
“We don’t say Happy Black August,” Ras emphasized. “It’s not a Black History Month 2.0—it’s a recommitment to Black liberation, especially for those behind bars.” He paid tribute to the late Baba Shaka At-Thinnin and shared how elders like him guided younger generations to uphold the original intent of the observance.
Culture as Weapon: The Meaning Behind the Music
Ras Ceylon’s latest project, Jacket Full of Medals—a collaboration with Wu-Tang affiliate Timbo King—is both a lyrical assault and an organizing tool. Built from the ground up through bicoastal sessions in Oakland, Brooklyn, and Denver, the album avoids the watered-down formula of mainstream releases.
“We dropped seven visuals and sold physical copies—vinyl and CDs—before we ever put it online,” Ras explained. “We wanted to keep the art tangible and connected to the people.”
Songs like Frontline Generals featuring Tragedy Khadafi carry forward the militant legacy of projects like Black Market Militia. For Ras, the project isn’t just music—it’s part of a larger cultural mission to deprogram listeners from corporate-controlled narratives.
Sri Lanka, Surveillance, and the Global Struggle
Ras Ceylon, born Sanjev de Silva, also opened up about his personal journey as a Sri Lankan freedom fighter. His politically conscious anthem Hillanka was banned in his native land during a time of post-war repression. After a 13-year exile, Ras returned in 2025 to perform a major concert in Colombo and document the experience.
“Fascism doesn’t last,” Ras said. “The harder it tries to squeeze, the more it wakes people up.” His return to Sri Lanka was both symbolic and strategic—proof that resistance, when rooted in truth, always finds a way back home.
Fighting the Buffer Class Tactic
In one of the heavier moments, we discussed the danger of how poverty is weaponized—particularly through recruitment into institutions like ICE. Ras pointed out that history shows how empires have always used a “buffer class” tactic—enlisting the oppressed to police their own communities.
“This system isn’t creative,” he said. “It’s the same playbook from slavery to colonialism. Our job is to study the tactics so we can dismantle them.”
Educating Through Action
As a longtime comrade of Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. and the Black Panther Party Cubs, Ras carries forward the Code of Culture—a challenge to artists to not only speak truth, but live it. From classrooms to community organizing to rocking crowds at Reggae on the River, Ras walks the walk.
“No one can do everything, but everyone can do something,” he noted. “This is a time for study, fasting, resistance, and action. Black August reminds us of that.”
Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.
The post Ras Ceylon on Black August, Resistance Culture, and the Fire Behind Jacket Fulla Medalz and Soul Mechanix appeared first on KPFA.
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In a powerful and far-ranging conversation on Hard Knock Radio, we caught up with educator, activist, and emcee Ras Ceylon to reflect on the deep meaning of Black August, the cultural resistance embedded in his new album Jacket Full of Medals, and the global fight for liberation.
Black August Is Not a Party—It’s a Practice
Opening the segment with “Go On,” Ras Ceylon laid the foundation by honoring Black August, a month rooted in resistance and remembrance. He connected its origins to the 1971 assassination of George Jackson, the legendary Panther and prison intellectual. Ras reminded listeners that Black August is not meant to be celebrated casually—it’s a discipline that calls for study, sacrifice, and solidarity with political prisoners.
“We don’t say Happy Black August,” Ras emphasized. “It’s not a Black History Month 2.0—it’s a recommitment to Black liberation, especially for those behind bars.” He paid tribute to the late Baba Shaka At-Thinnin and shared how elders like him guided younger generations to uphold the original intent of the observance.
Culture as Weapon: The Meaning Behind the Music
Ras Ceylon’s latest project, Jacket Full of Medals—a collaboration with Wu-Tang affiliate Timbo King—is both a lyrical assault and an organizing tool. Built from the ground up through bicoastal sessions in Oakland, Brooklyn, and Denver, the album avoids the watered-down formula of mainstream releases.
“We dropped seven visuals and sold physical copies—vinyl and CDs—before we ever put it online,” Ras explained. “We wanted to keep the art tangible and connected to the people.”
Songs like Frontline Generals featuring Tragedy Khadafi carry forward the militant legacy of projects like Black Market Militia. For Ras, the project isn’t just music—it’s part of a larger cultural mission to deprogram listeners from corporate-controlled narratives.
Sri Lanka, Surveillance, and the Global Struggle
Ras Ceylon, born Sanjev de Silva, also opened up about his personal journey as a Sri Lankan freedom fighter. His politically conscious anthem Hillanka was banned in his native land during a time of post-war repression. After a 13-year exile, Ras returned in 2025 to perform a major concert in Colombo and document the experience.
“Fascism doesn’t last,” Ras said. “The harder it tries to squeeze, the more it wakes people up.” His return to Sri Lanka was both symbolic and strategic—proof that resistance, when rooted in truth, always finds a way back home.
Fighting the Buffer Class Tactic
In one of the heavier moments, we discussed the danger of how poverty is weaponized—particularly through recruitment into institutions like ICE. Ras pointed out that history shows how empires have always used a “buffer class” tactic—enlisting the oppressed to police their own communities.
“This system isn’t creative,” he said. “It’s the same playbook from slavery to colonialism. Our job is to study the tactics so we can dismantle them.”
Educating Through Action
As a longtime comrade of Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. and the Black Panther Party Cubs, Ras carries forward the Code of Culture—a challenge to artists to not only speak truth, but live it. From classrooms to community organizing to rocking crowds at Reggae on the River, Ras walks the walk.
“No one can do everything, but everyone can do something,” he noted. “This is a time for study, fasting, resistance, and action. Black August reminds us of that.”
Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.
The post Ras Ceylon on Black August, Resistance Culture, and the Fire Behind Jacket Fulla Medalz and Soul Mechanix appeared first on KPFA.