A Coast-to-Coast Celebration of Legacy and Unity
For as long as West Coast legend Ras Kass and the Brooklyn duo Smif-N-Wessun have been personal friends and former labelmates under Priority Records, a collaboration between the two seemed destined to happen. On October 3, 2025, that moment finally arrived with the release of “42” — a powerful new single produced by Amadeus360 and distributed via HillTop Ave/Soulspazm.
The track title “42” pays homage to the number worn by Jackie Robinson during his groundbreaking career with the Brooklyn Dodgers — a symbol of excellence, unity, and cultural impact. The collaboration mirrors that symbolism, bridging the West Coast and East Coast hip-hop legacies in a way that feels natural, authentic, and timely. As Ras Kass puts it, the record “signals the commonality and unity between the two coasts” while showing that both regions continue to uphold hip-hop’s timeless craftsmanship.
“When I first went into this collaboration with Smif-N-Wessun, I initially wanted to recreate ‘Sound Bwoy Bureill,’” Ras Kass shared. “A lot of creative people don’t want to do the same song over again, so Amadeus played us some tracks. We liked a couple, but the beat for ‘42’ is the instrumental that Tek & Steele really gravitated towards. We recorded the song in New York and I-Fresh did the hook. We’ve all hung out and been in the studio together before, but we had never done a song together until now, so this was one for the bucket list.”
The visuals for “42” were filmed at Sweet Science, a Jamaican fusion restaurant in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, owned by a mutual friend of the artists. Ras, rocking his LA Dodgers 42 cap, anchored the visual’s symbolic meaning — the unbreakable bond between artistry, culture, and community.
The single is a preview of Ras Kass’ forthcoming album “Leopard Eats Face”, set to drop in 2026, and it reinforces why he remains one of the most respected lyricists in the game.
Ras Kass: A Pillar in Patchwerk’s Legacy
Here at Patchwerk Recording Studios, Ras Kass holds a special place in our history. His work not only helped shape the sonic identity of the studio’s early years but also inspired generations of MCs and engineers who continue to pass through our doors.
Ras embodies the same core values that Patchwerk represents — authenticity, craftsmanship, and longevity. Whether dissecting social issues through razor-sharp lyricism or collaborating across coasts, his dedication to the art form mirrors the spirit of what Patchwerk was built on: creating timeless records that move the culture forward.
Nearly three decades in, Ras is still pushing boundaries, still representing, and still showing that greatness ages like fine wine. His collaboration with Smif-N-Wessun isn’t just another single — it’s a reminder that hip-hop’s foundation remains strong when the architects themselves are still building.
Stream “42” now on all digital platforms, and stay tuned for Ras Kass’ upcoming project Leopard Eats Face — a continuation of his legacy, rooted in the same excellence that’s always connected him to the Patchwerk family.
