West Coast legend Ras Kass is back in full force with his new single “42,” a collaboration with New York rap duo Smif-N-Wessun. The track marks the official kickoff for Ras Kass’ upcoming album Leopard Eats Face, which is set to drop in January 2026. As expected from one of hip-hop’s sharpest lyricists, the new record comes packed with meaning, energy, and layered wordplay.
“42” takes inspiration from the legacy of Jackie Robinson, the baseball icon who broke barriers with the Brooklyn Dodgers—fittingly connecting both the East and West Coasts. The collaboration bridges that same gap, with Smif-N-Wessun’s gritty Brooklyn delivery meeting Ras Kass’ razor-sharp California intellect. True to form, Ras Kass uses the song to explore deeper political and social themes, continuing his legacy as one of rap’s most thought-provoking MCs.
The single sets the tone for Leopard Eats Face, which Ras Kass described as a reflection on “how we consume outrage and discourse in the modern era.” With “42,” he and Smif-N-Wessun deliver a raw, intelligent, and symbolic statement that proves both acts are still operating at a high level.
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