After nearly 2 years of incarceration, West Coast lyricist Ras Kass is set to be released from jail late next month.
Frequent producer/collaborator Domingo told AllHipHop.com that Ras Kass is scheduled to be freed on May 29.
The rapper, real name John Austin IV, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in Los Angeles. Rumors were spread that he was jailed in 2007 for violating his parole by flying to Atlanta and attending the annual BET Awards. He was jailed shortly after he was seen freestyling in “Cipher 3” with Joell Ortiz, Flo, and Cassidy.
Ras Kass’ issues with the law have been a career hindrance for the last 6 years.
After months on the run, Ras Kass was apprehended by Las Vegas Police in May 2003 and served 19 months in prison for his third DUI conviction.
During this time, the rapper struggled to be released from his contract with Capitol Records, who had previously refused to put out his planned third studio LP, Van Gogh.
Although nothing has been confirmed regarding a possible new label home, the West Coast lyricist was in preliminary talks with Def Jam and G-Unit Records at the time of his 2007 arrest.
Ras Kass’ last album, 2008’s Institutionalized Vol. 2, was released independently on Babygrande Records.