Covid-19 put the careers of many artistes and musicians on hold, and although he was also challenged by the devastating pandemic, Ras Kronik said it never stopped him from recording.

His relentless session work produced songs like Rough outa Street. Originally produced by Anthony Tenyue, former trumpeter for UB40, it has been given new life by Robert “Ricky Dread” Stephens, drummer for the Bonafide Band.

“Rough outa Street is really about the day-to-day struggles that we face while trying to make it happen for us. Not just for Ras Kronik, but for many of us who have been struggling, especially in times like these,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Rough outa Street has a roots flavour, reminiscent of the Las Vegas-based singer’s early recordings. Even during the dire COVID period, Ras Kronik was determined to keep recording.

“I never lost the groove. But you can look around and see, the struggle is everywhere…people a suffer. We are fighting a war against darkness, evil. Surely the light is winning, more people are waking up to the reality around them,” said Ras Kronik.

Born in Clarendon, Ras Kronik has been recording since the 1990s. Las Vegas, which has a vibrant roots-reggae community, has been his base for over 15 years.

His two albums, The Real Thing and Wild N Free, were recorded in the gambling mecca.

Uplifting vibes is the name of the game for 2023.

“More love through the music. I would love to see people loving one another more especially through music,” said Ras Kronik.