Roots reggae artiste Ras-I is hoping his upcoming third studio album Heart of Love does more than just entertain; he wants it to spark introspection, patience, and a renewed appreciation for reggae music.

The artiste, born Immanuel Kerr, hosted an intimate listening session for the 13-track project at Anchor Recording Studio on April 6, giving close friends, family, fellow musicians and members of the media a first listen ahead of the album’s official release on May 15.

Already released singles from the project, including Home featuring Khalia, Oya featuring Govana, and the recently released love ballad Forever and Always, have already hinted at the range listeners can expect.

Speaking with the Jamaica Observer, Ras-I shared the message he hopes listeners take away from the album.

“We live in a world that is very erratic. People are quick to anger, quick to react. With this album, I want people to take a breath before they react. Everything doesn’t need to lead to violence or cutting off your friends over a misunderstanding. I need people to learn patience and to fall in love with reggae again,” he said.

As guests shared their favourite tracks following the listening session, it became clear that Heart of Love is deeply personal, touching on broad expressions of connection, healing, and growth.

When asked whether the album was filling a gap in reggae, Ras-I pointed instead to what he believes the genre truly needs.

“The only thing missing in the genre right now is more shows so we can perform these songs,” he said. “Some more big shows too, not just some little kotch-up in a corner business. We want the platforms, the audiences. People always say no good music nah mek, but good music still a mek.”

He continued: “This is where musicians can express themselves, where the artiste gets to express himself, and we’re bringing back that homegrown sound, whole heap of roots, but with a splash of different genres like ska and Afrobeats intertwined with roots reggae.”

That genre fusion was evident throughout the album, with Ras-I explaining that his sound draws from far beyond traditional reggae.

“If you listen to my music you’ll hear a lot of jazz influence, Latin music, hip hop, R&B, even some pop as well. But I always try to ensure that my lyrics are always positive,” said the artiste.

The evening also highlighted Ras-I’s musical roots, with several guests noting that authenticity shines through in the project.

Reggae artiste Joby Jay, after hearing the album, said the music immediately shifted her mood.

“From you played the first track my vibration was lifted,” she said. “There’s a particular vibe that reggae music has that no other genre has. The whole album feels very high vibrational. I can tell you were doing a lot of introspection… I can tell you’re in love,” she said jokingly, drawing laughter from the room.

Fellow reggae artiste Amanyea, who said she has watched Ras-I evolve over the years, praised the authenticity of the body of work.

“There are a lot of people who do music and their music is not who they are… but this is Ras-I,” she said. “Watching you grow up and evolve into this authentic artiste… it’s just nice to hear live music sound like live music on a track.”

Heart of Love features collaborations with Kabaka Pyramid, Khalia, Nesta, and Govana, alongside contributions from musicians connected to the Compound Family, Dub Squad Family, and Revelation family.

The album is produced by Keneil Jones, JLL, the Alpha family, and Ras-I.

(Photo: Yannick Reid)

Guests listen as roots reggae artiste Ras-I previews tracks from his upcoming album Heart of Love during an intimate listening session at Anchor Recording Studio.(Photo: Yannick Reid)

Reggae singer Khalia, who is featured on Ras-I’s single Home, at the private listening session for his upcoming album Heart of Love at Anchor Recording Studio. (Photo: Yannick Reid)