Some artistes pursue a musical career because of their quest for fame and fortune, others do it because creating music is what they are most talented at, and then there are others such as Oral “Splicerr Ras” Williams for whom music is a tangible expression of a spirituality and life conception.
Splicerr Ras has been in the music business for the better part of two decades; and while major label success has so far been slow in coming, he remains unwavering in his commitment to his craft.
In 1994, Splicerr Ras got his first taste of commercial success when he recorded You Can’t Test My Sound, a collaboration with Dawn Penn of No No No fame. The song was well received in Jamaica, mainland Europe, and the UK, where it climbed to #25 on the reggae chart. The positive response to You Can’t Test My Sound encouraged Splicerr Ras to forsake his day job and to devote his full energies to his music career. In 1996, Splicerr Ras was again in the limelight with Montell, a response to the then popular Skettel, on Steelie and Cleevie’s Gigi rhythm. Montell was one of three songs Splicerr Ras recorded to fulfill his obligations to Manhattan-based Fountainhead Music.
Splicerr followed up this success with his first self-produced tracks, Baby Girl and another production from Fountainhead Music called “Dis Yah Man”. These songs and their accompanying videos received heavy rotation in Jamaica, The Caribbean Island, U.K and most places that embrace the reggae culture globally. The success of Dis Yah Man and Baby Girl earned Splicerr a place on a number of tours and stage shows where he performed alongside icons of reggae such as Freddie McGregor and Sanchez.
The 2002 to 2005 period may best be described as a maturation period for Splicerr. Drawing inspiration from sources such as his family, the teachings of H.I.M, appreciation to the Almighty for keeping him on a daily basis, and from his daily goings and comings in the working world, Splicerr wrote a large number of songs during this period. He also honed his music production skills and widened his artistic repertoire to include graphic designing, videography & web development. Splicerr took these steps with the singular decision that when he chose to refocus his energies as a musician and recording artiste, he would be self-sufficient in many areas. Finally, Splicerr’s ongoing introspection led to him embracing the name Splicerr in a manner consistent with the message he wanted to bring to a global audience: Solid Positive Life Interesting Candid Educating Relentless and Real.
Splicerr Ras re-emerged on the music scene in a big way in 2006. He produced Only Jah Jah (Luciano), which peaked at #7 on the New York reggae chart, for his Oz1 (pronounced “as one”) Entertainment record label. Only Jah Jah was recorded on the Time and Weather beat, which also featured Splicerr’s own Road So Foggie. Splicerr Ras also returned to the performing stage, thrilling the audience at Westchester Reggae Fest 2006, with hot single “ Memories” that year where he shared the stage with artistes such as Sizzla and Buju Banton
Today, Splicerr Ras, deep in his faith, focus on his craft and career appears far removed from the young man with uncertain direction who recorded Montell more than a decade ago.
His clearly-defined goal now is to record and produce music that can teach and inspire and that is relevant to a global audience. Splicerr Ras certainly achieves this objective with recent recordings such as Need to get Laid and Need to get Paid, these are two entertaining commercial tracks that showcase Splicerr’s talent as both singer and producer. Got it going on, She’s having my baby, There For me and You and Me, and most recently on the Hard Hat Riddim “Woriing Hard” there are also notable tracks that Splicerr has short-listed for his previously released EP Mid Life Crysalis done for Reggae GAPPS the company thats presently handling his affairs.
Splicerr Ras has certainly traveled the long road in the music business. His ongoing journey is a testament to persistence and faith in the Almighty. With his wealth of experience, sense of purpose, and undeniable talent, Splicerr Ras appears set to be a major force on the reggae music scene.…
