Ras-I Set to Release Heart of Love, a 13-Track Third Studio Album on May 15

Reggae singer Ras-I is preparing to release Heart of Love, his third studio album, on May 15. The 13-song set follows roughly six years of writing and recording, and it treats love as a theme that reaches beyond romance alone.

At a private listening session held last Thursday at Anchor Recording Studio, guests were introduced to the full project. Speaking with CVM Live, Ras-I said the material includes songs about connection and relationships, such as the already released Home featuring Khalia, while also touching on love for self, community, the Almighty, and reggae itself.

The album lists guest collaborations including Kabaka Pyramid on These Are The Days, Nesta on Holding Strong, and dancehall artiste Govanna on Oya. Ras-I also pointed to the rapport between him and the musicians who shaped the sessions as a defining strength of the record.

After one audience member described the project as sounding like a family-made album, Ras-I reflected on the chemistry shared across the tracks. "You can feel the love when you listen [to] the music. You feel that love that went into it," he said. "This is how it is for this album, especially because it's just me and mi bredda dem. No strict rules more than, just make sure we put wi best foot forward on every track, every note… it just feel good."

He credited that closeness to work with members of The Compounds Dub Squad Band, led by Keneil Delisser, Grammy-nominated producer JLL, and members of the Alpha Music School family.

While fans have already connected with some pre-released tracks, Ras-I said he is especially eager for listeners to hear others in full, including Essence and Play On. "['Play On'] specially is a ska tune and I don't think we've gotten a ska song from my generation of artiste in a while and it's refreshing," he shared.

Ras-I also spoke about eventually bringing the project to live audiences through the Ras-I Heart of Love Experience. The album is scheduled to drop on Friday, May 15.