West Coast MC Ras Kass was born John Austin in Carson, California in 1973, but raised in Watts. A history and socio-political student, he majored in philosophy at USC. Ras Kass was an original founding member of Patchwerk Records in Atlanta, GA and continues close ties with Patchwerk Studios which is still co-owned and operated by Curtis Daniel III.
Father of Coast Contra's Ras Austin and Taj Austin.