Ras Kronik and the Las Vegas Reggae Scene

Las Vegas. Sin City. The gambling mecca where the Rat Pack and the Mob once roamed.

While the biggest names in music, such as Frank Sinatra and Wayne Newton graced the stages of its casinos, reggae has held its own there through acts like Ras Kronik.

The dreadlocked singer has lived in Vegas for 15 years, recording two albums and a number of singles there. He has also performed on events such as Reggae In The Desert, the region's best-known show of its kind.

According to Ras Kronik, the Las Vegas reggae scene has changed, "A lot. I have seen lots of growth with reggae music on a whole throughout the city."

The Reggae Hookah Lounge and Jamaican Vybz Bar And Grill are two of the popular reggae venues in a city that has hosted A-list acts like The Wailers, Bunny Wailer, Eek-A-Mouse, Gregory Isaacs and Morgan Heritage.

Although Ras Kronik --- who is from Clarendon parish in central Jamaica --- has established himself in Las Vegas, he has an indifferent relationship with show promoters.

"Reggae In The Desert is the largest reggae show ever call I man. You see, because I did not and will not sell out, that's the reason why I faced difficulties getting on these major shows," he said.

Despite the perceived slight, Ras Kronik maintains a busy recording schedule, with his latest songs being Jah Jah Light and Rough outa Street.

Jah Jah Light was produced and released by Pandemic Records, an Atlanta-based company operated by his younger brother, Leroy Edwards.

World Prayer, a single he recorded with Chillum, another younger brother, was released in 2021.