Grammy-nominated recording artist, activist, filmmaker, and writer, John Forté has announced his transcendent new full-length album Vessels, Angels & Ancestors, out October 22 on Ram Dass’ Soul Land Records. The new collection features guest appearances spanning Rising Appalachia, Ben Taylor, billy woods, Fielded, Everlast, Ram Dass and more. Today, he unveils lead single “Ready on the One” alongside a video created by Brandshop. Produced by Preservation and featuring contributions from Spills,Five, and Miss Brittany Reese, the track features Forté’s impassioned delivery over a low-slung beat dotted with hand bells and sly guitar licks. “It sets us up for the narrative that takes place throughout the album,” Forte explains, and the accompanying ”Ready on the One” video gives the viewer a window into Forté’s life – from his cannabis garden in Martha’s Vineyard to his hometown of Brooklyn.

John’s lived experience and activism go hand-in-hand, as seen in his unyielding support for criminal justice reform initiatives rooted in ending mass incarceration and systemic injustices. He has performed at The White House numerous times during the Obama administration and Michelle Obama recently included John’s song “Being is Believing” (ft. Talib Kweli and Ben Taylor) on her Spotify playlist inspired by her podcast, The Michelle Obama Podcast.