Masta Ace & Marco Polo "Richmond Hill" (Album Stream)

Richmond Hill, the highly anticipated follow up to Masta Ace and Marco Polo's Breukelen Story, is inspired by Marco's childhood in the titular neighborhood, a small town in Ontario, just outside of Toronto. Between interstitials about Marco's passion for hip-hop and cartoons, his struggle with addiction, and the support of his parents, Marco Polo and Masta Ace tackle the issues of the day head-on with clarity, the rapper using his decades-worth of rapping experience to slice through the producer's warm soul samples and crisp percussion. A cinematic journey that explores how the past echoes through the present, the album welcomes guest appearances from notable names from all eras of rap history, including Inspectah Deck, Coast Contra, Blu, Che Noir, Speech of Arrested Development, Masta Ace's longtime collaborators Stricklin and Wordsworth, and many more. The joint 'Below The Clouds' with Blu is an absolute BANGER! Listen to their new album Richmond Hill below...

Masta Ace "Sittin' on Chrome" (May 2, 1995)

In the five years that passed between his debut, Take a Look Around, and his third full-length, Sittin' on Chrome, Brooklyn rapper Masta Ace's sound changed a lot. Angrier lyrics were already starting to show up on his sophomore release, Slaughtahouse, but it was nothing in comparison to Sittin' on Chrome. Not that the themes are fueled by testosterone and rage here (and not that they were on Slaughtahouse, either, though there was a great deal more vitriol), but the overall feel of the album--which has by now moved past the boom bap old-school beats into fuller, gloomier production that more aptly represents the mid-'90s East Coast sound--is much darker, with slower, heavier songs that ponder life in the ghetto. But the record's not an attack on the system that has caused the poor conditions of inner-city existence; rather, it's more of a collection of sketches that show it in its entirety, both the good and the bad. The whole Masta Ace Incorporated crew (Lord Digga, Leschea, and Paula Perry) is present here and does a good job--along with Ace, of course, whose flow and lyrics combine to show him off at his best--at adding depth and realism to the album's 16 cuts, interludes and all. It's a formula that clearly works well: Sittin' on Chrome boasted the MC's most popular songs, "Born To Roll" (which was also included as a bonus track on Slaughtahouse), "The I.N.C. Ride," and the title track itself, but the other material--"Eastbound," "People in My Hood"--is equally as interesting, and makes the record a very worthwhile addition to a rap collection. - Old School Rap & Hip-Hop, 2008. It took a while for this album to resonate with me because of the production, but once it did, I really began to appreciate the versatility and forward-thinking of Masta Ace. Subsequent albums would prove that point even greater. Revisit it...

Promo jersey for Masta Ace's Sittin' on Chrome album...

Masta Ace "Shelf Life" (1992, Unreleased Album)

Bob has done it again! This time around, Chopped Herring Records has pressed the unreleased album from Masta Ace in 1992 to CD. They previously unearthed it under two separate vinyl releases titled "Shelf Life," Volumes 1 and 2. Masta Ace has successfully navigated generations of Hip-Hop, remaining true to his original sound but consistently growing and perfecting his craft. You'll certainly hear the growth when you look back at this release, but hopefully you can still appreciate that Ace was always a pioneer and even back then he was pushing the culture forward with his style. Unfortunately, being a vinyl-first label, there is no incentive to stream these releases in full, so until you go ahead and cop the CD, these snippets will have to hold you over. Check it below...

DJ Premier vs. Masta Ace (Mixed by DJ Tiger)

Big-up to DJ Tiger of Full Blast Radio, who put this ill blend tape together. Full Blast Radio is an online radio station from NY operating in Georgia. You can stream the mix below and click HERE for more information on DJ Tiger and his show, Full Blast Radio. Much respect to Marco Polo and Masta Ace, who released a classic album together "A Breukelen Story," and of course, you always wanna follow the legend, DJ Premier, in all that he does right HERE. Enjoy DJ Tiger's mash-up mix below... 

Masta Ace & Marco Polo "A Breukelen Story" (Album Stream)

In 2018 we find hip-hop’s storied journeyman, Masta Ace, at the helm of another sharp, tightly wrought project. He’s traversed hip-hop’s ever-changing landscape for nearly three decades, navigating different eras while expanding his already extensive catalogue. Despite amassing 7 solo albums, 5 collaborative projects and countless additional one-offs, Ace is still trying to show and prove, still moving the needle forward for himself, his fans, and his career. Says Ace: “My goal on A Breukelen Story was to do more lyrical stuff. I’ve done a lot of concept songs, and a lot of topical records, but I made a point to put a couple straight rhyming joints on here to remind dudes I can still do this.” Marco Polo is not new to forming quality collabs with others in the art form, with notable stints on the Port Authority as well as it’s follow up, PA2, and others like 2016’s work with young MC, A-F-R-O, fittingly titled A-F-R-O Polo. Yet out of Polo’s previous collaborative efforts, this one stands out and is a bit more special, according to Polo: “Ace does not like to write random songs, its usually conceptual and topical,” he says. “But we do have some straight spitting joints on A Breukelen Story which is what makes this album possibly the most diverse of all of my collaborative albums.” MP & Ace's "A Breukelen Story" is now available via Fat Beats Records! 

Masta Ace "Son Of Yvonne" (Remix Album)

Some of the dopest German producers are enlisted to remix the Masta Ace album, "Son of Yvonne." These remixes cast the project in a completely new light. Some of the producers include Wun Two, Philantrope, Retrogott, Dramadigs, Django, Knowsum, Figub Brazlevic, Dude26, Flitz & Suppe, Haitian Star and more! I remember Masta Ace working on the original project with Fat Beats at the time, but I was working on separate projects, so I never really got to dig into Son of Yvonne. The original beats were sourced from the Special Herbs series of instrumental mixes put out by MF Doom. It wasn't a direct collaboration between Masta Ace and MF Doom, so to remix these vocals and create an entirely new project from them is a fitting idea, to me. And... it works, so dig into it below...

Donnie Propa & Masta Ace "The Ace Tape 2" (Mixtape)

Donnie Propa and Masta Ace have joined forces once again as a follow-up to last year's The Ace Tape. The latest mix, The Ace Tape 2, features an all-vinyl mix of more classics and hidden gems from Masta Ace's extensive catalog. As one of the most consistent MCs, there's plenty to pull from! The Ace Tape 2 is available on limited edition CDs and cassettes, via Village Live Records and Planet Rock Graphics. Props to the Juice Crew MC and Donnie Propa for another one, listen below...

Rap Masters: "The Most Underrated Rappers List" (1991)

Their underrated rappers list in '91 included: Masta Ace, Lord Finesse, Geto Boys, EPMD, Tragedy, Guru, Q-Tip & Phife, Brand Nubian, Kool G Rap, Freddie Foxxx, Chubb Rock, and more. Pause for a moment to review the list in full. These days, many of these artists are celebrated as some of the best to ever do it; while others have remained underrated their whole careers. Thinking back to '91, who was on top that year? Let's say the top 5 MCs in 1991 were arguably Rakim, KRS-One, Ice Cube, Big Daddy Kane and Chuck D. LL Cool J is not included as underrated so we can assume he'd be the 6th man in '91. Who's next? I'd take Scarface and Kool G Rap, plus of course, Tribe, Gang Starr and EPMD would follow with some of their best work in the years following the list. Masta Ace & Lord Finesse come to mind as two artists that have remained underrated their whole careers, and yet, continue to deliver amazing work for 2+ decades and counting. Turning the page, who are the most underrated in 2017? I'd argue for Reks, Black Thought, Pharoahe Monch, Royce Da 5'9, One Be Lo, Elzhi, Joe Budden, Blu, Rasheed Chappell, Ka, Supastition, Jean Grae, Roc Marci, R.A., Cormega, Styles P, Beanie Sigel, Invincible, Chino XL, Finale, Sean P, Brother Ali, Eternia, Reef The Lost Cauze, and others. I'm curious, who comes to mind for you as underrated? And underrated simply means they've put in the work and their talent is greater... no shade, at all.

Masta Ace Inc. "Slaughtahouse" (The Source, 1993)

After making a name for himself as a member of the legendary Juice Crew, and releasing his debut in ’91, ‘Take a Look Around,’ Masta Ace returned in ’93 with his breakthrough album, ‘Slaughtahouse,’ along with his I.N.C. crew. Man, I can still remember the clear yellow cassette for the album (which I still keep in rotation). Considered a loose concept album, 'Slaughtahouse' took aim at the "so-called hardcore rappers coming out these days ... Masta Ace Incorporated are taking them straight to the ‘Slaughtahouse.'" The press release for the 12" added: ‘Following up their underground hit, ‘Jeep Ass Nigguh,’ ‘Slaughtahouse’ is bound to create controversy as phony rappers from coast to coast re-check their style and attitude." Released on LA’s Delicious Vinyl, like their follow-up ‘Sittin On Chrome,’ the album would lend itself to some funkier West Coast production. Often uncredited is the 'Jeep Ass Nigguh' remix, 'Born To Roll,' which was later released on 'Sittin On Chrome,' but was a summer anthem I always attributed to 'Slaughtahouse.' I can still hear that heavy bass rolling in cars around the park streets in Queens. The B-Side single 'Saturday Nite Live' was dope too. In the interview above, Masta Ace says "The reason why my album is different than other albums that are out is because nobody dies on my album. I mean it's not your typical 'shoot-em-up bang, bang' record. Although my album is hardcore, I break the stereotype where someone has to die." 

Masta Ace Incorporated "Sittin on Chrome" (5/2/95)

"With each of his releases, Brooklyn-born Masta Ace has kept listeners grabbing at air when they try to get a grasp of his style; his musical formula can seem simple and calculated, but he still remains an elusive target. What's even more impressive is that Ace has not distanced himself from his fans. His 1990 debut, 'Take a Look Around,' was a lively, Marley Marl-produced hook-fest, while 1993's 'Slaughtahouse' (which marked the incorporation of actual group members) was one of the most artistically advanced hardcore records of that year. Ace's lyrics can go from deadpan posturing to painting live images of ghetto life, and he's known for avoiding obvious hip-hop trends. His third release, 'Sittin' on Chrome,' is just as imaginative as 'Slaughtahouse,' but you get the feeling Ace has set a few booby-traps along the way. First-time listeners may not notice the way the songs are strung together, creating an oblique storyline of Ace and his cousin who joins him and his I.N.C. posse on some beat-heavy journeys. Cuts like 'The I.N.C. Ride' and the title cut seem to dangle before you in simplistic splendor, defying you to label Ace a West Coast wannabe (he calls his sound "Brooklyn Bass"). But then the watery samples on 'Eastbound' or 'Da Answer' will send you in another direction. Never resorting to tired imagery of gratuitous bloodshed, Ace stays cool and collected throughout, letting the listeners and critics make the mistake of formulating a label for his art." - CMJ, 1995. Get On Down released a fresh 100-piece puzzle of the album's artwork in 2012, and there's also a Deluxe 3CD version you can purchase at UGHH while it still remains in their stock.

DJ Low Cut ft. Masta Ace & Torae "All Alone"

You all alone in these streets, cousin! DJ Low Cut enlists Masta Ace & Torae for his single 'All Alone;' a fresh track with sharp cuts by DJ Nix'on. His 'NY Minute' project was the first project to catch my attention back in 2012, but he's been putting in work for several years out of Paris, France. His new album, 'Dead End,' is available for pre-order now and features Rustee Juxx, Nutso, Blaq Poet, Masta Ace, Torae, Guilty Simpson, Reef The Lost Cauze, Praverb (R.I.P.), Dirt Platoon and more.

Masta Ace "Take A Look Around" (Press Kit, 1990)

"Achieve Cause Today Is Over Now

As Clearly As Time Is On No

Apparent Course Toward Improvement, Only Negativity"

"Take the first letters of this bold statement, put them together and you've spelled out Action to the 3rd power: the credo of one of today's most exciting, original and aware young rappers: Master Ace. More than just a master wordsmith, Ace, and his accomplished DJ Steady Pace, are laying out a gameplan for the '90s, in a musical manifesto that stresses hope, optimism and achievement. It's a powerful messaged summed up in streetwise language and irresistible rhythms on Master Ace's brand new album for Reprise/Cold Chillin' Records, Take A Look Around, featuring the def new single "Me And The Biz" -- a tribute to producer Biz Markie and the subject of one of the freshest videos of the season." It adds, "A lot of people think that Master Ace is a duo," asserts this college educated rapper from the streets of Brooklyn. "It's really a group of likeminded people, who are heavily involved in the battle against dope, violence and despair." Masta Ace is just the spokesman...

Below is a portion of the press kit mentioned above, from 1990.

The Combat Jack Show "Masta Ace Episode"

On the latest episode of the Combat Jack Show, the crew takes it to Brownsville, Brooklyn with Juice Crew member Masta Ace. They discuss everything from his early beginnings in hip hop; the creation and break up of the legendary Juice Crew; his journey that strayed him away from the street, as well as serious battles with his health, and why MCs never have an expiration date + much more. Most interviews with Masta Ace don't scratch far enough below the surface, it makes sense that Combat Jack would be an exception and bring out a lot in this interview. Listen below.

Masta Ace ''Disposable Arts'' (Album Documentary)

Originally released in 2001, ''Disposable Arts'' is a thematic/concept album by Brooklyn eMCee Masta Ace. The concept follows that Masta Ace is being released from prison, his return to home and joining ''The Institute of Disposable Arts.'' The album contain many guest artists like Masta Ace's group eMC (Stricklin & Wordsworth), Apocalypse, Greg Nice of Nice & Smooth, Rah Digga, J-Ro of Tha Alkaholiks, King Tee, Jean Grae, Punchline, Young Zee and more. Also a bunch of different producers (Paul Nice, Domingo, Deacon The Villain of CunninLynguists, Xplicit, Ayatollah, Sabor and more), this album is seen as a timeless classic album and one of the most flawlessly crafter conceptual projects. In the documentary, you will see most of the contributors to the ''Disposable Arts'' album, with interviews, stories behind the tracks, and more content about the making of “Disposable Arts.” A great documentary, about a flawlessly crafted conceptual album! Dig in below. 

"...It's been five years at least, waiting for a peace
Bouncing off of these walls awaiting my release
Pacing like a caged lion with rage crying
All them days trying to engage with the iron
Stuck in between a rock and a hard place
I got down on my knees, looked into God's face
It's really not the same, is it? With low digits
And y'all ain't hold me down, ain't paid me no visits..."

Donnie Propa & Masta Ace "The Ace Tape" (Mixtape)

Donnie Propa, in collaboration with the legendary Juice Crew MC, Masta Ace, have brought to us The Ace Tape. The mix tape features a selection of classics and hidden gems from Masta Ace's career as a solo artist and member of Masta Ace Incorporated. It appears the mix was done straight from vinyl and features just short of 20 joints from Masta Ace's extensive catalog. There are a handful of limited edition cassettes you can order ... I recommend grabbing one ASAP! Dig in...

Pete Rock "Delicious Vinyl" (25th Anniversary Mix)

The Stussy x Delicious Vinyl Collection celebrated their 25th Anniversary of the LA-based record label in 2012. The minor label started in the late 80s and became a major figure in the evolution of hip-hop through the early 90s with acts such as The Pharcyde, Masta Ace, Tone Loc, The Whoridas, Young MC and Brand New Heavies. They continue to maintain working relationships with these early artists and also support the next generation of musical talent including Dom Kennedy and Casey Veggies. A couple years later, let's still enjoy this fresh mix by the legendary Pete Rock below...

Masta Ace "Jeep Ass Nigguh" (The Source, 6/93)

"True, brothers in Cadillac's and low riding '64 Impala's have it going on, but when a hardcore New York jeep ass n!gga like Masta Ace rolls up and presses "play," you know it's gonna be on. While he has been on a little hiatus as of late, Ace definitely came correct with this one. Over an ear-shattering acoustic bassline, he cruises the city streets, blasting his system and battling kids who think they can hang. Ace's delivery is just as amped as his bassline, mixing dope lyrics with frame-shredding boom. No one can disturb this groove, not even the police... "Black boy, Black boy turn that shit down / You know that America don't want to hear the sound / Of the bass drum, jungle music / Go back to Africa / N!gger I'll arrest you if you're holding up traffic / I'll be damned if I listen / So cop save your breath / And write another ticket if you have any left / I'm breakin' eardrums while I'm breakin' the law / I'm disturbin' all the peace 'cause Sista Souljah said war!" Play this loud, long and often." - The Source, June 1993 (Sure Shot Single). Peep the visuals below...

Save a copy of the original Sure Shot Single review (6/93) below...

Masta Ace Interview in URB Magazine (1991)

A nice interview in URB Magazine, where Masta Ace discusses his debut album "Take A Look Around," the disappointing sales and how Cold Chillin' fell short of promoting the project and making him a priority at the label. From there, Ace discusses his accidental start in the game, winning a rap contest at a skating rink in Queens, where the prize was 5 hours of studio time with the legend, Marley Marl. An excellent story of good fortune and believing in his own talents. How his early demos were funny and storytelling, along the lines of DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince's "Girls Ain't Nothin But Trouble," and how he moved away from that to make sure "His songs' subjects ring true to his upbringing but the words ring true to his unique talents" as well. "What he terms 'poems with a beat' are just that, both moving and honest." As Masta Ace was shopping for a deal leading into his follow-up to "Take A Look Around," this was a dope look at what got him to that point and where he was headed. To this day, Masta Ace remains one of our culture's most consistent, absolutely-no-nonsense-MCs and any content that shines light on Ace will be supported here...

Crooklyn Dodgers "Crooklyn" (Review, 1994)

When you hear: "Straight from Crooklyn, better known as Brooklyn / Never takin' shorts, 'cause Brooklyn's the borough," you know it's gonna be epic! Ya know how else you know? "Masta Ace and Buckshot on a Q-Tip track? That's reason enough to get up on this single. Add that to the long-awaited return of "the magnificent" Special Ed, and you know the shit must be monumental. And "Crooklyn" won't let you down. The Abstract's beat is all bassline hypnosis and layers of loops. As the groove creates the aura, all 3 lyricists take their task to heart as they reflect on that "70s thing from the days when kids didn't act so craze / in Crooklyn." As the first single off the soundtrack of Spike Lee's new movie, the song has nothing to do with the film and the film has nothing to do with crooks (it's about family life in Brooklyn), but whatever's clever." - The Source, cont'd below...

"Panic / As another manic depressant / Adolescent / Stares at death 

Now what's left / When there ain't no God and a whole lotta pride?
It might be a homicide / So let the drama / Slide 

We don't want no problems, B / Get your name in the obituary columns, see 

Cuz life is too short / And it gets shorter / I wish I had a quarter 

for all my people they slaughter / Last year alone / In the dead zone 

Walk straight, but don't walk late 

Cuz I'm comin' with a hate only made / From what it made me 

Cuz nobody ever played me / Now it's only gettin' worse 

Buckshot and Ace in the land of the waste
Kickin' you in your face!"