The best known is the rapper, whose extensive Wikipedia page has been partly copied below.
Mason Durell Betha (born August 27, 1975),[1] better known by stage name Mase (often typeset as Ma$e) who was previously known as Murda Ma$e, is an American rapper, songwriter, actor and inspirational speaker. He was an artist on Sean "Diddy" Combs's hip hop label Bad Boy Records. He was introduced as Bad Boy Entertainment's next big artist during the summer of 1996 when he was featured on the remix to 112's debut single, "Only You", which peaked at number one on Billboard's Hot Dance Singles Sales chart as well as its Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. With his soon-to-be-trademarked[citation needed] slow flow, Mase quickly developed a crossover fan base as he was featured on original tracks, as well as remixes, by popular R&B artists such as Brian McKnight, Mariah Carey, Keith Sweat, and Brandy, among others. Puff Daddy (Diddy) featured Mase on "Mo' Money, Mo' Problems" from The Notorious B.I.G.'s double-LP Life After Death, the album's biggest hit single. He then featured Mase on several songs on his own debut album, No Way Out: the lead single, "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down", which hit number one on the Rap, R&B, and Pop charts, as well as on "Been Around the World", which would also reach number one on Billboard's Hot Rap Tracks. By the time Mase released his own debut album, Harlem World, in late 1997, the rapper had become Bad Boy's premier artist, filling the void left by the death of Biggie Smalls. He is married to Twyla Betha and leads an international ministry.
Contents
[hide]
1 Early life
2 Career
2.1 Harlem World
2.2 Double Up and retirement
2.3 Return to music and subsequent controversy
2.4 Second comeback
3 Discography
3.1 Albums
3.2 Compilations
3.3 Official Mixtapes
3.4 Filmography
4 References
5 External links
[edit] Early life
Rapper Mase was born Mason Durell Betha in Jacksonville, Florida on August 27, 1975, moved to Harlem, New York City with his family at age five, returned to Florida at age 13, and then moved back to Harlem two years later.[1] Betha was a point guard for the Manhattan Center High School basketball team and in 1993 he performed as "Murder Mase" in a rap group called Children of the Corn which also included successful solo artists Big L and Cam'ron (at the time known as Killa Cam). Of his ten childhood friends, eight were murdered and two went to prison. While attending SUNY Purchase, Mase met hip hop producer Country, was introduced to producer Sean Combs, and dropped out of college to pursue a rap career.[2]
[edit] Career
[edit] Harlem World
Mase's first solo LP, '"Harlem World"', debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts.[1]
[edit] Double Up and retirement
Mase's sophomore effort, Double Up, was released in 1999 and distributed by Bad Boy Records and sold 107,000 copies in its first week, debuting at #11. Though it reached #5 when popular rap music was dominated by Master P and his No-Limit crew. Double Up also featured much more aggressive material. Perhaps no other sign was as clear as a line in the last song of the album, "From Scratch": "If I could do it all again, I'd do it all for Christ."
On April 20, 1999, during an interview with Funkmaster Flex on New York radio station Hot 97, Mase announced his retirement from music to pursue "a calling from God." He felt he was leading people, friends, kids and others down a path to hell, stating that he left to find God in his heart and follow him.[citation needed] He declared it was time for him to serve God in his way, saying rap was not real and that he wanted to deal with reality, and that he had become unhappy with what he did, no matter how much it paid.[citation needed]
[edit] Return to music and subsequent controversy
After a five-year hiatus from the music industry, Mase made a comeback with "Welcome Back" during the summer of 2004. Prior to the album's release, the rapper was featured on Nelly's "In My Life," as well as the remix to Fat Joe's "Lean Back".
Mase's third album, Welcome Back, released August 24, 2004. The album debuted at #4 on the charts, selling 188,000 copies in the first week; the album would eventually go gold, selling 559,000 copies in the United States. Released after a five-year break from the rap scene, the album was a product of Mase's newly developed Christian persona. Portraying a "cleaner" image during this short-lived return to the industry, Mase dubbed himself "a Bad Boy gone clean," on the lead single, also titled "Welcome Back." This new approach to rap was received with mixed reviews. However, even though the album was not a commercial success like Harlem World, the singles, "Welcome Back" and "Breathe, Stretch, Shake," received moderate radio airplay and video play on BET and MTV, with the latter reaching #28 on the Billboard Hot 100; both singles were also certified gold by the RIAA.
Mase for a short time had recorded for G-Unit. He has since said that working with the group was not something he regrets, but that the message he was sending was a mistake. He joined G-Unit to appeal to a different audience so they could see that they could change just as he did, thinking that "in order to get people where I'm at, I have to go back to where I once was." Under G-Unit, he released a "Crucified 4 The Hood: 10 Years of Hate," a mixtape from the DJ Whoo Kid series, but an official album was never released. According to 50, Diddy refused to let Mase out of his contract with Bad Boy for anything less than $2 million. Uncertain that Mase's album would sell well enough to make up for that type of investment, 50 gave up on trying to bring Mase onto G-Unit.
[edit] Second comeback
Following the formula that worked for him 13 years earlier, Mase has begun to appear on popular R&B artists' remixes. In early June 2009, he was featured on the last verse of "Uptown Boy" by Harry O, signed to The Inc., which also features Ron Browz. Weeks later, Mase appeared on a street remix for Drake's "Best I Ever Had." Mase stated that since the death of Michael Jackson it has lit the fire inside him and he is ready to come back. He appeared on Power 105.1 to have a phone conversation with "The Prince of New York" DJ Self to discuss his latest attempt at a comeback. During this interaction, former-friend-turned-rival, Jim Jones, called in to make peace and hinted at the possibility of the two working together in the near future. Mase would then use that very radio show as his outlet to release new music throughout the rest of the summer as he'd have a new song or feature premiere every Friday on DJ Self's show. On July 3, 2009, Mase appeared on the remix to Trey Songz' hit single "I Need A Girl," where he shouts out "And Diddy told them that '10 years from now we'll still be on top. I thought I told you that we won't stop," referring to the line on "Mo' Money, Mo' Problems."
In October 2009, Mase appeared on a live on-air interview on V-103 with appearance release forms to Bad Boy Records which he gave to Diddy in the middle of the interview for his signature. Diddy signed the forms and was quoted: "He has the freedom to go do whatever he wants to do." However, the forms do not end Mase's contractual obligations to Bad Boy Records, but rather allow him to appear on songs with artists from other labels.[3]
Honey
Mase Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you want me
You simply ask me to be there
And you're the only one
Who makes me come running
'Cause what you got
Is far beyond compare
When your love comes over me
Oh, baby, I've got a dependency
Always strung out
For another taste of your honey
It's like honey when it washes over me
You know sugar never ever was so sweet
And I'm dying for ya
Crying for ya
I adore ya
One hit of your love affected me
And I'm strung out on you, darling
Don't you see
Every night and day I can hardly wait
For another taste of honey
Honey, I can't describe
How good it feels inside
Honey, I can't describe
How good it feels inside
Oh, I can't be elusive with you honey
'Cause it's blatant that I'm feeling you
And it's too hard for me to leave abruptly
You're the only thing I want to do
And it's just like honey
When your love comes over me
Oh, baby, I've got a dependency
Always strung out
For another taste of your honey
It's like honey when it washes over me
You know sugar never ever was so sweet
And I'm dying for ya
Crying for ya
I adore ya
One hit of your love addicted me
And I'm strung out on you, darling
Don't you see
Every night and day I can hardly wait
For another taste of honey
Harlem world we won't stop for Mariah, you're on fire
Harlem world we won't stop, so Mariah, take us higher
Harlem world we won't stop, for Mariah, you're on fire
Harlem world we won't stop, so Mariah, take us higher
Break it down
Every little thing you do
Now, what we gonna do right here
Is we gonna smooth it out
(Honey got me hooked on you)
MC, and she won't stop
It's like honey when it washes over me
You know sugar never ever was so sweet
And I'm dying for ya
Crying for ya
I adore ya
One hit of your love addicted me
And I'm strung out on you, darling
Don't you see
Every night and day I can hardly wait
For another taste of honey
It's like honey when it washes over me
You know sugar never ever was so sweet
And I'm dying for ya
Crying for ya
I adore ya
One hit of your love addicted me
And I'm strung out on you, darling
Don't you see
Every night and day I can hardly wait
For another taste of honey
It's like honey when it washes over me
You know sugar never ever was so sweet
And I'm dying for ya
Crying for ya
I adore ya
One hit of your love addicted me
And I'm strung out on you, darling
Don't you see
Every night and day I can hardly wait
For another taste of honey
The song "Honey" by Mase featuring R&B superstar Mariah Carey explores the addiction of being in love with someone. The lyrics describe a dependency on the love and presence of the person, as their presence is compared to the sweetness of honey. The chorus describes the overwhelming feeling of being washed over by love, with the singer describing themselves as strung out and crying for another taste of their lover's honey.
The verse that mentions Mariah Carey's name is a nod to her featuring on the track, and the Harlem World chants in the background serve to represent Mase's hometown. The bridge in the song smooths out the production and adds a little groove to the track, with Mase and Mariah's voices blending beautifully.
The song's lyrics may have been inspired by Carey's own experiences with love and heartbreak, as she had recently undergone a public divorce from her ex-husband Tommy Mottola. The track became a hit upon its release and has since become a cult classic in R&B and hip hop circles.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, now you can have me
I am available to you at any time or place
When you want me
You only have to express your desire for me and I will be there
You simply ask me to be there
Your request for my presence is all that is required
And you're the only one
No one else can compare to you
Who makes me come running
You have the power to draw me to you instantly
'Cause what you got
The qualities and attributes you possess
Is far beyond compare
Are unrivaled and exceptional
And it's just like honey
The feeling of your love is sweet and addictive
When your love comes over me
When I am enveloped in your affection
Oh, baby, I've got a dependency
I am addicted to your love
Always strung out
I am constantly craving more
For another taste of your honey
For another encounter with your love
It's like honey when it washes over me
Your love is comforting and all-consuming
You know sugar never ever was so sweet
Nothing else can compare to the feeling of your love
And I'm dying for ya
I am consumed with desire for you
Crying for ya
I am deeply emotional and invested in our relationship
I adore ya
I have a deep and profound love for you
One hit of your love affected me
One experience with your love was enough to change me
And I'm strung out on you, darling
I am addicted to you and your love
Don't you see
Can't you understand
Every night and day I can hardly wait
I am eagerly anticipating the next time we are together
For another taste of honey
For another experience with your love
Honey, I can't describe
I cannot fully express
How good it feels inside
The joy and pleasure I experience with you is indescribable
Oh, I can't be elusive with you honey
I cannot hide my feelings for you
'Cause it's blatant that I'm feeling you
My love and desire for you are obvious and undeniable
And it's too hard for me to leave abruptly
It is difficult for me to walk away from you suddenly
You're the only thing I want to do
All I want is to be with you
MC, and she won't stop
I am a master of ceremonies and my love for you will never cease
What we gonna do right here
The plan for the moment
Is we gonna smooth it out
We will make things go smoothly
(Honey got me hooked on you)
(I am completely addicted to your love)
And I'm dying for ya
I am consumed with desire for you
Crying for ya
I am deeply emotional and invested in our relationship
I adore ya
I have a deep and profound love for you
One hit of your love addicted me
One experience with your love was enough to change me
And I'm strung out on you, darling
I am addicted to you and your love
Don't you see
Can't you understand
Every night and day I can hardly wait
I am eagerly anticipating the next time we are together
For another taste of honey
For another experience with your love
It's like honey when it washes over me
Your love is comforting and all-consuming
You know sugar never ever was so sweet
Nothing else can compare to the feeling of your love
And I'm dying for ya
I am consumed with desire for you
Crying for ya
I am deeply emotional and invested in our relationship
I adore ya
I have a deep and profound love for you
One hit of your love addicted me
One experience with your love was enough to change me
And I'm strung out on you, darling
I am addicted to you and your love
Don't you see
Can't you understand
Every night and day I can hardly wait
I am eagerly anticipating the next time we are together
For another taste of honey
For another experience with your love
It's like honey when it washes over me
Your love is comforting and all-consuming
You know sugar never ever was so sweet
Nothing else can compare to the feeling of your love
And I'm dying for ya
I am consumed with desire for you
Crying for ya
I am deeply emotional and invested in our relationship
I adore ya
I have a deep and profound love for you
One hit of your love addicted me
One experience with your love was enough to change me
And I'm strung out on you, darling
I am addicted to you and your love
Don't you see
Can't you understand
Every night and day I can hardly wait
I am eagerly anticipating the next time we are together
For another taste of honey
For another experience with your love
Lyrics © ST MUSIC LLC
Written by: AUSTIN WILLIAMS, TOM HIGGINS, ZACK ROBINSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@thatchilldude4754
Ariana literally built her whole career off of this music video. Don't try to tell me otherwise lmao. The hair, the sound, the dancing, the look. Well like they say it's easier to follow a path rather than pave your own.
@odangoatama98
+Kev You right
@Staceystce
I loved Ariana Grande. Then I saw this video and was oh no haha. She really did build her whole career off of her. Cat ears to smh.
@tetinawisnawati2282
ariana should thank and pay mariah carey
@roderickbrown1696
she loves mariah... nothing wrong with it
@MJ-lx2pb
+CoreyTaylorMusic yea she doesn't like to talk about her cause she knows she's copying ...if you weren't trying to be somebody else you would at least joke about it she just doesn't address her at all anymore
@TweakLyon
Like it or not, Mariah contributed a lot to the culture of rnb / hip hop in her own unique way
@mermaidtingzzz
Ummm no one questions that surely. If they, do they clearly know nothing about Mariah or music!
@TweakLyon
@The Little Blerdmaid with them fire 🔥 adlibs, not to mention the chorus and hooks
@philipcohen958
And did. We never saw a whole gangsta rapper appear in the music video and live performances of a female pop song before Fantasy in 1995. Mariah was the trendsetter.