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]
What You Want
Mase Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tell me what you want (oh-oh)
Just tell me what you want (oh)
Tell me what you want (oh-oh)
Tell me what you want (oh)
Tell me what you want (oh-oh)
Tell me what you want from me
Let me know if this right here
Is something you can have for years
Tell me what you want from me
Take a look at what you see
Let me know if this right here
Is something you can have for years
Now Mase be the man wanna see you doin' good
I don't wanna get rich, leave you in the hood
Girl, in my eyes you the baddest
The reason why I love you, you don't like me 'cause my status
I don't wanna see you with a carriage, living average
I wanna do my thing so we be established
And I don't want you rockin' them fabrics
Girl, I wanna give you karats 'til you feel you a rabbit
Anything in your path, want, you can have
Walk through the mall, if you like it, you could grab
Total it all up and put it on my tab
And then tell your friends all the fun you had
Tell me what you want from me (tell)
Take a look at what you see (tell me what you want)
Let me know if this right here (right here)
Is something you can have for years (have for year)
Tell me what you want from me (tell me what you want)
Take a look at what you see (you see)
Let me know if this right here
Is something you can have for years
Hey mama, why don't you come here to papa?
You don't like the way your tata's lookin at shada?
In a 600 ain't no smokin' cigada
Come over here I think I see your baby fadda
Here go the number to my casa
If you in a rush you call me mañana
Whatever you need girlfriend I got the whole enchilada
Just the way you like it Mase gonna do you propa
Girl, I can tell you was meant for me
I can tell by the way you was sent to me
While I'm on tour tryna make them centuries
And they ask who your man, you better mention me
If you don't, you know you got a problem
Said you want no beef girlfriend don't start none
And it just so happens that I'm seeing cash
'Cause you messed up a lot just trying to be fast
And I ain't gonna ask who smashed the E-class
Pull up to the 'rib with the whole front crashed
Now you wanna laugh, good thing that's the past
If you ever lie again, girl that'll be your last
Tell me what you want from me (tell me what you want, boy)
Take a look at what you see (take a look at me)
Let me know if this right here (ooh)
Is something you can have for years (gotta let me know)
Tell me what you want from me
Take a look at what you see (is it something you can have)
Let me know if this right here
Is something you can have for years
Now the more you treat me royal I adore you
That's why I don't mind doing these things for you (for you)
You did things for me I wouldn't believe you did
That's why I always wanna keep you here
In a year or two, girl, I could see you with my kids
Girl, you make a thug wanna get a legal gig
It's only right we spend our lonely nights
Gettin' crazy biz' 'til we awake the kids
Don't get too loud, got respect for you honey
But keep it all real you come second to my money
And can you be my ghetto love prophecy? (Yeah)
Everybody love you girl, not just me (yeah, yeah, yeah)
And I know you that really care a lot for me
Wanna see you happy even if it's not with me
Hey, hey (ooh)
Even if you're not with me
Tell me what you want from me
Take a look at what you see
Let me know if this right here
Is something you can have for years (something you can have)
Tell me what you want from me (for years)
Take a look at what you see
Let me know if this right here (ooh)
Is something you can have for years (for years)
Tell me what you want from me (want from me)
Take a look at what you see (yeah)
Let me know if this right here (is this what you want from me?)
Is something you can have for years
Tell me what you want from me
The lyrics of Mase's song "What You Want" feature him asking his love interest what she wants from him. He expresses his desire to provide for her and make her happy. From his perspective, he believes her lack of interest in him is because of his financial and social status. He offers to give her everything she desires, from expensive jewelry to shopping sprees, and be there for her in every way possible. Mase also acknowledges that his job as a rapper takes him away from her often, but he would love to settle down with her one day and start a family. He ends the song with a plea for her to let him know what she wants from him, whether it includes him as a partner or not.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me what you want (oh)
Asking the other person to clearly state their desires/needs.
Tell me what you want from me
Inviting the other person to state what they want or need from the relationship.
Take a look at what you see
Asking the other person to assess and evaluate the current situation and dynamics between them.
Let me know if this right here
Asking the other person to confirm if the current state of their relationship is acceptable and desirable.
Is something you can have for years
Asking the other person to consider if what is being offered can last for a long-term commitment.
Now Mase be the man wanna see you doin' good
Introducing himself and expressing his desire to see the other person thrive and be happy.
I don't wanna get rich, leave you in the hood
Clarifying that his financial success does not mean he will abandon or neglect the other person.
Girl, in my eyes you the baddest
Complimenting and expressing his admiration for the other person.
The reason why I love you, you don't like me 'cause my status
Suggesting that the other person loves him for who he is, not just his wealth or fame.
I don't wanna see you with a carriage, living average
Expressing his desire for the other person to have a luxurious lifestyle, not just settle for something ordinary.
I wanna do my thing so we be established
Sharing his goal of establishing their relationship with his own achievements and success.
And I don't want you rockin' them fabrics
Expressing his distaste for cheap or inferior clothing for the other person.
Girl, I wanna give you karats 'til you feel you a rabbit
Offering to shower the other person with expensive jewelry to make her feel rich and luxurious like a rabbit fur coat.
Anything in your path, want, you can have
Assuring the other person that she can have anything she wants and he will provide it for her.
Walk through the mall, if you like it, you could grab
Encouraging the other person to shop and buy whatever she wants without worrying about the cost.
Total it all up and put it on my tab
Explicitly stating that he will pay for everything she desires.
And then tell your friends all the fun you had
Encouraging the other person to share her experiences and brag about his generosity to her friends.
Hey mama, why don't you come here to papa?
Addressing the other person with a term of endearment and inviting her to come closer to him.
You don't like the way your tata's lookin at shada?
Asking the other person if she is self-conscious about her breasts and offering reassurance or compliments.
In a 600 ain't no smokin' cigada
Describing the luxury car he drives and declaring that no one smokes cigarettes in it.
Come over here I think I see your baby fadda
Inviting the other person to come closer to him and declaring that he sees her child's father.
Here go the number to my casa
Offering his phone number and inviting her to come to his home.
If you in a rush you call me mañana
Offering his availability to the other person, even if it's not immediately.
Whatever you need girlfriend I got the whole enchilada
Assuring the other person that he has everything she needs or wants.
Just the way you like it Mase gonna do you propa
Promising to treat the other person the way she wants to be treated and making her happy.
Girl, I can tell you was meant for me
Expressing his conviction that the other person is his destiny and soulmate.
I can tell by the way you was sent to me
Believing that the other person's arrival in his life was predestined and meant to be.
While I'm on tour tryna make them centuries
Sharing his career aspirations and desire for long-lasting legacy.
And they ask who your man, you better mention me
Asserting his position and demand for recognition as the other person's partner.
If you don't, you know you got a problem
Warning the other person that she will face consequences if she does not acknowledge him publicly.
Said you want no beef girlfriend don't start none
Advising the other person not to create any conflict or argument.
And it just so happens that I'm seeing cash
Bringing up his wealth and financial status.
'Cause you messed up a lot just trying to be fast
Blaming the other person for past mistakes or misdeeds caused by her recklessness or impulsiveness.
And I ain't gonna ask who smashed the E-class
Asserting that he does not care or want to know who damaged his car.
Pull up to the 'rib with the whole front crashed
Describing the damage done to his car and suggesting he caused it out of frustration.
Now you wanna laugh, good thing that's the past
Reflecting on past mistakes and expressing relief that they have moved on.
If you ever lie again, girl that'll be your last
Threatening the other person with the consequence of ending their relationship if she lies or deceives him again.
Now the more you treat me royal I adore you
Expressing that he loves and adores the other person more when she treats him with respect and admiration.
That's why I don't mind doing these things for you (for you)
Explaining that he is willing to go above and beyond for the other person because she treats him well.
You did things for me I wouldn't believe you did
Acknowledging the other person's past actions or favors that were surprising or beyond his expectations.
That's why I always wanna keep you here
Explaining why he wants to keep the other person close and cherish their relationship.
In a year or two, girl, I could see you with my kids
Sharing his long-term vision or goal of having children with the other person.
Girl, you make a thug wanna get a legal gig
Expressing that the other person inspires him to improve or change his ways for the better.
It's only right we spend our lonely nights
Proposing that they should spend their nights together because they are right for each other.
Gettin' crazy biz' 'til we awake the kids
Describing the wild and passionate nature of their intimacy and relationship, but also acknowledging their responsibility as parents.
Don't get too loud, got respect for you honey
Advising the other person to be mindful of their surroundings and to stay respectful to each other.
But keep it all real you come second to my money
Recognizing that money is a priority for him, but also acknowledging the importance of their relationship.
And can you be my ghetto love prophecy? (Yeah)
Making a reference to a famous song and asking the other person to fulfill his romantic destiny with her.
Everybody love you girl, not just me (yeah, yeah, yeah)
Acknowledging the other person's popularity and charm.
And I know you that really care a lot for me
Expressing his belief that the other person truly cares and loves him.
Wanna see you happy even if it's not with me
Expressing his selflessness and desire for the other person's happiness, even if it means they are not together.
Tell me what you want from me (want from me)
Repeating the main question and inviting the other person to state their desires or needs again.
Take a look at what you see (yeah)
Reiterating the request for the other person to assess and evaluate their relationship.
Let me know if this right here (is this what you want from me?)
Asking again for the other person to confirm if the current state of their relationship is acceptable and desirable.
Is something you can have for years
Asking the other person to consider their relationship as a long-term commitment that can last for years.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Curtis Mayfield, Nashiem Myrick, Mason Betha, Sean Combs, Keisha Spivey
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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