His most recent (and reportedly final) solo album, A Long Hot Summer, gained considerable acclaim in 2004. He is currently in the hip hop group eMC, with Punchline, Wordsworth and Stricklin. They have a page at http://www.myspace.com/emcthegroup.
In the early stages of his career, Masta Ace was very energetic (cf. "Jeep Ass Niguh", where, tongue-in-cheek, he taunts police officers for their knee-jerk predisposition to harass black youth on city streets.) He also recorded material with a six-member supporting entourage, Masta Ace Incorporated. In light of his newly claimed status as a veteran, he has gravitated toward an earnest, matter-of-fact plainspokenness in the new millennium. Many of the songs that have lent newfound heft to his reputation are simple, no-nonsense rumination on feelings and facts of urban American life, including "Soda and Soap", "Brooklyn Masala" (which highlights a budding romance between Ace and a lovely but reserved Pakistani Hindu immigrant), and "Beautiful".
1988-1994
Ace made his recording debut as Master Ace on the classic hip-hop posse-cut "The Symphony", along with fellow Juice Crew members Craig G, Kool G Rap, and Big Daddy Kane, released on Marley Marl's In Control album. In Control also featured two lesser known Ace tracks "Keep Your Eyes on the Prize" and "Simon Says". His first solo single, "Together" b/w "Letter to the Better", was released in 1989. He released his debut album, Take A Look Around, through Marl's Cold Chillin' label in 1990, featuring production from Marl and DJ Mister Cee. The album featured two minor hit singles in "Music Man" and "Me & The Biz", a track in which he impersonates fellow Juice Crew member Biz Markie. During the few years between his debut and his sophomore album, Ace began having bitter feelings toward the commercial state of hip hop music, feelings which ruled the content on his second release, 1993's Slaughtahouse, with the loose concept of the album seeing Ace taking the fake "gangsta emcees" to his "Slaughtahouse". The album featured Ace's new crew, Masta Ace Incorporated, which included Eyceurokk, Lord Digga, Paula Perry and R&B vocalist Leschea. The album sold moderately well, fueled by the singles "SlaughtaHouse", "Saturday Nite Live", "Style Wars" and "Jeep Ass Niguh". "Jeep" featured an unlisted remix titled "Born to Roll", which became a smash crossover single in 1994, peaking at #23 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Also in '94, Ace became a member of a temporary crew called the Crooklyn Dodgers, along with rap vet Special Ed and Black Moon's Buckshot, and recorded the title track for the soundtrack to Spike Lee's film Crooklyn. The song became Ace's second Hot 100 hit in 1994, peaking at #60 on the chart.
1995-2000
Ace furthered his mainstream appeal in 1995, with his radio-friendly Sittin' On Chrome album. This effort was also released with the Masta Ace Incorporated crew, now also known as The I.N.C. The album was Ace's most commercially successful release, breaking into the Top 20 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart. Sittin' On Chrome included "Born to Roll", as well as two other Hot 100 hit singles, "The I.N.C. Ride" and "Sittin' on Chrome". In 1996, Ace split up with the I.N.C. crew and was largely missing from the hip hop scene over the next five years, save for a number of random vinyl singles. During his vinyl days, he bounced from a number of labels, releasing his "Cars" single on Tape Kingz Records, his "Yeah Yeah Yeah" and "NFL" singles on the Union Label, his "NY Confidential" single on Replay Records, his "Express Delivery" single on Three Sixty Records, his "Spread It Out/Hellbound" single on Yosumi Records, his "Conflict" single on Mona Records, his "Ghetto Like" single on Fat Beats, his "So Now U A MC" single on Bad Magic Records, and his "Brooklyn Blocks" single on Buckshot's Duck Down Records.
2001-present
Ace's "Ghetto Like" single led to a misunderstanding with an underground emcee named Boogieman, who released a somewhat similar single titled "Ghetto Life" not long before. He thought that Ace was "biting" his track and released a dis song toward Ace titled "Just You Wait". The dis led to a rap battle between the two at a Lyricist Lounge event, a battle that was won by Boogieman. Ace later claimed that he delivered his rhymes off the top of his head, while Boog was rapping previously written lyrics, a topic which he discusses on his scathing retaliation track "Acknowledge", aimed at Boogieman and the underground rap group the High & Mighty. "Acknowledge" was included on his fourth full length album, Disposable Arts, released in late 2001 through JCOR Records, six long years after his successful Sittin' On Chrome album. Disposable Arts became one of the most acclaimed underground hip-hop releases of 2001, beloved for its pure hip hop style and clever album concept, which served as a fictional story, chronicling Ace's time spent at a satirical rap school named the Institute of Disposable Arts. JCOR Records folded soon after the release, leaving it out-of-print, until being re-released in 2005 on Ace's self-established M3 label. The album closer, "No Regrets", led many fans to believe that it would be Ace's final album, because of the line "I don't know if it's the end, but yo, it might be". Ace killed the rumors by returning in 2004 with his fifth album A Long Hot Summer, another highly acclaimed effort. The story concept, similar to that on his last release, served as a prelude to the story told on Disposable Arts, chronicling the "Long Hot Summer" that led to his character's incarceration at the beginning of the Disposable Arts album. Rumors once again spread about a retirement, which were again killed, when Ace announced the formation of his new rap crew named eMC, including himself, Punchline, Wordsworth and his protege Stricklin. The crew plans to release a group album sometime in 2007.
Openness to collaborations
In large part, the creative company Masta Ace keeps is comprised of underground performers with whom he has developed a personal rapport. He commonly acknowledges his fan base outside of the United States, which is considerably larger than within, as in the final seconds of his song "Good Ol' Love". He has shown an openness to working with foreign-based producers, including Koolade of Croatia and DJ Serious of Canada. He also performed a guest rap for the British Acid jazz group Young Disciples for their debut album.
In Scandinavia, he recorded "What Is It" with Norwegian veteran producer Tommy Tee in 2003, for the soundtrack to the car racing game "Midnight Club 2", which also was featured on several European mixtapes.
Within the United States, he has worked with Jean Grae, 9th Wonder of Little Brother, DJ Spinna, DJ Premier, RJD2, Pete Rock, Domingo, Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest, and Kno of Cunninlynguists. Q-Tip enlisted him as a contributor to the original Crooklyn Dodgers track in 1992. The track spawned a follow-up in 1995, with a third projected for 2006, but neither Ace nor the other original contributors, Special Ed and the bellicose Buckshot (of Black Moon and Boot Camp Clik), were involved with them. Instead, the second Crooklyn Dodgers track was produced by DJ Premier and involved O.C., Chubb Rock and Jeru the Damaja, where the planned third installment is said to involve Mos Def, Jean Grae, and Memphis Bleek, with production courtesy of 9th Wonder.
By extending largesse to younger MCs even as he has been careful to solidify connections with the rap game's old guard, he has amassed a list of collaborators numbering over 60. The most notable of his collaborators have been Eminem (who has expressed ongoing admiration for his skills), Common (on the track "Claimin' Respect" as part of a trio called Boulevard Connection), Guru of Gang Starr, Edo G (the third member of Boulevard Connection, from Boston), Jean Grae, Saukrates, Young Zee, Big Noyd, Cella Dwellas, King Tee, Tonedeff, Rah Digga, Strick, Das Efx, Greg Nice and the Beatnuts. He devotes several lines of the track "No Regrets" to express goodwill and thanksgiving to the artists he has worked with, calling these opportunities some of the most valued blessings of his career.
Maybe next time
Masta Ace Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I'm gonna flow with the show and never babble
Take your hand, make your stand
To my left, Jeff, your a pest and you fessed and
I think you'd better find a new profession
You think that you want to be a rapper? Well I think you're guessing
No time for fessing or faking, messing or making
Mistakes, cause it takes heavyweights to stakes
And try such a stunt, now the Ace is gonna hunt
Ya down, you clown, cause the sound that you're hearing is dope
You can't cope slowpoke, so pick up the soap
And catch a bad one, you wanted a chance and you had one
You lost it course you sad one
You can't get with the style you hit with
In this rhyme, so maybe next time
Uptown, downtown, crosstown, no matter where you're from
Get on the floor and get dumb
Cause the Master, capital A-see-E is about to kick it wicked
Here's the title, in your face I'm gonna stick it
But yo don't resh leash the speech that you use
Needs a little more spice, ice, you're nice
The style that I heard was third nerd, you gotta be sweet, Pete
You can't make money saying rhymes on the street
So yo get back, Jack, a smack is what you might just get
To the grill, Bill, so chill, or I might just swing, King
Crown, you're down you're like a wingless plane, Wayne
'Cause you ain't fly, in fact you try and I'm a rain
Right on your head so shed hats and coats
The votes are in friend, I win hands down, clown
You tried biting, but biting is a crime
So maybe next time
I like to cruise around the city, find me a witty
Seditty, sexy young lady that is pretty
(Meow meow meow) Says the kitty
The hotel room I got's a buck fifty
Booties in miniskirts, cuties and plenty Certs
To make sure my breath is up to par and
I introduce myself as the capital A the see the E
And say "Hello" and "Bonjour" if foreign
And if she's a little bit older I'll put her head on my shoulder
And hold, cause nobody told her
That the Master Ace, could move so many hips
Just by the sounds from my lips
Well um dinner was a winner, the movie was groovy
The park was dark as we walked and talked
Stayed and played, chased and raced
Sat and chat, shared and stared, into each other's eyes and lies
Spilled from your mouth right then
'Cause as we kissed you insisted, you had no boyfriend
But I know you cousin and your cousin dropped dime
Oh well, maybe next time
MC's acting wild better get calm
Or you'll get laughed at like like a sitcom
I spell my name A with the see-E
Not an "LF" folks, and I'm displaying "Different Strokes"
Huh, I'm "Head of the Class" fast and furious
Rhymes as you get "MASHed" as I have "Good Times"
And "Happy Days" I'm slick like a hummer
And smooth and kick my rhymes like a punter
"One Day at a Time" is how I live life
So no I'm not "Married With Children" and no I do not have a wife
Instead I would prefer to have a girl and
Experience "Growing Pains" cause it's a "Different World" and
Rappers try to play me, just like a sport
Try to bite my rhymes at "Night" but get "Court"
"Give Me A Break" catch a "Taxi" and leave town
You might be a "Star" but I'll "Trek" you down
Rapping, it's a living and it's been one for years
"Jeffersons" in my wallet, champagne in my glass, I say "Cheers"
You wish you could be slick with the rhymes, don't you?
But maybe next time
The lyrics of "Maybe Next Time" by Masta Ace begin with a warning to rappers who try to enter the game with insufficient skills. He takes no time in calling out a fellow rapper to find a new profession, emphasizing the need for heavyweights to make a stake for oneself. Ace takes his craft seriously, flowing with the show rather than babbling or faking it. The rhymes are smooth as Ace drops lyrics about cruising the city with a pretty lady and experiencing growing pains. Towards the end, he delivers a warning to rappers who attempt to bite his rhymes, and he concludes with a smooth boast about his rapping skills.
The overall message of "Maybe Next Time" is that rapping is not about dabbling or faking it, it takes one's dedication and skill to make it in the game. Ace's lyrics carry an intense warning to those trying to enter the game by following the footsteps of others, the importance of skill, and dedication to standing out. Ace speaks from his experience in the industry, having started his career in 1988, and he's not afraid to remind listeners of the mistakes they need to avoid.
Line by Line Meaning
Some rappers pick up the mic and like to dabble
Some people try rapping, but I am committed and serious about it.
But I'm gonna flow with the show and never babble
I will perform well and not waste time with unnecessary talking.
Take your hand, make your stand
Step up and show what you've got.
To my left, Jeff, your a pest and you fessed and
You, Jeff, are annoying and confessed to being bad at rapping.
I think you'd better find a new profession
It's best if you give up rapping and find something else to do.
You think that you want to be a rapper? Well I think you're guessing
You're not quite sure if you really want to be a rapper.
No time for fessing or faking, messing or making
We don't have time for lying, pretending or making mistakes.
Mistakes, cause it takes heavyweights to stakes
Mistakes can cost us and we have to be serious about this.
Or high, so why would you ever want to front?
The stakes are high, so why pretend or fake it?
And try such a stunt, now the Ace is gonna hunt
I will go after those who pretend or fake their rap skills.
Ya down, you clown, cause the sound that you're hearing is dope
You're lost, you amateur, because the music you hear is excellent.
You can't cope slowpoke, so pick up the soap
You can't keep up, so you better quit.
And catch a bad one, you wanted a chance and you had one
You got your opportunity, but you blew it and now you'll face consequences.
You lost it course you sad one
You lost your chance and you're now disappointed.
You can't get with the style you hit with
You are not fitting in with the style of this rap performance.
In this rhyme, so maybe next time
You were not successful, perhaps you'll do better next time.
Uptown, downtown, crosstown, no matter where you're from
It doesn't matter where you're from, everyone can enjoy this music.
Get on the floor and get dumb
Dance without thinking, just enjoy.
Cause the Master, capital A-see-E is about to kick it wicked
I'm going to perform really well and entertain you.
Here's the title, in your face I'm gonna stick it
I'm going to show you what the song is about and make sure you remember it.
But yo don't resh leash the speech that you use
Don't say the wrong thing or try to copy other rappers.
Needs a little more spice, ice, you're nice
You're doing well, but you could use some more creativity.
The style that I heard was third nerd, you gotta be sweet, Pete
Your rap style is not good enough, you need to improve, my friend.
You can't make money saying rhymes on the street
You won't make any money just by rapping on the street.
So yo get back, Jack, a smack is what you might just get
If you don't back off, I might just have to hit you.
To the grill, Bill, so chill, or I might just swing, King
If you keep acting tough, you'll get punched in the face.
Crown, you're down you're like a wingless plane, Wayne
You're not flying high, Wayne.
'Cause you ain't fly, in fact you try and I'm a rain
You're not cool, and I will dominate over you.
Right on your head so shed hats and coats
I will hit you right in the head, so prepare yourself.
The votes are in friend, I win hands down, clown
The results are clear, I am better than you.
You tried biting, but biting is a crime
You copied me, but that's illegal in the rap world.
So maybe next time
You can't outdo me now, but try again next time.
I like to cruise around the city, find me a witty
I enjoy driving around, and picking up smart and funny women.
Seditty, sexy young lady that is pretty
I like beautiful, high-class women.
(Meow meow meow) Says the kitty
I'm having fun and teasing like a playful cat.
The hotel room I got's a buck fifty
I can afford a nice hotel room.
Booties in miniskirts, cuties and plenty Certs
There are lots of attractive women around me.
To make sure my breath is up to par and
I want to make sure I smell nice.
I introduce myself as the capital A the see the E
I tell people my full rap name.
And say "Hello" and "Bonjour" if foreign
I greet them in multiple languages if needed.
And if she's a little bit older I'll put her head on my shoulder
If she is older, I will comfort her like a gentleman.
And hold, cause nobody told her
I will support and comfort her.
That the Master Ace, could move so many hips
I have the skills to impress and entertain people.
Just by the sounds from my lips
My voice and rhymes can make people dance.
Well um dinner was a winner, the movie was groovy
We had a great dinner and the movie was awesome.
The park was dark as we walked and talked
Walking and talking in the dark park was romantic.
Stayed and played, chased and raced
We stayed together and had fun, running and playing around.
Sat and chat, shared and stared, into each other's eyes and lies
We talked, looked at each other, and maybe even lied to each other.
Spilled from your mouth right then
You revealed something in the middle of talking.
'Cause as we kissed you insisted, you had no boyfriend
While we were kissing, you said you weren't in a relationship.
But I know you cousin and your cousin dropped dime
I know someone who knows that you have a boyfriend.
Oh well, maybe next time
I'm disappointed that you lied, but maybe there will be a next time.
MC's acting wild better get calm
Other rappers need to calm down and behave themselves.
Or you'll get laughed at like like a sitcom
If they don't behave, people will laugh at them like in a television comedy.
I spell my name A with the see-E
I spell my full rap name with a C and an E.
Not an "LF" folks, and I'm displaying "Different Strokes"
Don't mistake me for someone else, I am presenting a unique style.
Huh, I'm "Head of the Class" fast and furious
I am skilled and stand out from others like a smart class leader.
Rhymes as you get "MASHed" as I have "Good Times"
My rhymes are great, and you will be impressed, just like in the shows MASH and Good Times.
And "Happy Days" I'm slick like a hummer
Like the show Happy Days, I am cool and impressive.
And smooth and kick my rhymes like a punter
I have a smooth style and deliver my rhymes powerfully, like a football punter.
"One Day at a Time" is how I live life
I live my life in a calm and rational way, one day at a time.
So no I'm not "Married With Children" and no I do not have a wife
I'm not a sitcom character and I'm not married.
Instead I would prefer to have a girl and
But instead, I would like to be in a relationship.
Experience "Growing Pains" cause it's a "Different World" and
I want to experience different feelings and situations, like in the shows Growing Pains and A Different World.
Rappers try to play me, just like a sport
Other rappers try to test my skills and compete with me.
Try to bite my rhymes at "Night" but get "Court"
They try to copy my rhymes at night, but they get caught and punished.
"Give Me A Break" catch a "Taxi" and leave town
Leave me alone and go away.
You might be a "Star" but I'll "Trek" you down
You might be famous, but I will find you and defeat you.
Rapping, it's a living and it's been one for years
Rap is my profession and I've been successful for a long time.
"Jeffersons" in my wallet, champagne in my glass, I say "Cheers"
I have a lot of money, and I'm going to enjoy my success by drinking champagne.
You wish you could be slick with the rhymes, don't you?
You want to be as good as I am, don't you?
But maybe next time
But you can't beat me now, maybe you'll do better next time.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN LEVENTHAL, RODNEY CROWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ringolero
I've always been a fan of Ace due to growing up with this album, but I've never thought of him as a real lyricist, but kinda basic. Then I went back in on this tune and realised he's going nuts! Rapping his ass off from start to finish. 🤯🔥🔥🔥
mm0g33k
love old school music :) im 14, and i hate new rap/hip hop so i listen to this.
Orf2008
Thanks for putting this up. A great blast from the past.
SDS Overfiend
29 years ago.. My brother keep this track on heavy rotation.. Feels like yesterday.
Eric T.
SDS Overfiend gotta keep it alive yo!! Respect
Tehgreatist
eminem lists masta ace as one of his biggest influences. not a rip off.
Realhiphoplives
this is by far the best hiphop album ever
Hiphophead1
i get a kinda new jack swing sound from this record
Damian
Hiphophead1 not surprising, this was the time period.
MusicHardcorePoet
Legend...