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.
Music Man
Masta Ace Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The music man (Repeat 4x)
I am the man, but I'm not the one with the can in his hand
I'm down with a different kind of street band
And I appear from place to place as the Music Man, AKA Master Ace
Stacks of flyers are pressed up
All the part people are home getting dressed up
Just to hear the sound of the underground
And so they pack the show just to see
He who claims to be the Music Man
The music man (Repeat 4x)
It's about time for the music man to rip
First I take a sip, then I like grip
The crowd tight into my hand with the loud
Intro, then throw lyrics from a cloud like Zeus
I'm the one to get the ladies loose
Baby, you just got seduced and juiced
By the Master Ace, I'm not a villain from a place
In the West, that was just the was I was dressed
And so, looking for lust I stand
I got girls, but I would never bring sand to the beach
Each and every person give a hand
And swing with the capital A, the Music Man
The music man (Repeat 3x)
I bet you thought the Music Man would take a short
I fought tooth and nail to prevail in this sport
So lend me your ears, my peers because here's
Who doesn't fear another because fear's
In the mind, so don't try to scare because you might find
A chair thrust upon your back with the wack
So there, I put you in your place with haste
Now flee, cause now you can't be Master Ace, the Music Man
The music man (Repeat 8x)
I'm here to reach the youth
The only way that I can to that is to teach the truth, so I do
Some used to diss and dismiss this
But then many of those small minds grew
To understand the mission of the Music Man
I know the time, and I clock dough so I'm grand
But I'm not a father, no I'm more like the sun
Shining down on every single one
So run, run and tell em all
Yell it from a wall, the Music Man will never fall
Or fail, raps tip the scale to get you hot and
I wear cotton, I don't bail
Or pick, I like to kick raps, hape, you have none
So quit, gather round, hear the sound of the man
Cause I can, yes you know I can, yes I can can
Satisfy with the fly display, this may dismay
But I am, the Music Man, yeah I'm the Music Man
The music man (Repeat 4x)
In "Music Man" by Masta Ace, the singer declares himself the Music Man, or the Master Ace, and proclaims his unique position in the music world. While other "street bands" rely on cans to make music, the Music Man uses sophisticated sound equipment to create underground music that attracts a diverse crowd. He confidently enters each performance to the sound of screaming fans and thunderous bass, ready to seduce and juice the ladies with his lyrics. The Music Man is not just a musician but also a teacher who aims to reach the youth and teach them the truth through his words. He acknowledges that he was once dismissed, but now his small-minded critics have grown to understand the mission of the Music Man. In his final lines, he asserts his supreme position, stating that he will never fall or fail and that he is the music man.
Line by Line Meaning
Muuuuuuuusic!
The start of the song, setting the tone for the Music Man to come
The music man (Repeat 4x)
Repeating the titular phrase to cement the idea of the Music Man
I am the man, but I'm not the one with the can in his hand.
The Music Man is not an alcoholic on the street, but a different kind of man
I'm down with a different kind of street band
The Music Man is part of the underground music scene
And I appear from place to place as the Music Man, AKA Master Ace
The Music Man is also known as Master Ace and frequently travels to perform
Stacks of flyers are pressed up
The Music Man puts up flyers to advertise his shows to the people
All the part people are home getting dressed up
People are preparing themselves to go to the Music Man's show
Just to hear the sound of the underground
People come to the Music Man's shows to hear the unique sound of the underground music scene
Fusion, and the bass like thunder pounds
The Music Man's music is a combination of various genres with a powerful bass
And so they pack the show just to see
People are drawn to the Music Man's shows to see him perform
He who claims to be the Music Man
The Music Man is proud of his title
It's about time for the music man to rip
The Music Man is ready to perform and give a great show
First I take a sip, then I like grip
The Music Man takes a drink before going on stage and then takes control of the crowd
The crowd tight into my hand with the loud
The Music Man has control over the crowd with his loud music and performance
Intro, then throw lyrics from a cloud like Zeus
The Music Man's words come powerfully and unexpectedly
I'm the one to get the ladies loose
The Music Man's music can make women let loose and dance
Baby, you just got seduced and juiced
The Music Man has the power to seduce with his music and performance
By the Master Ace, I'm not a villain from a place
The Music Man is not a bad guy from a rough area
In the West, that was just the way I was dressed
The Music Man dresses a certain way because he likes it, not because of where he's from
And so, looking for lust I stand
The Music Man is not interested in lust and seeks a deeper connection with his audience
I got girls, but I would never bring sand to the beach
The Music Man has women but would never cheat on them
Each and every person give a hand
The Music Man wants everyone to come together and enjoy his music
And swing with the capital A, the Music Man
The Music Man wants everyone to have a good time with him as their leader
I bet you thought the Music Man would take a short
People may have thought the Music Man's career would be short-lived, but it has proved them wrong
I fought tooth and nail to prevail in this sport
The Music Man had to work hard to become successful
So lend me your ears, my peers because here's
The Music Man wants his audience to pay attention to his message
Who doesn't fear another because fear's
The Music Man does not fear others because they are only limited by their own fear
In the mind, so don't try to scare because you might find
Fear is only in the mind, so don't try to intimidate others because they might not be scared
A chair thrust upon your back with the wack
Violence is not the solution, but the Music Man does have the ability to overpower those who try to intimidate him
So there, I put you in your place with haste
The Music Man is not afraid to assert his dominance when necessary
Now flee, cause now you can't be Master Ace, the Music Man
Those who try to intimidate the Music Man will not succeed and will be made to leave
I'm here to reach the youth
The Music Man wants to inspire and connect with the younger generation
The only way that I can to that is to teach the truth, so I do
The Music Man believes in imparting valuable lessons through his music
Some used to diss and dismiss this
Not everyone used to appreciate the Music Man's music
But then many of those small minds grew
Over time, many people who once dismissed the Music Man's music grew to appreciate it
To understand the mission of the Music Man
People began to understand the important role that the Music Man plays in inspiring and educating through his music
I know the time, and I clock dough so I'm grand
The Music Man knows how to make a living and is satisfied with his success
But I'm not a father, no I'm more like the sun
The Music Man is not a literal father, but he provides warmth and guidance like the sun
Shining down on every single one
The Music Man wants to make a positive impact on every person he reaches with his music
So run, run and tell em all
The Music Man wants his message to be spread to as many people as possible
Yell it from a wall, the Music Man will never fall
The Music Man is confident in his ability to continue making music and inspiring others
Or fail, raps tip the scale to get you hot and
The Music Man's music is designed to make his audience feel good and inspired
I wear cotton, I don't bail
The Music Man stays humble and true to himself despite his success
Or pick, I like to kick raps, hape, you have none
The Music Man is proud of his skills and likes to show them off through his music
So quit, gather round, hear the sound of the man
The Music Man invites his audience to enjoy and listen to his music
Cause I can, yes you know I can, yes I can can
The Music Man is confident in his abilities as an artist
Satisfy with the fly display, this may dismay
The Music Man believes that his music and performance will satisfy his audience's desires
But I am, the Music Man, yeah I'm the Music Man
The Music Man proudly asserts his title and role as a musician and artist
Lyrics ยฉ O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DUVAL CLEAR MASTER ACE, MARLON LU REE WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ALBERT EINSTEIN
HAD NO IDEA ACE USED TO RAP LIKE THIS. WHOLE DIFFERENT CADENCE TO HIS VOCAL, BUT I CAN STILL IDENTIFY THE MASTER ACE THAT HE WOULD EVOLVE INTO. CRAZY.
SDS Overfiend
@steviewo76 Lot of his newer music after this is pretty good especially disposable arts.
Minor snow
Never knew they had a video for this!!
steviewo76
@Anthony Egboh I only play this album - not too keen on his stuff he did after this masterpiece album.
Anthony Egboh
IMHO Ace Version 1 is my favourite cadence. Check his debut LP
Jamie Malkin
I bought this on 12" vinyl over 30 years ago. Still a great record today.
Master Med
ALWAYS DOPE SHIZZ!!!
iDid
Still bumping this album...in 2019!
Phil M
masta ace is absolutely top 5
LA TIGRE
This is too much underrated.Masta Ace is a legend.Kids nowadays dont know whats good.๐ค