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{{Short description|American rapper (born 1966)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{Infobox musical artist {{Infobox musical artist
|Name = Masta Ace | name = Masta Ace
|Img = Masta_Ace.jpg | image = Masta Ace.jpg
|Img_capt = Masta Ace performing in 2005 | caption = Masta Ace performing in 2005
| birth_name = Duval Clear
|Background = solo_singer
| alias = {{hlist|Ase One|Eca Retsam}}<!--this field is not for nicknames. See ]-->
|Birth_name = Duval Clear
| occupation = {{hlist|Rapper|songwriter|record producer}}
|Alias = <!--this field is not for nicknames. See ]-->
|Born = {{Birth date and age|1966|12|4|mf=y}} | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1966|12|4}}
|Origin = ], ] | birth_place = Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.
{{Infobox person
|Genre = ]
| child = yes
|Years_active = 1988-present
| education = ] (])<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.uri.edu/magazine/issues/fall-2018/from-masta-to-legend/ | title=From Masta to Legend }}</ref>}}
|Label = ]<br>]<br>]<br>]
| genre = ]
|URL = <br>
| years_active = 1988–present
| label = {{hlist|]|]|]|]|]|]|]|]|Yosumi|]}}
| past_member_of = {{flatlist|
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
}} }}
}}
'''Masta Ace''' (born '''Duval Clear''' on December 4, 1966)<ref name=ALLMUSIC></ref> is a ] from ], ]. He appeared on the classic 1988 ] ] "The Symphony". He is noted for his high level of rapping skill<ref name="Shapiro, Peter 2005, p. 247">Shapiro, Peter, 2005, ''The Rough Guide To Hip-Hop, 2nd Edition, Penguin'', p. 247.</ref><ref name="allmusic.com">http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:0ifexqljld6e~T1</ref><ref> http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/punchlinewordsworth/albums/album/105637/review/5946567/disposable_arts</ref> and for influencing other MCs, including ].<ref>Eminem, with Sacha Jenkins, 2008, ''The Way I Am'', Dutton Adult, p. 20.</ref>
'''Duval Clear''' (born December 4, 1966),<ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web|author=Michael DiBella |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/masta-ace-mn0000378026/biography |title=Masta Ace &#124; Biography & History |publisher=] |date=December 4, 1966 |access-date=March 8, 2017}}</ref> better known by his stage name '''Masta Ace''', is an American rapper and record producer from New York City. A lead member of ]'s hip hop collective ], he is best known for his guest appearance alongside ], ] and ] on the group's 1988 ] "]". He is noted for his distinct voice and rapping proficiency.<ref name="Shapiro, Peter 2005, p. 247">Shapiro, Peter, 2005, ''The Rough Guide To Hip-Hop, 2nd Edition, Penguin'', p. 247.</ref><ref name="Allmusic" /><ref name="rollingstone.com">{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>


==Biography== == Biography ==
===1988-1994=== === 1988–1994 ===
Clear graduated from ] in 1988, after meeting ] in 1987 during his summer break.<ref></ref> Ace made his recording debut as Master Ace on the hip hop posse-cut "The Symphony", along with fellow ] members ], ] and ], released on ]'s ''In Control'' album. The album also featured two additional Ace tracks, "Keep Your Eyes on the Prize" and "Simon Says". In 1989, he released his first solo single, "Together" b/w "Letter to the Better". His debut album, '']'', was released through Marl's ] 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", the latter being a track with Ace's impersonation of Biz Markie, rather than a duet as previously thought the song would be.<ref name="ALLMUSIC" /> Clear graduated from the ] in 1988, after meeting ] in 1987 during his summer break.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.enotes.com/contemporary-musicians/masta-ace-biography|title=Who is Masta Ace and what has he contributed to music?|work=eNotes|access-date=March 9, 2015}}</ref> Ace made his recording debut on the Juice Crew posse-cut "]", along with fellow ] members ], ] and ], released on ]'s ''In Control'' album.<ref name="LarkinDM">{{cite book|title=]|editor=]|publisher=]|date=1998|edition=First|isbn=0-7535-0252-6|page=212}}</ref> The album also featured two additional Ace tracks, "Keep Your Eyes on the Prize" and "Simon Says".


In 1989, he released his first solo single, "Together" b/w "Letter to the Better". A year later, his debut album, '']'', was released through Marl's ] label, featuring production from Marl and DJ Mister Cee.<ref name="LarkinDM" /> The album featured two minor hit singles in "Music Man" and "Me & The Biz",<ref name="LarkinDM" /> the latter track including Ace impersonating ] who did not reach the studio for the planned duet.<ref name="Allmusic" />
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, ]. 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" and "Beautiful".<ref name="ALLMUSIC" />


During the years between his debut and his second album, Ace began having bitter feelings toward the commercial state of hip hop music, as well as the prominence of ], feelings which ruled the content on his second release, 1993's '']'', with the loose concept of the album seeing Ace taking the fake "gangsta emcees" to his "SlaughtaHouse". The album featured Ace's new crew, ], which included Eyceurokk, Lord Digga, Paula Perry and R&B vocalist Leschea. The singles "SlaughtaHouse", "Saturday Nite Live", "Style Wars" and "Jeep Ass Niguh" were taken from the album. The latter featured an unlisted remix titled "Born to Roll", which became a crossover single in 1994, peaking at #23 on the ] chart.<ref></ref> In the same year, Ace became a member of a temporary crew ], formed for the release of ]'s movie, '']'', along with rappers ] and ] of ], and recorded the title track of the album soundtrack. The song became Ace's second ] hit in 1994, peaking at #60 on the chart. In the years following his debut, Ace developed bitter feelings toward the commercial state of hip hop music and the prominence of ]. Released in 1993, '']'' saw Ace express these feelings through a loose concept of the album lampooning a Gangsta rap persona that Ace portrayed as cartoonish and inauthentic.<ref name="LarkinDM" /> The album featured Ace's new crew, ], which included members Eyceurokk, Lord Digga, Paula Perry and R&B vocalist Leschea. The singles "SlaughtaHouse", "Saturday Nite Live", "Style Wars" and "Jeep Ass Niguh" were taken from the album. A remix of the latter – titled "]" – became a crossover single in 1994, peaking at No. 23 on the ] chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/309916/masta+ace/chart |title=Masta Ace – Chart history |publisher=Billboard |date=August 21, 2004 |access-date=March 8, 2017}}</ref> In the same year, Ace became a member of a temporary crew ], formed for the release of ]'s movie, '']'', along with MCs ] and ] of ], and recorded the title track of the album soundtrack.<ref name="LarkinDM" /> The song became Ace's second ] hit in 1994, peaking at No. 60 on the chart.


===1995-2000=== === 1995–2000 ===
Ace furthered his mainstream appeal in 1995, with his radio-friendly '']'' 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 ]'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 "]". Following the album's success, Ace had a falling out with I.N.C. members Lord Digga and Paula Perry, leading to the break up of the crew. After the split, Ace 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 ]'s ].<ref name="ALLMUSIC" /> Ace furthered his mainstream appeal in 1995, with his radio-friendly '']'' 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 '']''{{'}}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 "]". By this time, Ace had become fully involved in his music on the production end as well, usually under the name Ase One. Following the album's success, Ace had a falling out with I.N.C. members Lord Digga and Paula Perry, leading to the breakup of the crew. After the split, Ace 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 ]'s ].<ref name="Allmusic" />


]
===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 Love" not long before. He thought that Ace was "biting" his track and released a diss song toward Ace titled "Just You Wait". Ace responded to Boogieman on the diss track "Acknowledge", which also dissed ] over a misunderstanding. The trading of records led to a rap battle between the two at a ] event. "Acknowledge" was also included on "''Disposable Arts''."<ref name="ALLMUSIC" /> Masta Ace can also be found performing numerous "Dubtitled" voice overs on the television series titled "]" seen in 150+ countries worldwide.


=== 2001–present ===
''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 '']'', 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 squashed, when Ace announced the formation of his new rap crew named ], including himself, Punchline, ] and his protege Strick. Ace remarked in a December 2006 interview that he would no longer record as a solo artist, only with eMC.<ref></ref> eMC's first group album, '']'', was scheduled for early 2007 but was released in February 2008 digitally and April 2008 physically. On June 5 2007, ] released "Official Joints" with new music from Masta Ace and other NYC rappers.<ref name="ALLMUSIC" />
Ace's "Ghetto Like" single led to a misunderstanding with an underground emcee named Boogieman, who released a somewhat similar single titled "Ghetto Love" which was released on 420recordings not long before. He thought that Ace was "biting" his track and released a diss song toward Ace titled "Just You Wait". Ace responded to Boogieman on the diss track "Acknowledge", which also dissed ] over a misunderstanding. The trading of records led to a rap battle between the two at a ] event. "Acknowledge" was also included on Ace's 2001 album, '']''.<ref name="Allmusic" /> Masta Ace also performed numerous "Dubtitled" voice overs on the television series titled '']''.


''Disposable Arts'', a concept album chronicling Ace's time spent at a satirical rap school named the "Institute of Disposable Arts", became one of the most acclaimed underground hip hop releases of 2001. 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 '']'', 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. Subsequently, Ace announced the formation of his new rap crew named ], including himself, Punchline, ] and his protégé Strick. Ace remarked in a December 2006 interview that he would no longer record as a solo artist, only with eMC.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dutchclips.com/?page=8&id=2 |title=Archived copy |access-date=December 25, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930144613/http://www.dutchclips.com/?page=8&id=2 |archive-date=September 30, 2007 }}</ref> eMC's first group album, '']'', was scheduled for early 2007 but was released in February 2008 digitally and April 2008 physically.
In late 2009 Ace returned with ''Arts & Entertainment'', a collaboration album with another New York veteran MC in ], released under the group name A&E. The album features production and cameos from ], ], ] and ] amongst others. An additional EP by the duo titled ''Extra Entertainment'', featuring 6 new songs besides a few remixes, is set for a release in January 2010.

In 2007, Masta Ace had a track included on the ''Official Joints'' mixtape, a compilation of previously unreleased tracks by various NYC rappers.<ref name="Allmusic" />

In 2009, Masta Ace joined forces with Boston rapper ] to release '']'' which was released on November 3, 2009.<ref>Fleischer, Adam '']'' November 2009.</ref> ''Arts & Entertainment'' got shortened to A&E which resulted in the cable TV channel ] asking Masta and Edo to remove the symbol from their original album artwork. The albums already printed have been sold at live shows following the release of the record.<ref>Fox, Luke at '']'' February 2010.</ref>

In 2011 and in 2012 he coached high school football for the Irvington Blue Knights in NJ.{{citation needed|date=July 2012}}

In 2012, Masta Ace released ''MA Doom: Son Of Yvonne'', produced entirely by ].<ref>Music Eyz {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055256/http://musiceyz.co.uk/2012/08/08/ma-doom-son-of-yvonne-by-masta-ace-album-review/ |date=March 4, 2016 }}</ref> In an interview, Ace explained that he devised the ''Son of Yvonne'' album to express things he had been unable to say to his mother before she died.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303222827/http://musiceyz.co.uk/2012/08/12/interview-with-hip-hop-legend-masta-ace/ |date=March 3, 2016 }} at ''Music Eyz'' August 2012</ref>

In January 2014, Masta Ace reunited with Stricklin, Wordsworth and Punchline as eMC, signing a record deal with Penalty Entertainment and Sony Red.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://allhiphop.com/2014/02/06/emc-masta-ace-stricklin-punchline-wordsworth-sign-with-penaltysony-red/|title=AllHipHop » eMC (Masta Ace, Stricklin, Punchline & Wordsworth) Sign With Penalty/Sony Red|work=AllHipHop|date=February 6, 2014|access-date=March 9, 2015}}</ref> They're expected to release an EP in April 2014, followed by a sophomore LP due out in early 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/emc/profile/|title=eMC|work=HotNewHipHop|date=February 24, 2014 |access-date=March 9, 2015}}</ref> Punchline left the group in October 2014.

Later in 2014, it was announced that Masta Ace signed to M3 Records/Penalty Entertainment for his next solo album, '']''. This album was ultimately released in 2016.<ref name="penaltyent.com">{{cite web|url=http://penaltyent.com/masta-ace/|title=Masta Ace|work=Penalty Entertainment|access-date=March 9, 2015}}</ref> In 2016, Masta Ace was interviewed by Ryan Maxwell for Hip-Hop Kings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hip-hopkings.com/2016/04/masta-ace-disposable-arts-interview/ |title=Masta Ace Disposable Arts Interview |website=Hip-hopkings.com |date=April 8, 2016 |access-date=March 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422020854/http://www.hip-hopkings.com/2016/04/masta-ace-disposable-arts-interview/ |archive-date=April 22, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The interview spoke in depth about the Disposable Arts re-issue, and the documentary which celebrated 20 years of the album. At the end of the interview, Masta Ace also confirmed he has begun filming another documentary for his critically acclaimed album "A Long Hot Summer".

The producer ] announced in 2018 that he was producing a new Masta Ace album,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/marcopolobeats/status/951242733229834240|title=15 songs deep for this Masta Ace x MP album. not done yet!|date=January 10, 2018}}</ref> produced entirely by himself, to be titled ''A Breukelen Story''; this album was released on November 9, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BmoRDj0FUyp/|title=@mastaacepics on Instagram: "How do you feel about this album with me and @marcopolobeats ?? The best couple of comments (keep it brief) will be added to the vinyl…"|website=Instagram}}</ref> In June 2024, Masta Ace and ] "P.P.E." was nominated for the ] in the Adult Contemporary Hip Hop category.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://himawards.com/2024-nominations-table/ | title=2024 Nominations Table &#124; Hollywood Independent Music Awards }}</ref>


== International work == == International work ==
He is featured on a song of the upcoming album '']'' (antidote) by Bosnian rapper ], the song is called ''Živili'' (''live on'') featuring Masta Ace & ] and is produced by ].


Masta Ace was prominently the vocal artist on his co-authored track "Talkin' What I Feel" by the short-lived but hugely respected early 1990s British formed group ] fronted by ] . The track appeared on the classic soul, acid-jazz, dance 1991 album ] heralded by some as one of the top albums of the decade, and also on the 1992 EP "Young Disciples".
==Legacy==
Masta Ace is considered to be a highly skilled and influential MC – music journalist ] describes him as “one of the great pure New York MCs”<ref name="Shapiro, Peter 2005, p. 247"/>, and ] describes him as “truly an underappreciated rap veteran and underground luminary”.<ref name="allmusic.com"/> Commenting on how Masta Ace is sometimes overlooked despite his skill, ] says, “even the most avid fan of raw hip-hop lyricism can sometimes neglect to mention Masta Ace alongside hard-bitten champs such as ], ], ] and ]”.<ref> http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/punchlinewordsworth/albums/album/105637/review/5946567/disposable_arts</ref> ] mentions Masta Ace as one of his influences in his book ‘The Way I Am’, saying, “Masta Ace had amazing storytelling skills – his thoughts were so vivid”.<ref>Eminem, with Sacha Jenkins, 2008, ''The Way I Am'', Dutton Adult, p. 20.</ref>


He and Croatian producer ] made a song "Beautiful" that was on his album ''A Long Hot Summer''.
==Discography==

He is featured on a song off of album '']'' ("Antidote") by ] rapper ], the song is called ''Živili'' ("Live On") featuring Masta Ace & Phat Phillie and is produced by ].

He appeared on Czech hiphop group ]'s album "HDP", where he performed on the track "Beat and I a já und ich" along with German rapper ].

He also appeared on Polish rap group Familia H.P. album "42" on the track "Born In New York".

In 2003, he appeared on the Swedish rapper ] track "Get u awn" with ]. The track is on the album "The garden around the mansion".

Masta Ace travelled to Australia in 2008 to record for the ] track "This is How" which came off the album ]. The track sampled parts of the Masta Ace's 2004 track "Good Ol' Love". The Funkoars have made several references to Masta Ace in their lyrics as well as using samples in other works.

He is also featured on the track "Sminke" by the critically acclaimed Norwegian Hip Hop duo ]. The title of the album is Aldri Solgt En Løgn (Never Sold a Lie). In English the word "Sminke" means makeup, and the song is about artists trading their image for what their record companies want it to be.

In 2007, he appeared on ''Admit It'', a song by Swiss hip hop group '']'' from their album '']''.

In 2010, he appeared on "Set You Free" along with Wordsworth, a track by UK hip hop DJ/Producer "]" from his album "The Sticksman".

In 2010, he appeared on "You don't know about it" alongside M-Dot, a track by French hip hop DJ/Producer DJ Jean Maron from his album "RUN MPC". It was the lead single of the album and received heavy radio rotations. (released on 12" and CD)

In 2012, he is featured on the track "Progression" by German DJ/Producer DJ Q-Fingaz from his album "Qllection".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/Qfingaz |title=Facebook |publisher=] |access-date=March 8, 2017}}</ref> The same year, he is featured on "The Bridge", a song by Polish hip hop squad '']'' from album "CNO 2"

In 2014, he collaborated with Canberra-based Australian rapper Nix on the single "SHE".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOrH99yonMU |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/WOrH99yonMU |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=Masta Ace & Nix – SHE (Music Video)|date=June 30, 2014|work=YouTube|access-date=March 9, 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

On December 19, 2014, Ace was featured on a track called "My Style" with German Producer The Mighty Moe<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/my-style-single/944298092|title=My Style – Single by Masta Ace|date=December 19, 2014|via=itunes.apple.com}}</ref> who also produced for ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/shut-up-and-rap-mw0002781227/credits|title=Shut Up and Rap – Termanology – Credits – AllMusic|work=AllMusic|access-date=March 9, 2015}}</ref> ]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr8p8b82_7o |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/vr8p8b82_7o |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=Reks – Little Things (prod by The Mighty Moe) – OFFICIAL VIDEO|date=September 20, 2013|work=YouTube|access-date=March 9, 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and many more.

In 2014, he is featured alongside Tajai (from Souls Of Mischief) on the track "2 the Essence" by German Rapper Kool Savas from his album "Märtyrer"

In 2015, he appeared on "Thinking of You", a song by Swedish hip hop duo Professor P & DJ Akilles from their album "All Year, Every Year".

In 2015, he is featured alongside Kidaf & ] on the track "Nothing Changed" by German hip-hop/pop producer Shuko from his album "For The Love Of It".

In 2022, he is featured on the track "Unzerstörbar" by German Rapper Umse from his album "Séparée".

== Legacy ==
Masta Ace is considered to be a highly skilled and influential MC – music journalist ] describes him as "one of the great pure New York MCs",<ref name="Shapiro, Peter 2005, p. 247" /> and ] describes him as "truly an underappreciated rap veteran and underground luminary".<ref name="Allmusic" /> Commenting on how Masta Ace is sometimes overlooked despite his skill, ] says, "even the most avid fan of raw hip-hop lyricism can sometimes neglect to mention Masta Ace alongside hard-bitten champs such as ], ], ], ] and ]".<ref name="rollingstone.com" /> ] mentions Masta Ace as one of his influences in his book ''The Way I Am'', saying, "Masta Ace had amazing storytelling skills – his thoughts were so vivid".<ref name="Eminem 2008, p. 20">Eminem, with Sacha Jenkins, 2008, ''The Way I Am'', Dutton Adult, p. 20.</ref> He mentions him again in "]", with the line "We need three Stacks ASAP, and bring Masta Ace back".<ref>{{Citation |title=Eminem (Ft. Joyner Lucas) – Lucky You |url=https://genius.com/15296768 |access-date=2022-10-09}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
In 2000, he was diagnosed with ], but he did not reveal it to the public until 2013,<ref>{{cite web|title=Masta Ace Reveals He Has Multiple Sclerosis|url=http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.26512/title.masta-ace-reveals-he-has-multiple-sclerosis|website=HipHopDX|date=December 5, 2013|access-date=May 14, 2016|language=en-US}}</ref> when his medicine syringes and vials were exposed while on tour, during a police stop in the Czech Republic, as his belongings were searched and exposed.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ma |first1=David |title=Come Clean: The Metamorphosis of Masta Ace |url=https://www.passionweiss.com/2018/11/25/masta-ace-interview-2018/ |website=Passion Of The Weiss |date=November 26, 2018 |access-date=February 22, 2020}}</ref>

== Discography ==
{{Main|Masta Ace discography}} {{Main|Masta Ace discography}}


;Solo albums
*'']'' (1990)
* '']'' (1990)
*'']'' with ] (1993)
* '']'' (2001)
*'']'' with ] (1995)
*'']'' (2001) * '']'' (2004)
*'']'' (2004) * '']'' (2012)
*'']'' with ] (2008) * '']'' (2016)
*''Arts & Entertainment'' with ] (2009)


;Collaborative albums
==External links==
* '']'' <small>(with ])</small> (1993)
*
* '']'' <small>(with ])</small> (1995)
*{{MySpace|id=mastaaceofficial|name=Masta Ace}}
* '']'' <small>(with ])</small> (2008)
*
* '']'' <small>(with ])</small> (2009)
*
* ''The Turning Point EP'' <small>(with ]) </small> (2014)
* ''The Tonite Show'' <small>(with ])</small> (2015)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-tonite-show/id971528043 |title=The Tonite Show by eMC on Apple Music |website=Itunes.apple.com |date=May 4, 2015 |access-date=March 8, 2017}}</ref>
* '']'' <small>(with ]) </small> (2018)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BmoRDj0FUyp/ |title=Working on song sequence for this album... |website=Instagram.com/mastaacepics |date=August 18, 2018 |access-date=August 19, 2018}}</ref>
* ''Richmond Hill'' <small>(with Marco Polo)</small> (2024)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CzClHIhLV22/ |title=New Music alert! New album "Richmond Hill" on the way..!!!! |website=Instagram.com/mastaacepics |date=October 31, 2023 |access-date=November 8, 2023}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
*
* on public radio program ] * on public radio program ]
* *
*

==References==
{{Reflist}}


{{Masta Ace}} {{Masta Ace}}


{{Authority control}}
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Latest revision as of 21:22, 28 December 2024

American rapper (born 1966)

Masta Ace
Masta Ace performing in 2005Masta Ace performing in 2005
Background information
Birth nameDuval Clear
Also known as
  • Ase One
  • Eca Retsam
Born (1966-12-04) December 4, 1966 (age 58)
Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.
EducationUniversity of Rhode Island (BS)
GenresHip hop
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • record producer
Years active1988–present
Labels
Formerly of

Duval Clear (born December 4, 1966), better known by his stage name Masta Ace, is an American rapper and record producer from New York City. A lead member of Mr. Magic's hip hop collective Juice Crew, he is best known for his guest appearance alongside Kool G Rap, Craig G and Big Daddy Kane on the group's 1988 posse cut "The Symphony". He is noted for his distinct voice and rapping proficiency.

Biography

1988–1994

Clear graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1988, after meeting Marley Marl in 1987 during his summer break. Ace made his recording debut on the Juice Crew 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. The album also featured two additional Ace tracks, "Keep Your Eyes on the Prize" and "Simon Says".

In 1989, he released his first solo single, "Together" b/w "Letter to the Better". A year later, his debut album, Take a Look Around, was released through Marl's Cold Chillin' label, featuring production from Marl and DJ Mister Cee. The album featured two minor hit singles in "Music Man" and "Me & The Biz", the latter track including Ace impersonating Biz Markie who did not reach the studio for the planned duet.

In the years following his debut, Ace developed bitter feelings toward the commercial state of hip hop music and the prominence of Gangsta rap. Released in 1993, SlaughtaHouse saw Ace express these feelings through a loose concept of the album lampooning a Gangsta rap persona that Ace portrayed as cartoonish and inauthentic. The album featured Ace's new crew, Masta Ace Incorporated, which included members Eyceurokk, Lord Digga, Paula Perry and R&B vocalist Leschea. The singles "SlaughtaHouse", "Saturday Nite Live", "Style Wars" and "Jeep Ass Niguh" were taken from the album. A remix of the latter – titled "Born to Roll" – became a crossover single in 1994, peaking at No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In the same year, Ace became a member of a temporary crew Crooklyn Dodgers, formed for the release of Spike Lee's movie, Crooklyn, along with MCs Special Ed and Buckshot of Black Moon, and recorded the title track of the album soundtrack. The song became Ace's second Hot 100 hit in 1994, peaking at No. 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". By this time, Ace had become fully involved in his music on the production end as well, usually under the name Ase One. Following the album's success, Ace had a falling out with I.N.C. members Lord Digga and Paula Perry, leading to the breakup of the crew. After the split, Ace 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.

Masta Ace in 2001

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 Love" which was released on 420recordings not long before. He thought that Ace was "biting" his track and released a diss song toward Ace titled "Just You Wait". Ace responded to Boogieman on the diss track "Acknowledge", which also dissed The High & Mighty over a misunderstanding. The trading of records led to a rap battle between the two at a Lyricist Lounge event. "Acknowledge" was also included on Ace's 2001 album, Disposable Arts. Masta Ace also performed numerous "Dubtitled" voice overs on the television series titled Kung Faux.

Disposable Arts, a concept album chronicling Ace's time spent at a satirical rap school named the "Institute of Disposable Arts", became one of the most acclaimed underground hip hop releases of 2001. 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. Subsequently, Ace announced the formation of his new rap crew named eMC, including himself, Punchline, Wordsworth and his protégé Strick. Ace remarked in a December 2006 interview that he would no longer record as a solo artist, only with eMC. eMC's first group album, The Show, was scheduled for early 2007 but was released in February 2008 digitally and April 2008 physically.

In 2007, Masta Ace had a track included on the Official Joints mixtape, a compilation of previously unreleased tracks by various NYC rappers.

In 2009, Masta Ace joined forces with Boston rapper Ed O.G. to release Arts & Entertainment which was released on November 3, 2009. Arts & Entertainment got shortened to A&E which resulted in the cable TV channel A&E asking Masta and Edo to remove the symbol from their original album artwork. The albums already printed have been sold at live shows following the release of the record.

In 2011 and in 2012 he coached high school football for the Irvington Blue Knights in NJ.

In 2012, Masta Ace released MA Doom: Son Of Yvonne, produced entirely by MF Doom. In an interview, Ace explained that he devised the Son of Yvonne album to express things he had been unable to say to his mother before she died.

In January 2014, Masta Ace reunited with Stricklin, Wordsworth and Punchline as eMC, signing a record deal with Penalty Entertainment and Sony Red. They're expected to release an EP in April 2014, followed by a sophomore LP due out in early 2015. Punchline left the group in October 2014.

Later in 2014, it was announced that Masta Ace signed to M3 Records/Penalty Entertainment for his next solo album, The Falling Season. This album was ultimately released in 2016. In 2016, Masta Ace was interviewed by Ryan Maxwell for Hip-Hop Kings. The interview spoke in depth about the Disposable Arts re-issue, and the documentary which celebrated 20 years of the album. At the end of the interview, Masta Ace also confirmed he has begun filming another documentary for his critically acclaimed album "A Long Hot Summer".

The producer Marco Polo announced in 2018 that he was producing a new Masta Ace album, produced entirely by himself, to be titled A Breukelen Story; this album was released on November 9, 2018. In June 2024, Masta Ace and Marco Polo's "P.P.E." was nominated for the Hollywood Independent Music Awards in the Adult Contemporary Hip Hop category.

International work

Masta Ace was prominently the vocal artist on his co-authored track "Talkin' What I Feel" by the short-lived but hugely respected early 1990s British formed group Young Disciples fronted by Carleen Anderson . The track appeared on the classic soul, acid-jazz, dance 1991 album Road To Freedom heralded by some as one of the top albums of the decade, and also on the 1992 EP "Young Disciples".

He and Croatian producer Koolade made a song "Beautiful" that was on his album A Long Hot Summer.

He is featured on a song off of album Protuotrov ("Antidote") by Bosnian rapper Frenkie, the song is called Živili ("Live On") featuring Masta Ace & Phat Phillie and is produced by Edo Maajka.

He appeared on Czech hiphop group Prago Union's album "HDP", where he performed on the track "Beat and I a já und ich" along with German rapper Dendemann.

He also appeared on Polish rap group Familia H.P. album "42" on the track "Born In New York".

In 2003, he appeared on the Swedish rapper Chords' track "Get u awn" with Punchline. The track is on the album "The garden around the mansion".

Masta Ace travelled to Australia in 2008 to record for the Funkoars track "This is How" which came off the album The Hangover. The track sampled parts of the Masta Ace's 2004 track "Good Ol' Love". The Funkoars have made several references to Masta Ace in their lyrics as well as using samples in other works.

He is also featured on the track "Sminke" by the critically acclaimed Norwegian Hip Hop duo Karpe Diem. The title of the album is Aldri Solgt En Løgn (Never Sold a Lie). In English the word "Sminke" means makeup, and the song is about artists trading their image for what their record companies want it to be.

In 2007, he appeared on Admit It, a song by Swiss hip hop group Nefew from their album Off the Cuff.

In 2010, he appeared on "Set You Free" along with Wordsworth, a track by UK hip hop DJ/Producer "Skitz" from his album "The Sticksman".

In 2010, he appeared on "You don't know about it" alongside M-Dot, a track by French hip hop DJ/Producer DJ Jean Maron from his album "RUN MPC". It was the lead single of the album and received heavy radio rotations. (released on 12" and CD)

In 2012, he is featured on the track "Progression" by German DJ/Producer DJ Q-Fingaz from his album "Qllection". The same year, he is featured on "The Bridge", a song by Polish hip hop squad Slums Attack from album "CNO 2"

In 2014, he collaborated with Canberra-based Australian rapper Nix on the single "SHE".

On December 19, 2014, Ace was featured on a track called "My Style" with German Producer The Mighty Moe who also produced for Termanology, Reks and many more.

In 2014, he is featured alongside Tajai (from Souls Of Mischief) on the track "2 the Essence" by German Rapper Kool Savas from his album "Märtyrer"

In 2015, he appeared on "Thinking of You", a song by Swedish hip hop duo Professor P & DJ Akilles from their album "All Year, Every Year".

In 2015, he is featured alongside Kidaf & Nekfeu on the track "Nothing Changed" by German hip-hop/pop producer Shuko from his album "For The Love Of It".

In 2022, he is featured on the track "Unzerstörbar" by German Rapper Umse from his album "Séparée".

Legacy

Masta Ace is considered to be a highly skilled and influential MC – music journalist Peter Shapiro describes him as "one of the great pure New York MCs", and Allmusic describes him as "truly an underappreciated rap veteran and underground luminary". Commenting on how Masta Ace is sometimes overlooked despite his skill, Rolling Stone says, "even the most avid fan of raw hip-hop lyricism can sometimes neglect to mention Masta Ace alongside hard-bitten champs such as Rakim, KRS-One, Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick and Kool G Rap". Eminem mentions Masta Ace as one of his influences in his book The Way I Am, saying, "Masta Ace had amazing storytelling skills – his thoughts were so vivid". He mentions him again in "Lucky You", with the line "We need three Stacks ASAP, and bring Masta Ace back".

Personal life

In 2000, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, but he did not reveal it to the public until 2013, when his medicine syringes and vials were exposed while on tour, during a police stop in the Czech Republic, as his belongings were searched and exposed.

Discography

Main article: Masta Ace discography
Solo albums
Collaborative albums

References

  1. "From Masta to Legend".
  2. ^ Michael DiBella (December 4, 1966). "Masta Ace | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved March 8, 2017.
  3. ^ Shapiro, Peter, 2005, The Rough Guide To Hip-Hop, 2nd Edition, Penguin, p. 247.
  4. ^
  5. "Who is Masta Ace and what has he contributed to music?". eNotes. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  6. ^ Colin Larkin, ed. (1998). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Dance Music (First ed.). Virgin Books. p. 212. ISBN 0-7535-0252-6.
  7. "Masta Ace – Chart history". Billboard. August 21, 2004. Retrieved March 8, 2017.
  8. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved December 25, 2006.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  9. Fleischer, Adam Masta Ace and Edo G, Banned From TV XXL Magazine November 2009.
  10. Fox, Luke Conversations: Masta Ace and Edo G at Exclaim! February 2010.
  11. Music Eyz Masta Ace & MF DOOM's "MA DOOM: Son Of Yvonne" Review Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
  12. Music Eyz Exclusive UK Interview with Masta Ace Archived March 3, 2016, at the Wayback Machine at Music Eyz August 2012
  13. "AllHipHop » eMC (Masta Ace, Stricklin, Punchline & Wordsworth) Sign With Penalty/Sony Red". AllHipHop. February 6, 2014. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  14. "eMC". HotNewHipHop. February 24, 2014. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  15. "Masta Ace". Penalty Entertainment. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  16. "Masta Ace Disposable Arts Interview". Hip-hopkings.com. April 8, 2016. Archived from the original on April 22, 2016. Retrieved March 8, 2017.
  17. "15 songs deep for this Masta Ace x MP album. not done yet!". January 10, 2018.
  18. "@mastaacepics on Instagram: "How do you feel about this album with me and @marcopolobeats ?? The best couple of comments (keep it brief) will be added to the vinyl…"". Instagram.
  19. "2024 Nominations Table | Hollywood Independent Music Awards".
  20. "Facebook". Facebook. Retrieved March 8, 2017.
  21. "Masta Ace & Nix – SHE (Music Video)". YouTube. June 30, 2014. Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  22. "My Style – Single by Masta Ace". December 19, 2014 – via itunes.apple.com.
  23. "Shut Up and Rap – Termanology – Credits – AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  24. "Reks – Little Things (prod by The Mighty Moe) – OFFICIAL VIDEO". YouTube. September 20, 2013. Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  25. Eminem, with Sacha Jenkins, 2008, The Way I Am, Dutton Adult, p. 20.
  26. Eminem (Ft. Joyner Lucas) – Lucky You, retrieved October 9, 2022
  27. "Masta Ace Reveals He Has Multiple Sclerosis". HipHopDX. December 5, 2013. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  28. Ma, David (November 26, 2018). "Come Clean: The Metamorphosis of Masta Ace". Passion Of The Weiss. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  29. "The Tonite Show by eMC on Apple Music". Itunes.apple.com. May 4, 2015. Retrieved March 8, 2017.
  30. "Working on song sequence for this album..." Instagram.com/mastaacepics. August 18, 2018. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
  31. "New Music alert! New album "Richmond Hill" on the way..!!!!". Instagram.com/mastaacepics. October 31, 2023. Retrieved November 8, 2023.

External links

Masta Ace
Albums
Other albums
Singles
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