Times done changed for the Emcee

I have written before about a rapper who I think is criminally overlooked as a true legend of the game, and of albums he has created which have not had the props that perhaps they deserve. The man is Masta Ace, and although his Cold Chillin’ output and Marley Marl collaborations, as well as “Slaughtahouse” and “Sittin’ on Chrome” manifestations are well regarded, the 2000s have not been so kind to the Brooklyn veteran, at least in terms of critical acclaim. But 2001's “Disposable Arts” and 2004's “A Long Hot Summer”, both innovative, interesting and imminently listenable concept albums, underpinned by tight lyrics and flow that you would expect from the Ace, are relatively little commented on at least outside of purist scenes.

Indeed they were, according to Ace himself, intended to be something of a swansong, critiques in part on the rap game itself, they seemed to be the resignation letters of a man who had tired of the vicissitudes of the hip-hop game. However, Masta Ace is back, and one listen to new project eMC is immediate recognition of the fact that rap music would be a much poorer place without his input. Masta Ace has teamed up with two of Brooklyn’s finest underground emcees, Wordsworth and Punchline, who of course you will recognise from Tribe's Love Movement set, as well as perhaps more stellar appearances on Black Star and the famed Lyricist Lounge Vol 1 collection. And the new quartet is completed by Milwaukee mixtape master Stricklin. All three you may recognise also from the aforementioned Masta Ace concept projects.

Indeed, eMC's “The Show”, released early this year, carries on in many ways where those two records left off, this time chronicling life on tour and all its ups and downs. But it is the beats and words which really make this standout, a grower of an album that just seems to improve on each play, with a solid mix of jump-up tunes and more mellow flows combining to deliver a great album. Fitting that the concept of the piece is the show itself, as the four really cemented their group dynamic and friendship touring the Masta Ace albums, before going the whole way and forming as a group in 2005. A guest slot on “The Show” from Little Brother can give you an indication of the style of this album, yet another example of an undercurrent of insightful writing over impeccable production that seems to be running through the scene.

Like LB, or Justus League cohorts like Chaundon, or Murs, or the undercover work of 9th Wonder, this is a welcome change in aesthetics as far as I am concerned. So Masta Ace has not retired. Like a great champ he has picked up his training, assessed his options, and come back fit and strong for new challenges. When I discovered this project I wondered how I could have slept on it for so long, but it appears that many have been taken by surprise. Three years in the making, the chemistry in the group has bubbled away and reached a boiling point of brilliance. EMC have produced a balanced and inspiring set to reawaken your ears and mind. Welcome back Ace, but then you never really went away.