Masta Ace, born Duval Clear on December 4, 1966, is an influential American rapper and hip-hop artist, known for his sharp storytelling skills and complex lyricism. Emerging from the storied Brooklyn borough of New York City, Masta Ace's career began to gain traction in the late 1980s when he appeared on the classic hip-hop compilation "The Symphony" alongside big names like Big Daddy Kane and Craig G. His debut album, "Take a Look Around," released in 1990 on Cold Chillin' Records, established his reputation for thoughtful verses and a smooth, understated delivery.

Throughout the 1990s and into the new millennium, Masta Ace continued to evolve, avoiding the pitfalls of many of his contemporaries who struggled to maintain relevance as the landscape of hip-hop shifted. His conceptual album "Disposable Arts" (2001) is considered an underground classic, and its follow-up, "A Long Hot Summer" (2004), has also been well-received. Over his career, Masta Ace has become known not just for his solo work but also for his collaborations and mentorship of younger artists. Although he has never attained mainstream commercial success, his influence is widely recognized among hardcore hip-hop fans and practitioners. Releases like "Poetical Warfare" and "Certified" show an artist who remains true to his roots while still engaging with the culture's ongoing evolution. Despite the challenges of a music industry in a state of constant flux, Masta Ace has sustained a career marked by artistic integrity and a commitment to innovation.

Genres

East Coast Hip Hop

Related Artists

Nas

Gang Starr

Common

De La Soul

Rakim

Del The Funky Homosapien

Pharoahe Monch

Big Daddy Kane

Eminem

JAY-Z

The Notorious B.I.G.

MF DOOM

Latest Release

Like It's '93

Masta Ace

Single - Released September 6, 2024