Search - Masta Ace :: Long Hot Summer

Masta Ace- A Long Hot Summer

Constant | Vancouver, BC Canada | 08/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rap Veteran Masta Ace has delivered an excellent release with his fifth album "A Long Hot Summer" (2004). This is actually my introduction to Masta Ace, who has been in the Rap game for over fifteen years. After listening to this one through and through I really feel I have been sleeping on a very underrated talented MC, and I know I am not the only one.



After the first track which is more of an introduction, Masta Ace delivers the goods on the fastpaced "Big City", talking about everyday people trying to make it anyway they can, Ace basically says don't just survive, thrive. 9th Wonder produced "Good Ol Love" is simply off the hook, backed by an ill beat, Masta Ace drops memorable rhymes while showing that he's still hungry. My favourite track is "Da Grind" feat. Apocalypse, love the beat, chorus and concept to this track, Ace talks about the ups and downs of the Rap game, what being an MC is really about at the same showing alot of love and relating with everyone who is working hard and trying to make it. Masta Ace tells it how it really is for many with the "H.O.O.D." a track about the streets and poverty. Backed by an addictive beat Ace brings another outstanding cut with "Beautiful", Ace inspires on this track promising to bring terror to the bling era and he does by delivering introspective positive first class music. An MC named Strick drops in for "F.A.Y.", a track about being angry with those who want to see you fail. One of Rap's most skilled female MC's Jean Grae then collabs with Masta Ace on "Soda & Soap", feeling the way Ace flows over this beat. Ace gives Mobb Deep associate Big Noyd a chance to shine on the thugged out "Do It Man". On Brooklyn Masala Feat. Leschea, Ace appreciates a unique beautiful Pakistani woman. Punch & Words talk about all the women they hooked up with while traveling on "Travelocity". "The Ways" is about the violent flipside of the Rap game. Edo G. pays a visit on "Wutuwankno" clearing up some misconceptions. Ace then does a multi collab with The Beatnuts and Rahzel on "Oh My God". Masta Ace returns on solo with the introspective "Revelations", which is really a track about being a madly slept on artist who's going to make it.



Masta Ace has an ill flow, provides impressive lyrics and production is tight from start to finish. Originally an 80's MC, Ace shows his longevity providing music that new and old Rap fans can enjoy. In his own words this is his last album, making it all the more valuable. I have a feeling a lot of people with sleep on this one, which is unfortunate but those who get it will appreciate it. "A Long Hot Summer" in an exceptional album, which I highly recommend for the collection.





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An instant classic, testament to a hip hop legend

Elijah Sampson | Pikesville, MD, USA | 08/15/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is not often within the hip hop realm that an artist mixes honest and eloquent lyrics, smooth and poignant vocals, and an immaculate ability to flow like water. Masta Ace achieves what few in this industry have done within the past 10 years, he has created a classic album and recieved hardly any recognition for it. This just may be the album that hoists Masta Ace into the forefront and sheds some light on a hip hop legend that has been relatively unnoticed for 15 years. "A Long Hot Summer" is a masterful album with track such as "Brooklyn Masala", "Beautiful", and "Good Ol' Love" that if stood alone as singles, would be in heavy rotation with enough replay value to put your CD player into overdrive. Not a stranger to the "Concept" album, Mast Ace tells a story through skits that lead in nicely to each song, a format that creates a movie-like essence to the album as a whole. Ace has done it again and this may be his last so please pick this up because hip hop fans need to support artists that represent honesty and pure love for the game!"

This is hip-hop Period!!

Underground Champ | Cleveland, Oh | 08/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have follwed Ace since his Sittin' on Chrome album. I think the true way to judge a hip hop artist and album is based on longetivity. Ace passes those tests with flying colors. Every album he puts out is hot, and I think he can't get a commercial break because he won't put out any commercial bulls&** because he loves hip hop so much. Ace pours his emotions in every song he does, but never as much as on this album. You can hear the hatred he has for the corrupt rap biz in joints like Revelations and Soda @ Soap. There is no weak tracks on the album and it has great production from start to finish. Also has some nice cameos from the beatnuts, big noyd, edo g, and punch& words. Definitely get this album and disposable arts his previous album both are amazing. Ace hints throughout the album that he might give up rap soon, lets hope not if he keeps turning out badly needed joints like this in hip hop right now."