Masta Ace

Biography

Masta Ace, born Duval Clear on December 4, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York, is a highly respected figure in East Coast hip hop whose career spans over three decades. Raised in the Brownsville projects by a single mother, Ace began his journey into hip hop in the late 1970s, initially joining a DJ crew and experimenting with graffiti and dance before writing his first rhymes around 1978 or 1979. He attended the University of Rhode Island, graduating with a degree in marketing in 1988, and got his big break in 1987 after winning a rap contest that led to studio time with legendary producer Marley Marl[1][3]. This pivotal moment introduced him to the Juice Crew, a collective that included Marley Marl, Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, and Kool G Rap, and resulted in his debut on the classic posse cut "The Symphony"[1][2][3].

Ace released his debut album, "Take a Look Around," in 1990, followed by the critically acclaimed "SlaughtaHouse" in 1993, which lampooned the gangsta rap persona and showcased his thoughtful commentary on hip hop culture[2][3]. He formed Masta Ace Incorporated, collaborating with artists like Lord Digga and Paula Perry, and achieved crossover success with the single "Born to Roll" in 1994. Ace's career is marked by his willingness to challenge trends and address social issues, as seen in his concept albums "Disposable Arts" (2001) and "A Long Hot Summer" (2004), which explore the evolution and exploitation of hip hop[2][4]. Despite a hiatus in the late 1990s, Ace returned to become a revered elder statesman of underground hip hop, influencing multiple generations and remaining relevant through collaborations and solo projects[2][4].

Known for his streetwise wordplay, deep bass beats, and introspective lyrics, Masta Ace has built a legacy as a master storyteller and innovator. His work bridges the gap between old-school and modern hip hop, and he is celebrated for both his technical skill and his ability to address complex themes. Ace's catalog is appreciated by fans of all ages, and his longevity is attributed to his consistent artistic growth and willingness to mentor and collaborate with emerging artists[2][5].

Fun Facts

• Masta Ace graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in marketing before pursuing hip hop full-time[1][3].
• He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2000 but kept it private for over a decade, continuing to tour and record[6].
• Ace’s inclusion on the classic track "The Symphony" was due to a last-minute dropout by MC Shan, a twist of fate that helped launch his career[1][3].
• His single "Born to Roll" became a crossover hit, reaching No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1994[3].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Marley Marl - Producer and Juice Crew founder who gave Ace his first studio opportunity and introduced him to the hip hop industry. (In Control Vol. I, The Symphony) [1987–early 1990s]

Key Collaborators

• Big Daddy Kane - Juice Crew member and collaborator on The Symphony. (The Symphony) [late 1980s]
• Biz Markie - Juice Crew member; Ace impersonated him on "Me & The Biz". (The Symphony, Me & The Biz) [late 1980s–1990]
• Lord Digga - Member of Masta Ace Incorporated and frequent collaborator. (SlaughtaHouse, Sittin’ On Chrome) [early–mid 1990s]
• Paula Perry - Member of Masta Ace Incorporated. (SlaughtaHouse, Sittin’ On Chrome) [early–mid 1990s]
• Special Ed and Buckshot - Collaborated as Crooklyn Dodgers for Spike Lee’s Crooklyn soundtrack. (Crooklyn (title track)) [1994]
• Ed O.G. - Collaborative albums and tours. (Arts & Entertainment) [2009–present]
• eMC (Stricklin, Wordsworth, Punchline) - Hip hop supergroup with Ace as a member. (The Show, eMC albums) [2005–present]

Artists Influenced

• Eminem - Cited Ace as a major lyrical influence. (Various Eminem interviews) [1990s–present]
• J. Cole - Inspired by Ace’s storytelling and concept albums. (Conceptual works) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Think I Am - Melodiesinfonie Remix (Son of Yvonne (Remixes))
2. Unruly
3. Good Ol Love (A Long Hot Summer)
4. Da Grind (Featuring Apocalypse) (A Long Hot Summer)
5. Acknowledge (Disposable Arts)
6. Think I Am - Dead Rabbit Remix (Son of Yvonne (Remixes))
7. Take a Walk (Disposable Arts)
8. Beautiful (A Long Hot Summer)
9. Kill Too Hard (Chamber Music)
10. Mr Bus Driver (The Falling Season)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #hip-hop