Masta Ace "A Long Hot Summer"

Posted on 08.3.2004

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Masta Ace
Album : A Long Hot Summer
Release Date : August 3, 2004
Label : Yosumi / M3

Review :

A veteran from the late ’80s, Masta Ace had an old soul even when he was young. As far back as 1993’s Slaughtahouse, Ace was backlashing against gangsta posturing and fake thuggery—before it became trendy to do so. His career has been uneven (if not invisible) during the past decade, but A Long Hot Summer is the dark-horse candidate for the season : a well-crafted concept album that has Ace spreading stoop wisdom. He’s sentimental, to be sure, but not overwrought or ironic ; his is a more meditative, relaxed attitude, matched by his smooth flow. His production team goes international, with French and even Eastern European beat-makers joining in, and they lay down a jazzydelic vibe that complements Ace’s reflective manner. Ace claims that he’s retiring after this album, but if it’s his swan song, A Long Hot Summer is a fine, fitting closure to a career that has been rejuvenated in its autumn years.

This summer is gonna be especially hot as Masta Ace gets set to drop his 5th full length album ‘A Long Hot Summer’. After his critically acclaimed 2001 masterpiece ‘Disposable Arts’, Ace returns with the prequel. In an era of disjointed rap albums that are typically an uneven mixture of hits and filler, ‘A Long Hot Summer’ sets itself apart, by telling a compelling story through it’s incredible songs & interludes.
Packed with warm, soulful beats from some of the games best producers ; this conceptual album follows the life of an underground rapper trying to make his way through the mean streets of Brooklyn. With guest appearances by The Beatnuts, Big Noyd, Edo G., Jean Grae, Punch & Words and Rahzel, ‘A Long Hot Summer’ succeeds in maintaining it’s cohesiveness throughout the riveting storyline.

The lyrics are deep and introspective. The songs are colorful and panoramic ; forming what should be one of the best albums of the year and one of the most consistent Hip-Hop albums in recent memory.

Featuring : The Beatnuts, Big Noyd, Edo G., Jean Grae, Punch & Words, Rahzel, Apocalypse and Leschea

Track Listings :

1. The Count (Interlude)
2. Big City
3. Good Ol Love
4. Fats Belvedere (Interlude)
5. Da Grind Feat. Apocalypse
6. H.O.O.D.
7. The Stoop (Interlude)
8. Beautiful
9. F.A.Y. Feta. Strick
10. Fats Crib (Interlude)
11. Soda & Soap Feat. Jean Grae
12. Do It Man Feat Big Noyd
13. Brooklyn Masala Feat. Leschea
14. The Proposition (Interlude)
15. Travelocity Feat. Punch&Words
16. The Ways
17. Wutuwankno Feat. Edo G.
18. The After Party (Interlude)
19. Oh My God Feat. The Beatnuts & Rahzel
20. Cellmate (Interlude)