Masta Ace "Take a look Around"

Posted on 09.21.1996

Masta Ace
Album : Take a Look Around
Release Date : 07/24/1990
Label : Cold Chillin Records

Customer Review :

Unfortunately, rap music this vital is all but extinct in the shallow world of hip hop today.I first heard this debut from Ace when it dropped in mid 1990.I played the cassete over and over everywhere I went. I recently picked it up on CD, and it sent me back 14 years in time when I last heard it. I can more appreciate the wide range of topics and emotions in the verses Ace spits from the heart, now that I’m older. In nearly every song, Ace creates an atmosphere through his words and the dope music that takes you to the scene of the rhyme.

Being only 22 at the time of it’s release, Ace has a very mature and confident demeanor throughout this record. Songs like "Brooklyn Battles", "The Other Side of Town", and the title track offer an emotional perspective of everyday life in the streets of Brooklyn. Though much of it is bleak, Ace also tends to keep a more positive outlook as well. In the title track he acts part ghetto informant and part motivational speaker, discussing the issues that face the increasingly less fortunate in America. His wisdom in this song, among others, seems stronger than any of the dribble coming out of the mouths of this nation’s leaders, right or left.Back to the music, "Me and the Biz" was the biggest single off the record and had a classic video to boot.

For those who don’t know, the video featured Ace hanging out with a lifesize Biz Markie marrionet(puppet) ! Ace is the ventriliquist for the song and video. It seemed that Ace had one upped his friend, the reigning prince clown of rap ! Probabally one of my favorite rap videos of all time ! Definitely one of the most original. "Music Man", also a single,sums up Ace’s personality and style in the rap game in one funky-ass party jam. "Together", actually a single from late 89’, takes you on Ace’s journey towards success and meaning in life. He tells the listeners who are striving towards their goals in life "we’ll take a drink from the fountain of success, yo let’s all climb the mountain together" Wow, let’s see if 50 Cent or Eminem can match that. In actuality Master Ace is probabally one of the most down to earth mc’s who ever ripped a mic.

I cannot say enough great things about the CD, you have to hear it for yourself. You will be wiser and more ambitious in life after hearing it. Probablly the best rap album of 1990, and in the top 20 Rap Albums of all time. Also of note is Ace’s last album,"Disposable Arts", probabally the best rap record of 2001. If you are a fan of the REAL HIP HOP, and appreciate some intellageance in your lyrics, then Masta Ace is your man. If you’re looking for the ho’s, the blunts, and the bling blings, then you probabally got here by accident. Peace to all true hip hop lovers !

Producer :
Masta Ace, Marley Marl, DJ Mister Cee

Track Listings :
1.. Music Man
2.. I Got Ta
3.. Letter to the Better (Remix)
4.. Me and the Biz
5.. Other Side of Town
6.. Ace Iz Wild
7.. Four Minus Three
8.. Can’t Stop the Bum Rush
9.. Movin’ On
10.. Brooklyn Battles
11.. Maybe Next Time
12.. As I Reminisce
13.. Take a Look Around
14.. Together