Masta Ace: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

March 30, 2018 | Abby O'Neill -- An early member of producer Marley Marl's iconic Juice Crew, the Brooklyn-bred Masta Ace emerged shoulder-to-shoulder in the late-'80s with a host of iconic emcees, including Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Craig G and more. When Ace showed up at the Tiny Desk, he brought with him stripped-down versions of the concrete-shaking classics that built his legacy, backed by the impressive Lee Hogans & Pursuance band.
Watch him move the crowd with his biggest single, "Born To Roll," from the 1993 album SlaughtaHouse, and introspect on a life lived in the public eye on "Story Of Me."
In the elevator, minutes after wrapping, one of his bandmates noticed that he'd gotten a little emotional during the performance. Ace relayed that the intimacy of the Tiny Desk set had allowed him to hear anew the personal nature of the lyrics he'd shared about his late mother; a bittersweet nostalgia that's palpable during his performance of "Son of Yvonne."
It's that ability - to realize the moment, and to wield it - that makes Ace resonate so readily, from '80s Brooklyn to NPR.
Set List
"Son of Yvonne"
"Born To Roll/Jeep Ass Nig**"
"Story of Me"
Musicians
Lee Hogans (trumpet), Anja-Christin Nielsen (trumpet), David Stolarz (keys), Jameison Ledonio (guitar), Rob Collazo (bass), James "Biscuit" Rouse (drums), Pearle Gates (guest vocalist), Masta Ace/Duvall Clear (lead emcee)
CREDITS
Producers: Abby O'Neill, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Kara Frame, CJ Riculan, Dani Lyman; Production Assistant: Joshua Bote; Photo: Eslah Attar/NPR.

[@nprmusic]

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[@meccan.9242]

Facts!

[@machunaone]

One of the all time greatest since....!!

[@TerryHeick]

Interesting. Let’s do Rock n Roll next.

[@AllonBakuth]

I fully agree. Such an underrated musician and the INC as an entity pure 🔥 since inception.

[@JimmyKudoIchigoUzumaki]

One of most saddest things in Hip Hop history is Masta Ace is so underrated.

[@piotrek3580]

Same with Guru.

[@Someone-wy9ny]

​​@@piotrek3580 the goat 🙏🙏

[@byHexted]

@@piotrek3580 from Gangstarr?? Bro in what universe 😂 y’all wanna know who’s ACTUALLY underrated? MC Paul Barman. Not people who have literally been considered legends by anyone who knows anything about hip hop for like 35 years 😂

[@Drilliamss]

I feel that sentiment

[@HumpD624]

@@piotrek3580 did we just become best friends?!? Ace and guru have been going back and forth as #1 for 20+ for me….disposable arts best album, moment of truth best song

[@evadtrent5607]

No one ever sounded like Masta Ace. His pronunciation and annunciation is so clear.

[@buffyshillings3138]

And that’s a very underrated skill. People don’t think about how much precision that takes

[@ethereal-synchronicity-444]

"When you hear the Capital A..." Duval Clear aka Masta Ace.

[@MichaelHenny]

Em does a pretty impression

[@Aware2128]

This statement means you have a very limited knowledge of hip hop. Let me know if you need some recommendations.

[@closeredge5198]

With respect to Big L, I agree with you 💯

[@VeeMarieS]

I’m here in 2024, still listening to Masta Ace. He’s so underrated

[@donaldhillocks300]

Proper hip hop love it

[@SpudsMac]

Son of Yvonne actually just gave me a newfound perspective on life. What a sincere ballad to his mother. Sweetest thing I've ever seen.

[@1BergerVongSchlauigkeitHer]

One of the best story-telling rappers of all time.

[@robertthompson6153]

I love when I listen to tiny desk and this one comes up next. It just starts perfectly with that song and the vibe. Lyrically Master Ace is incredible. I never get tired of this.

[@matthewhulse31]

He's 51, this brother just doesnt age

[@paulphoenix1669]

Sorry whattttt

[@ethelberht985]

i had to look that up, he looks like a fresh 30year old

[@darkobelisk4076]

51 isn't old if you don't let it be.

[@fernandog.m7012]

Power of coke 🙏

[@selfwriteous]

@@fernandog.m7012 🤣😂

[@kuchioasonga7158]

I really got into Masta Ace in 2005 when the internet became more accessible to me (I am Kenyan). I have been a fan since.

[@ericwilson2632]

Me since 89...

[@honchozed]

And myself since I first heard Enter the Wu Tang 36 Chambers, must've been '93 or '94 when I was first getting exposed to music beyond what my parents listened to. Coming of age, 14 or 15. One of the many cassette tapes I wore out. Ironman came next.

[@pete0695]

In Germany it was in the early 90s but I needed friends to push me that way. And Tiny Desk is a reward for every musician. There is a reason why he could make this session. And he awesome

[@kevinmusundi1291]

Ha! Fancy meeting you here

[@HumpD624]

He is my all time fave. Long story how I found him. Hope to co E back and explain it

[@jaykmill]

An MC of the highest order.

[@shanner4130]

This!!

[@Brooklynbrowndodger]

How in the name... How has this not come on my feed in the last 5 years???

[@shesssosavvy]

Same! I just found this!!

[@ChazWick4]

The backing band is amazing, everybody killed it

[@mattiacenacchi726]

kinda....the blonde trumpet not really....

[@actual3136]

saw him live in a tiny, greasy nightclub in stuttgart, germany. what a show, great energy

[@emeraldthunda536]

What year?

[@TheMightySR]

Same here ... X-Mas jam @scheune Dresden ... f*** great

[@dvandeun]

Stuggie Boogie !!'

[@georgesabitbol9437]

only 1.2M views five years later what a shame

[@wiggesobk]

Schräglage? Da war ich auch. War mega gut!

[@joejordahl6787]

a criminally underrated lyricist, man that live band version of Born to Roll is soooooo tough

[@AsiaDanceScene]

Masta Ace just destroyed that mic. You can hear what a good musician he is by how well his voice matches the instruments regardless of what key the song is.

[@Velldog]

But they play to his key tho

[@AQGOAT24]

Hip-hop with a live band sounds really dope

[@luveniahuff2665]

AQGOAT24 check out on sound cloud - barren claude team lift "Malibu Stacy"

[@theboothy91]

Sounds like art

[@yahoomoriwilli]

This is where it originally came from. Soul and funk. Not that todays bullshit like nicki minaj e.g. anyways, big up for grandmaster, premo, dre and all that people who developed it in the past and those who are still trying to make it last! ;)

[@njjjjjjjjhhhs]

Love to see Stetsasonic 80's hip hop band

[@alexanderscott9001]

You'd be surprised how many hiphop groups used live music. Roots, stetsasonic, numerous others... even PE and nwa had live instruments on some tracks. Masta ace has been ill since the Symphony

[@grayroger]

Disposable Arts is one of the best albums made. Ace is Hip-Hop royalty.

[@johanskold8890]

Sell it to me, please

[@MrMonro27]

All his albums having a connecting storyline starting with DA was something that deserved wayyy more publicity. One of my top artists and albums right there. 🎶

[@bigsweep3603]

I’m legitimately not sure how many times I’ve come back to watch this over and over again. Just so good.

[@dude.norman]

Me the same :)

[@LoveIsTheAnswer87]

@@dude.norman Schräglage?

[@randiseriss]

I’m remixing it

[@donaldhillocks300]

Seriously

[@robertthompson6153]

Man, when he says "I almost had the 90's by the throat...,could have signed with Def Jam, but Lyor changed, changed his mind at the strangest time". What a magnificent way with words. What an incredible story. Thats an all-time great verse.

[@d-funksteryea5188]

It was DMX, that was signed up

[@DaveBuford]

He was a member of 2 Legendary crews. Juice Crew [Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane, Roxanne Shante, etc] and Crooklyn Dodgers [Memphis Bleek, Mos Def, Jean Grae, Chubb Rock, etc]. He's been legendary since the 80s.

[@mcrowley8460]

I'm 51, white used to blast Masta Ace in my 70 roadrunner convertible back in 1992. Loved American muscle & old-school hip hop more than 30 yrs. It's still the I.N.C. Ride in 2021.

[@redsox2722]

Sitting on chrome was an everyday bump on the way out of the high school parking lot.

[@ghostshipone]

We’re going in a ride..

[@dexxxhunt]

Still KILLIN after what 3 decades?Organic Shit!ILLLL....

[@mr.ezback3232]

Its 5 decades now brother!! 80's, 90's, 00s, 10's, 20's

[@lofibanana7467]

Disposable arts is one of the most underrated hip hop albums ever.

[@anthonytyler1582]

Yes it fam no doubt

[@owenwu-pac5418]

A Long Hot Summer too!

[@westernbenjamin]

@@owenwu-pac5418 YES!

[@westernbenjamin]

YES!! Amen

[@TheNaz1996]

So is A long hot summer

[@infamousb189]

Masta Ace = Underrated !!

[@fatalerok]

Infamous Benbino Hernandez facts!

[@doderiolarkisso4038]

underrated? In what world? He's very appreciated AND rated in the hip hop community.

[@fatalerok]

Doderio Larkisso a certain "sect" of the hip-hop community. Those who know of him understand his talent, but there also a lot of rap fans who unfortunately know nothing of him/ Juice Crew/ Marley Marl. Not that lists mean anything, but when I hear publications start talking about greatest M.C.s, Masta Ace is never given the credit he's due. So I'd say given his talent and years in the game, the props he's given is nowhere near the props he deserves.

[@j.cbrosy4136]

Eminem the son to his style

[@theLTstation]

Infamous Benbino Hernandez I BEEN SAYIN' THAT!

[@matthewbryant4926]

Ace is a legend all of his albums are so creative only the real hip hop fans would understand

[@leemorriss9796]

Top 5 dead or alive

[@Mr_Archer15]

MY EYES LIT UP WHEN I SAW THIS I LOVE YOU TINY DESK

[@looksatstuff]

Mrarcher15 Same here!!!!

[@looklookerlooking]

Son of Yvonne is pure fire🔥🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 This was one of the best hip hop concerts on NPR Music.... Big ups & please keep the music flowing.

[@PoliceBoy465]

Love it when jazz and hip hop come together.

[@typical_meee]

daddysensei Silver hands down you know that!!!!

[@RomeoVillalobos]

Remember when the Brand New Heavies did Heavy Rhyme Experience?!? That was such a great collaboration with hiphop stars like Masta Ace, Pharcyde, Main Source, Grand Puba, etc.

[@PoliceBoy465]

Romeo Villalobos great album. I really like Digable Planets.

[@martinp.cadillackid3408]

daddysensei Silver many used this joint. Snakes, Keith Murray...... Rhapsody...list who else yall

[@DJDouglasWarden]

Check out LOOPRAT from St. Louis.

[@MrKwodsonikpunk]

No pretence, You can tell this bro has a humble spirit, just really easy to listen to and enjoy. HipHop you can play around the children, a true artist, uncompromised and genius.

[@leemorriss9796]

One of the VERY best to ever do it . THE most underrated emcee of all time

[@patienceISavirtue75]

That horn section tho and bass on Born to roll omg!!!!!

[@BlvckAdam]

Patience Isavirtue Dope!!!!

[@patienceISavirtue75]

BlackAdam yes I wish they played the entire remix version. That bass line was the best part of that song.

[@jermainelong1843]

Patience Isavirtue Yep!! Musicians who understand dynamics and subtlety as opposed to those who just want to shred and chop all over the place.

[@StupidIsAsStupidDoe2]

Patience Isavirtue Facts!

[@dwilz1183]

Patience Isavirtue that part!!!

[@fromtheheartvideos3041]

Masta Ace is a legend for many true hip hop fans

[@Kev20011]

No Doubt.

[@BigBrotherBeat]

"Ain't nothin' like Hip Hop music That's why we choose it and the world just can't refuse it"

[@2gramsovcoke545]

pete rock why not x

[@DLoyaL902]

this shit is underground like a gofa show a little love fo its ova

[@MADDLION247]

FACTS!!! 💪💪

[@DjMonkeyRabbitWITHIN]

Pe and smith as a child, dance n indie through youth, middle aged back to hip hop.

[@shyty164]

good ol love

[@sholacreighton8610]

I wish there was a club like this where all you hear is nothing but legends that made hip hop what is and was.

[@derekmiltimore6220]

I'd pay to go.

[@roselamartinez4345]

👌

[@donovanblair1677]

'Conscious' lyrics - the watchword

[@stevemelendez]

Heck Yeah!!! Word!

[@stevemelendez]

I agree with you 💯

[@superawesomeboy]

I swear hiphop sounds AMAZING live. Masta Ace KILLED IT

[@mathijsdebaene5189]

I wish more hip hop artists would do live shows with a band. It really creates an amazing energy on stage!

[@erminization]

Too much screaming a live shows in big venues

[@alajobi]

"We rise we fall and pray for better day..while shooting for the stars..we pray for better aim" WLB classic!

[@VI5H]

That version of Born to Roll made me smile like a crazy man.

[@clarkesuperman]

VI5H SAME

[@ndhkroatien999]

i know man. its a straight eargasm

[@synthesis12]

Yeah, this was when he was signed to delicious and had a west coast sound. I still have this cd in my old cd collection. Dope they did this one.

[@Kratzbaum2]

Oh yeah i wish there's a version with just this song in a Video, they're all just great but especially born to roll

[@ErnestShepard]

I’m always impressed by how fantastic hip-hop sounds with live instrumentation. It’s such a beautiful thing. And Master Ace crushed it!

[@JoshHinrichs-vv2ft]

THIS MAN IS SMOOTH AS ALL CAN BE

[@robertrobertson2117]

Josh hate the Cowboys, love your comment #HTTR

[@JoshHinrichs-vv2ft]

I can respect that

[@greglangley4382]

Josh yes he is but that cowboys avatar hmmmm😎😎

[@PLBoogie]

Thank you NPR for honoring Hip❤Hop and exposing the masses to what real lyrical Hip❤Hop is...👐💯

[@krishnansen1301]

One of the GOATS! True NY emcee.

[@DEVINEJUSTICEALLAH72]

Krishnan Sen FACTS!!

[@Parialated]

The word goat is overused, but i seldom seen it being used so appropriate..spot on 🐐 goat! The man is a iconic cultural treasure...legend!

[@Someplaceinthemiddle2025]

The audience is wack!!!!

[@jameslove4432]

You just made Jericho's list!

[@JenniferEllissolopreneur]

I love this Tiny Desk. Master Ace is the truth....

[@plushyvibesoundlab]

Masta Ace is one of the best!

[@fatalerok]

YES. Tiny Desk done did it again!

[@2gramsovcoke545]

yup10/10this love uk

[@billybrooks4956]

Tiny desk your format is totally totally awesome much respect

[@yevgev]

This man is from the golden age of hip hop. Honest, humble, genuine and real. You can tell he’s a great dude

[@Joris0815]

We got a saying in the Netherlands: Het plezier straalt er vanaf. Wich roughly translates to it's radiant with fun, and these guys are shining!

[@SuperMoodyyy]

Joris0815 goed gezegd joris

[@NullCreativityMusic]

Go Joris :) mooi gezegde!

[@WittyWhit87]

Kon het niet beter hebben gezegd :)

[@thedarkfader92]

i thought it translated to "the pleasure is showing from your face "

[@Emmadbeer]

amen man wat een performance

[@deez1391]

One of my favorite MC'S of all time. Take a look around!

[@TheDionSaelan]

this is what the world supposed to be.. black white asian living side by side in harmony!!! luv u guyss!!!!!

[@AdrianBaxter]

Dion Pribadi Word.

[@TheDionSaelan]

Muad Dib true.. stop watching the news, coz to them bad news is a good news!!

[@canavanibus]

I agree Dion Pribadi no mexicans!!!11one

[@greezythumb]

👍👍👍

[@NICKEYBLACK35]

Dion Pribadi that reality would be nice for everybody. I even find myself prejudice at times. I try to fight my way thru it at times because I know this how society made me think.

[@Kilian541]

Tiny Desk has made me never want to go to a rap concert again. The production is just industry standard. Masta Ace was one of the first real rap artists I ever got into, and this does him justice. Amazing talent.

[@loxtharippa]

Dopeness All Around.. What it feels like when Hip Hop Music has Soul..🎶

[@godsson7787]

I feel like a sukka. Im 32 love hip hop and never gave this man the time of day. All i gotta say is im sorry. I love the passion you still have you can see it from this. All this from going back to listen to hellbound when royce played it on insta. I feel ive missed out thank god for youtube.

[@Lazyfoal]

Better late than never!

[@caseysutfield2788]

This has instantly become one of my classics from Tiny Desk. True meaning of an mc and the band was on 🔥. Hip hop I can listen to all day.

[@andrade474]

Love you Ace. You changed my life

[@patienceISavirtue75]

Yesssss Tiny Desk has done it again! Masta Ace 👍🏽

[@jesusneverexisted300]

I always loved Masta Ace flow. Didn't know that he would still be performing after all these years. Good job Masta Ace, you still got that flow!

[@s.p.9582]

Masta Ace STILL killing em softly! Big up to him and the band and BIG UP to NPR for this genius series!!!

[@mariagates4479]

Masta Ace, still keeping it real since Sitting on Chrome xx

[@jedor]

I have injured 1 weeks ago, it last for 4weeks that I can not do any workout, I feel bad , my days had gone dark, but when I heard the song “story of me “ especially the punchlines “Life try to beat me up like scuffed shoes” I feel so many energy to wait for recovery and fight for the pain, as now I recovered, I can continue the story of me, thank you very much! My dear Masta Ace! Thanks for all you guys whom loved Masta Ace too!

[@Oldschoolrap91]

The Masta.. I just love him. One of the best to ever do it. In my top 5 for sure. That session here is a masterpiece.

[@RyanJones4444]

Oldschoolrap91 it's so good man

[@alejandrososa3472]

hip hop and rap music with a band instaed of just produced beats is just one of the most beautiful things on earth Thank you all for that

[@greezythumb]

If there was a hip hop equivalent to classical jazz it would be masta ace

[@jrbrawlersgaming1816]

Guru says hello...

[@Popeslash]

You're thinking guru

[@markgoodbody9291]

Masta Ace, is a GOD. I don't know any old school emcees, that actually seem too get better with age.

[@KardiFan2000]

Black Thought

[@sugasweet5704]

Idk why this is my first time hearing of this dude....but I like him😍

[@henryhill92]

LADY K Check out Slaughtahouse from 1993, underrated classic

[@jermainelong1843]

LADY K He's one of the best that ever did it, just slightly underrated.

[@DEVINEJUSTICEALLAH72]

Perverted Alchemist FACTS!!

[@Infobreveglobal]

LADY K,go to my channel and listen to his album, u will be def crazy to Ace

[@mikemike384]

LADY K you need this album in your life, Son of Yvonne

[@odehawarren990]

"while shooting for the stars we pray for better aim" Love the mastery of words. Beautiful

[@snud6737]

Ain't no school like the old school!

[@jermainelong1843]

Snud TRUE!!!

[@snud6737]

Jermaine Long hell yeah

[@Parialated]

Not to take away from your statement But Ace is SCHOOL! Period Not perse old.. old has the connotation of no longer relevant I think hiphop and fugg it the whole world needs hiphop like masta ace Calm, rational, objective, honest, heartfelt, sincere, empathic, soulful, intelligent storytelling With that rugged edge of course More relevant than ever! Rip guru, big l, phife dawg!

[@jermainelong1843]

prive naam I hear you - old school is always relevant seeing as they paved the way for everything current. Shame it's mostly dumbed down and plastic now😡

[@RyanJones4444]

Storytelling

[@bckplokouadio]

Masta Ace is an iceberg standing proudly in the Sahara of current rap.

[@tantivymuckermaffikk]

Remember when hip hop wasn’t awful? I do. Thank you Masta Ace.

[@kaceykellam6310]

I am 21 and yes modern hip hop is awful

[@anisraho8928]

there is a lot of great hip hop but you're too lazy

[@bigbrainbrad5784]

Kendrick lamar, denzel curry, jid, chance, j cole, vince staples, earl sweatshirt, danny brown... all examples of why hip hop isnt awful today. The shit tier artists just happen to get the most mainstrean attention

[@eddksa2028]

@Adapted MC yo Hit me up bro Ones i know of is j Cole, kendrick, joey badass

[@Noname-si6jr]

I miss it so much I get emotional about it!

[@Subversion_dnb]

Masta Ace absolutely embodies hip hop. One of the best to ever do it!

[@TheMedicMedic]

"I'll I do, I do it for you. It's for all you did when I was a kid." God damn that's a great line right thurr!!!

[@southernicedtea9925]

Masta ace come back for 2024! We waiting for you!

[@shenglongisback4688]

Love it that last verse...truly beautiful..

[@737mpeters]

WOW I don't listen to rap and hip hop, BUT this 56 year old is loving this!! NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert has introduce me to music I had stop listening to !!!!

[@user-br5pc2sh4h]

I can't describe how much I love Tiny Desk!

[@mariagates4479]

I can't describe how much I love Masta Ace!

[@shew1985]

this one got me so emotional, reminds me why I fell in love with hip hop at first

[@brownpapi2634]

I see you...lol

[@ashara1na]

Me too

[@emmanueld.1816]

Bars! “Story of Me” goes in

[@elliot2177]

Emmanuel D. Sound like he referred Jay Z when he said born on the 4th like me but Lyor (Def Jam) etc...Jay was born on Dec 4th..

[@emmanueld.1816]

E Haynes yeah I think he dropped enough hints to suggest he was referring to Hov

[@elliot2177]

Emmanuel D. Who was talking to you?

[@emmanueld.1816]

E Haynes you replied to my comment.

[@Warriorwoman75]

The song "Born to Roll" just brought back so many memories 🥰 I was a senior in high school👩🏿‍🎓! Young and supple🦋 '94 was everything. My time was the best time for sure

[@brandanlewis4192]

Love that young and supple lol u still are sweet heart

[@christinabotts8127]

Yasssssss!!!! Take me back Master Ace! Xo

[@DaBadSeed]

Ace is so nice..one of my favorite mc's

[@Lxium]

Masta Ace! Bossing it through several decades

[@mahoganybrown9366]

Wow, I haven't heard Born to Roll in I don't know when! I still know the verses word for word, and after all these years this brother still knows how to rock the mic. Tiny Desk and Masta Ace, y'all blessed us. Thank you ❤️

[@Retire80already]

Jeru the damaj, ras pass, K-solo, Nice or Smooth. I could go on all day. Beautiful presentation by Ace. I'll admit I got choked up for one reason or another I each track. Didn't cry, tho!.....Thanks again. Wish you would bring that set to my town. Tucson

[@Retire80already]

I hate auto correct. I edited that shit 12 X. Those that know, know who I meant

[@marxman300]

Kris Bastow ras pass 😂😂

[@mikebernardino3553]

One of my favorite Mc’s. Thank you Masta Ace for your undeniable music. You change my life.

[@michaelcollins7865]

Was having a bullshit day at work .........Liked before I listened!!!! Tiny Desk does it again!!!!!

[@magneto9453]

Salve Masta Ace! São Paulo - Brazil.

[@augustobrk4528]

That's the truth right there!!!! A flow young kids will need to revisit some day!

[@Jucciverce]

ACE isn’t rapping. he’s speaking to you.

[@leemorriss9796]

Is is the man

[@R.J.1]

There you go. There's a difference in this game.

[@jacobhiller6731]

Lots of Tribe influence in born to roll. Man what a performance!

[@MakingMadBeats]

Man, Ace is a live monster! Salute

[@1DVSB]

Reminds me of 90’s crushing it with 15’s in my 70’ Caddie playing Born to Roll.

[@mazeomaze3070]

When Masta started explaining the "Story of Me" song we got touched hearing it, and honestly the song made me cry before even the 1st verse was finished... (Took me 15 years to undestand my worth) put a like on the video if you relate and if Masta Ace touched your heart aswell

[@NPGLAMB]

He’s still got it

[@mariagates4479]

Ofcourse, He is Ace, Tha Masta xx

[@batatakustomtattoo7084]

Hip hop soundtrack of my youth skateboard, master!

[@FuzzyOne2007]

Damn, Love Masta Ace the industry has done him wrong for decades, such a dope MC.

[@shaneswann2452]

I grew up a punk rocker in small town Alabama. I got into hip hop heavy in my early 20’s. I’m 43 now, still a punk at heart, but out of all of the emcees I ever heard, masta ace is the best that ever existed!

[@JimmyKudoIchigoUzumaki]

11:20 This is how good Masta Ace's music is. I wish he would get all the love and recognition he deserves ♥️

[@KalElKryptonsFinest]

Hip hop belongs to anyone who needs a voice.

[@johneta7665]

KalElKryptonsFinest hip-hop belongs to the black Americans who created it , everyone else is just a guest

[@Bob-ck4dl]

John ETA no

[@CamboyGDubbz]

So pumped they did the MA DOOM piece. Amazing to hear DOOM beats on live instruments. Only song I would have wanted to hear more than Son of Yvonne is Take a Walk.

[@JahRandom]

For real, Take A Walk is so powerful

[@averymcdaniel423]

Whomever on here saying Ace is underrated is whack!!! Ace has held his own since day one and still can with anybody today. He is a rare gem... Probably the best realist emcee that ever did it. Simple but Complicated...

[@dankoner420]

When you say someone is underrated you are saying you think they are good, but never got as much recognition as they deserved. It's not an insult.

[@Flush75]

We were boppin' to Masta Ace in the club, late-night in Augsburg Germany (Club Alexis > DJ Paolo) back in 1993/4 - - BEST TIME OF MY LIFE - - Nothing since has even remotely compared... Wish I could go back and stay there frfr (the BEST era: Black Sheep, Cypress Hill, Das EFX, EPMD, Masta Ace, A Tribe Called Quest, Black Moon & everything Boot Camp Click, KRS One, Jeru Tha Damaja... MAN THAT WAS SUCH A SPECIAL TIME > before everyone wanted to be a gangsta/drug dealer/murderer - - Hip-Hop wasn't a death cult back then)

[@Antonio-Montan]

Ace and Action, Juice Crew and it just kept getting better from there.

[@shnorakalyutsun]

I love Masta Ace so much, his music really helped me in my toughest & darkest moments.

[@boogiedownnyc]

"The anticipation, it's like standing on the corner in the cold and you can see the bus" Masta Ace

[@CrassZorro]

Refinement of a storyteller.

[@recluse.4331]

An unbelievably underrated and under appreciated poet. I hope he knows what he’s given to hip hop.

[@doommega]

one of our greatest - the great masta ace