A Long Hot Summer: Masta Ace doesn't go out with a bang, but Nuclear Winter

Basically it's like this...

2004 has been a whack year for hip-hop. Yeah, I'm sure you noticed. Bunch of bullshit came out this year which has honestly made me sick. Yeah, you got your tight albums and your crap, and a few albums have gotten nice ratings and are replayable, but the crap has consumed it all. All of this G-Unit garbage, Krunk horseshit and bouncy teenage rappers are making me want to turn into a vigilante. Even the good albums are either overrated, or saturated, and nothing has really captured my imagination completely... until now...

In 2001, a seemingly retired and fallen off Masta Ace returned with Disposable Arts, which is a near-classic and also managed to prove that Ace was one of the illest emcees ever. Just when nobody thought that Ace had anything up his sleeve, he's back to drop what will be known in my opinion as 2004's best album (thusfar), A Long Hot Summer. When the news dropped that Masta Ace was retiring and that this would be his final album, I was immediately saddened. Granted when some jerkoff like Jay-Z or Ja-Rule announce retirement, I never give a shit, but this time, it hit me. However, nothing... and I mean NOTHING, could've prepared me for what I was going to get with Masta Ace's final album.

Fact is, A Long Hot Summer is everything that the Black Album should've been. The retrospection about his career, the unbelievable production, singing, song-writing, emceeing... everything is sublime and at the highest level. My own idiotic words can't describe just what the hell I was feeling when I listened to this album, and though I've only owned it for a few days, I have listened to it about seven to eight times. The last album that honestly recieved this much play so quickly was the classic ATLiens, and its funny that this album has unleashed the same feelings within me that the Outkast once did, and that is something that few LPs can possibly accomplish. There are almost no wasted moments here, as even the skits serve a purpose to set up for Masta Ace's ultimate goal. This is it. The End. The Final Moments of Masta Ace. And he wanted to make sure he went out not just with a bang, but with nuclear winter...



Track List & Rating

1. The Count (NOT RATED)
2. Big City (5 Stars)
3. Good Ol' Love (5 Stars)
4. Fat's Belvedere (NOT RATED)
5. Da Grind f/ Apocalypse (5 Stars)
6. H.O.O.D (5 Stars)
7. The Stoop (NOT RATED)
8. Beautiful (5 Stars)
9. F.A.Y. f/ Strick (5 Stars)
10. Fat's Crib (NOT RATED)
11. Soda and Soap f/ Jean Grae (5 Stars)
12. Do It Man f/ Big Noyd (4 Stars)
13. Brooklyn Masada f/ Leschea (5 Stars)
14. The Proposition (NOT RATED)
15. Travelocity f/ Punch n Words (4 Stars)
16. The Ways (5 Stars)
17. Wutuwanko f/ Ed Og (5 Stars)
18. The After Party (NOT RATED)
19. Oh My God f/ Beatnuts and Rahzel (4 Stars)
20. Cellmate (NOT RATED)
21. Revelations (5 Stars)
22. Outtakes (Bonus Track) (NOT RATED)




The basic theme that A Long Hot Summer emcompasses is the fact that it basically chronicles the story of Masta Ace as a youth, living his life within the streets and growing up along the way having the story told through the skits and the music. Fans of Sticky's Black Trash should easily remember the extended storytelling here, and Ace accomplishes it. Every song acts as a chapter and reveals a new story in the long, hot summer. However, the interesting thing that I have particularly realized after a few spins is that the "long hot summer" that surrounds Ace's street-smart storytelling is in fact a metaphor for his "long hot" rap career, ending with the powerful closing song to put a wrap on his whole career. In fact, almost every single topic having to do with hip-hop and rapping is covered here in some way shape or form in each track. This album is best heard without even touching the skip button, so that you can absorb everything and actually "click" with the story through it's various skits and music.

Oh by the way... this bitch is loooooooong... so be prepared for an epic, yet fulfilling review.

"Big City" is a strong opener, but still manages to leave the album open for the strong, classic songs that are still to come on this LP.

Our story begins amongst the twilight of the inner city streets, with a car alarm going of as a sign of the crimes that go on in the inner city. The true brilliance of course lies in Masta Ace's ability to use an extended metaphor (which he will use for the remainder of the album). Cleverly disguised as a Nas-like street-poetry song with a little bit of socio-political messages, Ace begins his storytelling here explaining that his career began from absolutely nothing living in the big city. The whole trick here is how Ace constantly uses metaphors, yet manages to be conscious and intelligent, and at times make you think all at once until at the end he will reveal to the smart listener his true intentions: "To beat 'em at their own game"... meaning rapping. Maybe I'm nuts, but I truly believe this is true. Beatwise, Dug Infinite produces a nice trumpet oriented, light-hearted and bouncy beat to boot the album off on the right track.

9th Wonder is in my opinion, the best new producer out there (Kanye can eat a dick). Naturally, a 9th Wonder collabo with the soulful Masta Ace would be a dream come true, and indeed comes to a reality with "Good Ol' Love", the lead single. A retrospective track which finds Masta Ace being a tad bit melancholy with his antics, rapping about wanting a "good old love" in his life, which isn't a female, but hip-hop. Masta Ace wants to be respected and he spills his guts on here, as well as his thirst for old school hip-hop which many heads can agree with. Now I know you're going to have your new-age sissies claiming that '96 is over and that synthesized vaporizers and crushed soda can beats are the future... whatever... allow me to shit AROUND the toilet this time.

"Da Grind" is a concept that I really wish Jay-Z would've done on Black Album, as it would've helped to complete his career, and made the album much more versatile (it's an hour of bragging... c'mon). Basically, Masta Ace explains exactly how hip-hop is to the youths who are trying to get into the culture by basically spitting retrospection about how it was for him. Masta Ace preaches about how "the rap game is not a game", and how money is the root of all evil. Ace is such a good writer that every single line he spits out has something special and teaches a new lesson. Ace delves into the tough life that is to come and how heart can put you through anything, including hip-hop... or maybe any goal. But don't get me wrong, this isn't preachy, but it's intelligent, as Ace spills his guts on the topic so that you can listen. Beat-wise, Khrysis delivers a classic beat with a beautiful scaling violin and piano loop which is mesmerizing to the listener, and will instantly force you to push rewind.

I still can't stop listening...

Since sped-up samples seem to be the new thing to do (Kanye and Jus Blaze), producer Dams attempts it and actually does it right on "H.O.O.D.". The sped-up soul samples actually provide the melody themselves, as the drum and bass loop are implimented and stripped down to a T. I'm sure many won't like it, but I'm personally feeling it. Subject matter-wise, this song indeed bares a resemblance to a Jay-Z-type joint, with expressive street poetry spat by Masta Ace. The title gives the subject matter pretty much away, as Ace spits about the ghetto. Yes, it's been done, but personally I don't give a shit, because this is damn beautiful. Ace spits these lyrics out with emotion, passion, and feeling, which is something almost nobody can duplicate no matter how many gimmicks you want to use. After describing the hood, on the final verse Ace pays respect to the place where he came from and basically explains to people not to ever forget their roots. Once again, since Ace is leaving us, I don't see why he shouldn't explain exactly how it really is.

Dammit... I LOVE THIS CD! I mean... wow... THIS IS GREAT!!!!

Perhaps no other song this decade has had a more fitting title than "Beautiful". Well, that's just what the fuck this is.... BEAUTIFUL DAMMIT. The beat is simply gorgeous, with a soothing flute sample mixed with soft trumpets and violin, as well as a high-keyed drum loop to give the song that easy listening, almost prophetically eerie feel. Koolade Croatia is a brilliant producer, and he proves it here. The echoing background samples in the song bring chills to your bones as you listen to this, and the music is just so good that it inspires you to do anything, and I am not making this up. Subject matter-wise, the song once again shows Masta Ace's true love for the culture and artform that is hip-hop, showing that you honestly DO NOT have to become a musician JUST to make money. Masta Ace uses some of the most ingenius metaphors I have ever heard (sometimes keeping them for entire verses) to describe his perfect hip-hop utopia... which unfortunately will probably never happen. This song is a favorite of mine, and many of my friends, and I can guarantee you that you will be rewinding this one over, and over, and over, and over...

Simply brilliant...

Interestingly enough, Masta Ace finds time to explore all sides of his personality, sort of like how he did on the last album. Its quite interesting that this next song is the EXACT opposite of the last one, showing Ace's true brilliance in his ability to show all sides of an argument, which makes me love this even more. "F.A.Y." finds us being introduced to a much more angry Masta Ace. When I initially viewed this track listing and realized that this was produced by DR Period, I frowned. A man who is famous for producing for Snoop, The Diplomats, and some M.O.P. couldn't possibly fit with Masta at all.... wrong. Even though DR Period isn't a producer whom I favor too much, he delivers here. The melodic synthesizer and bouncy beat brings us the fabled resurrection of true G-Funk music, setting the mood for Masta Ace and fellow label-member Strick to spit their angry flow. Their targets? Motherfucking commercial rap. Strick and Ace spit venomous lyrics about their complete frustration with the state of hip-hop, dropping the names of several artists, products, and television shows that are ruining hip-hop, and I agree with him. Anybody who has love for hip-hop should easily fall in love with this song.

For this particular lyric sample, here is Ace's character discovering the true evils of the mainstream side of rap: "To all you mean predators, and magazine editors, Same ones that jetted us and put niggas ahead of us, I'm a mad dog who sits in the dark, I'm fixin to bark watchin 106th and Park, what a mess, I guess, I'm so distressed, turn on the radio and I get more depressed, no wonder why I'm kinda bitter, Strick told me I should quit player hatin but fuck it I'm not a quitter, had a few cats betray me, try to play me, Bailiff try to blame me, fuck you pay me, if ya'll could ya'll would finish me... thats why this finger here is for everybody in the industry"

YES TELL THEM ACE!!!!! DAMMIT ITS SO TRUE!!!!! HOW CAN YOU NOT LOVE THIS?

And oh... you think I'm finished? You think that this album has enough classics? Nope... ya wrong.

"Soda and Soap" is brilliant, plain and simple. DJ Spinna's mellow-ass xylophone beat is a pleasure to listen to as it's melodic and offers enough pep you keep your head nodding. Granted, the beat is unbelievable, it's the lyrics that are the most genius. As the title hints at, Masta Ace, joined by the excellent Jean Grae, uses some of the most incredible metaphors ever, all revolving around soft drinks, such as Fanta, Pepsi, Minute Maid, etc. I'll just keep it short this time... brilliant. Ace has more talent dripping from the tip of his penis forehead than Jay-Z has in his entire body... sad but true.

The awesome subject matter oriented music continues with "Brooklyn Masala", yet another classic for Ace to add to his collection. Ace returns to his poetic storytelling, as he re-enacts a tale told about falling in love with a brooklyn girl on his rise to the top... yeah and my name is Duck Daffy. Once again I will say that Masta Ace is one step ahead of Planet Earth on this song... yes, it's an extended metaphor. Of course you've got your skeptical idiots not believing me... but maybe if you listen to the god-forsaken song more than once you'd get it. Okay, sorry. Anyways, Masta Ace isn't talking about some girl... nooooooooooo... he's talking about his home... plain and simple. The "Brooklyn Masala" he raps about is his home town, spitting about everything that it means to him within his heart. All of the references to the various places that he visits with this fictional female are there to simply pay homage to where he came from and that now that he's retired, he has still never forgotten his roots. Simply beautiful. Sorry bitches, but I'm saying the word: Classic.

Ace's descriptions on living the hip-hop life takes a turn into darkness with "The Ways". Thusfar, Masta Ace has dropped knowledge on commercialism, returning to your roots, being honorable, trustworthy, and always keeping your head up high. On this song, Ace gets a bit more serious in rapping about how far too often in these days the streets are brought into the studio and life begins to imitate art. The violence factor is brought in, finding Ace spilling his guts about everything he has seen, from the gun-toting executive producers and rappers, to the infamous Vanilla Ice / Suge Knight hotel room incident, to P. Diddy's beating of Steve Stoute. Bottom line is, there is a darker side to hip-hop, and Ace is here to tell us about it.

A Long Hot Summer gets a bit more personal on "Wutuwanko", speaking to the fans and finally cleaning out his closet and confessing on various rumors that have circulated his career, such as his turn to the west coast, his bullshit beef with Ghostface Killah, and his argument with Marley Marl. Emcee Ed Og joins Masta Ace with his honest and expressive verse about various rumors that have also circulated his career, albeit not as long and allustrious as Ace's career. The hook on here is tight, and the beat (produced by Dug Infinite) has a tight-ass piano loop which is minimalistic and fun to hear.

The moment has sadly come. Masta Ace's final song... perhaps his magnum opus. In wrapping up everything that he has accomplished in his career as well as on this album, "Revelations" is perhaps the most fitting conclusion to a rap career that anyone could ask for. Masta Ace decides to man the boards with an assortment of melancholy guitar plucks backed by a thumping bassline to provide one of the best beats I have ever heard on this entire album, and possibly this whole year. On a side note, I find it kind of funny that Eminem has produced over fifty beats and almost all of them suck, yet Ace has just started manning the boards and provides a better beat than almost anything Em has done thusfar, which shows you a lot about the talent and goals of the two individuals. Anyways, Ace's lyrics are the real focal point here, spilling every single thought inside of his gut for the listener, basically thanking his fans who always stayed behind him and never let him down. Ace expresses his true love for hip-hop, and that even though he isn't a popular megastar, as long as he's got his pen and pad, he's happy, which is exactly what I was talking about in regards to loving music as a form of art ("I'm in this rat race tryin' to eat the cheese, but ya'll dont know my name like Alicia Keys"). His frustration is spilled at last, with memorable lines like "and I dont need no magazine to reach the pinnacle, screw reviewin, ya'll can eat the interview", he expresses the fact that he's happy with his career and now he's done... sadly.

I don't give a shit what anybody says, A Long Hot Summer is the best album of 2004 so far, and could wind up being THE best. I've been having a lot of personal problems at home and mental stress, and A Long Hot Summer is the thing in god knows how long that has actually made me smile and forget about my problems if only temporary. I'm sure few will grow to appreciate the album on the same plateau that I have, and that is no crime at all. However, when music actually manages to spiritually loosen the lasso that the devil has around your neck... that my friends is irreplacable.

This music is about EMOTION. Think about what your favorite songs are (and this applies to ALL music fans)? It's not a bunch of synthesizers and hard lyrics... nope... it's EMOTION. YOU CAN FEEL THE DAMN SONG. Fact is, the best music out there is meant to instill emotion. Happiness, Sadness, Anger, Love, Hate, everything. Things that make you smile. The greatest, most classic songs ever are built on honesty and emotion. Certain songs that make you LIGHT UP when you hear them... THAT my friends is Long Hot Summer.

Masta Ace delivers everything dope lyrically, with great subject matter, and excellent production. Everything on the album means something, including the skits even. It's quite amazing that Ace's magnum opus just happens to be his farewell album and it's sad, but also happy because he left us with a magnificent piece of hip-hop history in what could be a future classic, and I don't give a rat's ass if you like that word or not son. This is essential listening, so on August 3rd, buy a copy or rot...

5 Stars





SIMILAR ALBUMS

Masta Ace - Disposable Arts

Little Brother - The Listening

Last Emperor - Music, Magic, and Myth

Masta Killa - No Said Date