If you didn't know, Masta Ace is a hip-hop legend. The 30-year vet is responsible for some absolute classic albums (Disposable Arts and Long Hot Summer come to mind), and now, the ageless wonder is back with a brand-new album, The Falling Season, that—like everything he's ever touched on the solo grind—is another that's going to further solidify the status he has. The body of work—his fifth solo album—takes on the same type of theatrical theme we found on his past albums (there are multiple skits throughout), but this time, we're led through 24 tracks that follow a young Masta Ace during his high school days. Concept-wise, it's cool to hear Ace take this kind of creative approach to the album, but sonically and lyrically is where The Falling Season really wins. From highlights like Your Old Droog-featuring "3000 Avenue X" and the lead single, "Young Black Intelligent", we're reminded that no matter what you're age is, if your heart is still in the work you do, retiring is never an option at all. Below, find our favorites from the record, and if you'd like to hear the rest of it, and/or purchase it, you can do so on Bandcamp now.
Masta Ace