It’s not often in hip hop that you witness a performance that resonates in its grandiosity with such evocative brilliance that you’re left on a high after the gig winds up. So here’s my quick rundown! You’ll be reassured of the fact that Masta Ace has been acknowledged as one of hip hop’s great pioneers and influential luminaries when you witness his show, as it’ll be one of the most momentous and inspiring occasions. And it was. I can only say this with conviction after catching him at last Saturday’s gig, as he has never been to these shores prior to this.
With a repertoire spanning almost two decades, first recognised on the admired Symphony track back in 1988 with fellow Juice crew members DJ Polo, Craig G, Kool G Rap and Big Daddy Kane, Ace can boast an expansive career and has engraved his kudos cavernously into hip hop history. Ace was supported by DJ Flo Fader behind the decks, who reacted impeccably to the rabid requests of the crowd. Ace was also accompanied by Wordsworth and Striklin, who in my opinion are two of the finest contemporary MCs to grace the mic, who along with Ace make up three quarters of the vehemently symbiotic amalgam known as EMC. The remaining member Punchline must have missed his plane again!
The show started out with Stricklin onstage rapping by himself then joining Ace as the obviously well known track Beautiful rang out. They then drew the corwd into a theatrical ‘Juice Crew Trivia’ caper, directing Flo Fader to play snippets of certain old-school anthems and then Ace would seek a response from the crowd, cutting in to the aforementioned Symphony on the last of the snippets, with a justified response.
When Wordsworth joined them onstage, a highly elated audience greeted him passionately as he exploded into his signature dispersal of quick witted, incisive and astute linguistics. Wordsworth is in a league of his own, a dexterous lyricist and anyone who has seen him perform knows of his prodigious skill. Together the three worked inexplicably, collaborating on a bevy of exuberantly received tracks, such as the classic soundtrack exhibit Crooklyn Dodgers and Me &The Biz from his first album Take A Look Around. We also heard No Regrets and Block Episode off his revered Disposable Arts LP, Brooklyn Massala and Good Ol’ Love from his 2004 album A Long Hot Summer and Nostalgia off of Marco Polo’s Port Authority release. Stricklin shone solo on Da Grind and Uprise, requested by some cats up the front. These were just some of the offerings we heard during the evening, from the sharp and clever lyricists whose panache is refreshing and unparalleled.
The trio strongly evinced their charisma on their efflorescent, eponymous track What it Stand For. Ace left the stage, and then returned shortly after I had lost my voice with a successful attempt to get him back on again. They played for a further 20 mins and were thanked heartily for it. I went and bought some vinyl and CDs to get signed by the triad, and luckily enough got to meet all three. Only disappointment I had was not being able to verbalize enthusiastically enough (due to sleep deprivation) the impact they’ve had on me, and my great love for their music. Everyone present will agree it was a truly unique and evocative experience. No doubt these experts will continue making classics!
