By Malice Intended
Rap’s “Golden era” was a glorious and productive period in Hip-Hop’s development. It produced its fair share of crossover hits and mainstream stars, but also yielded a number of artists who toiled in the underground and continued to evolve and refine their craft in unique ways. The latter’s road to success was gradual and low key, built on a foundation of consistency and artistic innovation.
Masta Ace started out as a member of the fabled Juice Crew All Stars. Though he didn’t achieve the mainstream acceptance of fellow members Big Daddy Kane and Biz, he spent his post Juice Crew career amassing critical raves for well crafted concept albums such as Disposable Arts. Ed O.G. earned himself a place in the hearts of rap fans instantly with classic cuts like “I Got to Have It” and “Be a Father to Your Child” back 1991. Masta Ace and Ed O.G. have combined their considerable talents to bring us their first release as a Duo, Arts and Entertainment.
Things get off to a lively start with “Hands High” produced by M-Phazes. The pounding drums and keyboard bass line suit the robust lyrical delivery, but the chorus leaves a little to be desired. “Fans”, produced by and featuring Large Professor is a dedication to those who have supported Masta Ace and Ed O.G. from Jump. Extra P provides an elegant backdrop complete with synthesized keys and bass line that recalls the best of his early 90’s output.
“Little Young” is an amusing variation on an old standard: Underground rappers bemoaning the state of mainstream Rap. Masta Ace and Ed O.G. express bemusement over the amount of rappers with the designations such as “lil” and “Young” in their monikers. The piano loop underlines the perceived silliness of the gimmickry being lampooned.
The album produces it’s first true gem with the DJ Supreme One produced “Reminds Me”. The looped sample, which contains high-pitched soulful vocals over Disco like violins, sets a mood that automatically puts the listener in reminisce mode. Ace and Ed O.G. ride the beat with ease. The LP continues its winning streak with the DJ Spinna produced “Good Music” featuring Posdnuos. The Keyboards create a serene and hypnotic atmosphere, and Pos is in rare form.
“Over There” produced by M-Phazes makes great use of soft crooning which is looped to repeat the title of the song. The Breezy feel of the track carries Ace and Ed O.G.’s vocals in a smooth fashion. “Round And Round”, produced by DJ Supreme One, interpolates the instantly recognizable drums from Mtume’s “Juicy Fruit”. The track features Doitall sounding more hungry and coherent than he ever did as a member of Lordz Of The Underground.
The Frank Dukes produced “Ei8ht Is Enuff” is a real treat for underground fans. It has Masta Ace and Ed O.G. dropping eight bars a piece, back to back. There isn’t a hook or a bridge in sight. Just Ace and Edo doing what they do best over a 70’s sounding sample. “Here I Go Again” finds Ace and Edo G reminiscing on the high and low points of their respective careers, backed by minimalist drums and a piano loop that suits the mood of the subject matter perfectly.
The albums low points are problematic without being complete misfires. “Pass The Mic” features KRS-One in a characteristically aggressive lyrical display over a rather pedestrian track provided by Double O. The set closes out with the humorous “Dancing Like A White Girl” produced by Pav Bundy and featuring Chester French. The subject matter is admittedly hilarious, and the execution is suitably silly. Unfortunately, the song has no replay value and exists mainly as a novelty.
In all, Arts and Entertainment is a mostly successful collaboration between two golden era vets. Masta Ace and Ed O.G. might seem like an unlikely pairing, but they have an unexpected chemistry together. Ed’s gruff and aggressive delivery compliments Ace’s subdued, punchline laden flow nicely. Both artists stick to their strengths and the project benefits from it. These two work well together, and hopefully Arts and Entertainment points to a long lasting and fruitful partnership.
3.5 out of 5
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