Top tracks — play these first
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I Got Ta — This track stands out for its infectious hook and narrative-driven lyrics that encapsulate the struggles and aspirations of urban life, resonating strongly with listeners.
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Me and the Biz — Featuring a playful exchange with Biz Markie, this track highlights Masta Ace's clever wordplay and showcases his ability to blend humor with serious themes.
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As I Reminisce — This reflective piece captures Masta Ace's introspective side, as he reminisces about past experiences while weaving intricate rhymes that invite listener engagement.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Masta Ace's debut showcases strong storytelling and genre blending, though it lacks some cohesion in its flow.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of narrative-driven lyrics, with storytelling elements present in nearly every track.
- Several tracks incorporate live instrumentation, blending funk and jazz elements into the hip-hop beats.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady storytelling with sharp lyrics
- vibrant beats for reflective moments
- ideal for urban exploration
- great for late-night drives
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1990, Take a Look Around was Masta Ace's debut album, positioning him as a key voice in East Coast hip-hop. Following his work with the Juice Crew, this album marked his first solo effort, showcasing his lyrical prowess and unique narrative style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Black Moon· Buckshot· J-Live
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Music Man 4:03
- 2 I Got Ta 4:23
- 3 Letter to the Better (remix) 3:15
- 4 Me and the Biz 5:12
- 5 The Other Side of Town 4:56
- 6 Ace Iz Wild 4:52
- 7 Four Minus Three 3:56
- 8 Can’t Stop the Bumrush 5:04
- 9 Movin’ On 4:31
- 10 Brooklyn Battles 3:53
- 11 Maybe Next Time 4:40
- 12 Postin’ High 4:54
- 13 As I Reminisce 5:06
- 14 Take a Look Around 4:30
- 15 Together 5:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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