Masta Ace – Take A Look Around (2xCD) (1990-2007) (FLAC + 320 kbps)

The debut full-length from Masta Ace, and only one with the Juice Crew (with whom he rapped on “The Symphony”), Take a Look Around is as much a testament to Marley Marl and DJ Mister Cee’s production as it as to the very able rhyming skills of the collegiate-looking Ace. Though the album never gave the MC the success that other Juice Crew members — including Big Daddy Kane, to whom he is often compared — had, it’s still a great representation of what early hip-hop was and could be, both light-hearted (“Can’t Stop the Bumrush,” “Me and the Biz,” which, contrary to popular belief, does not feature Mr. Markie, but instead an impersonation by Masta Ace) and socially aware (“The Other Side of Town,” “I Got Ta”), confident without being ridiculous (seen, for example, in “Letter to the Better,” which was also the B-side to his first single, “Together,” also included here). It’s not groundbreaking stuff, but it’s consistent and a lot of fun, high-quality rap that shows off the Brooklyn MC’s easygoing flow and storytelling skills, a solid hour of music without any filler, and a definite must-have for any fans of golden age hip-hop.

CD1:

01. Music Man
02. I Got Ta
03. Letter To The Better (Remix)
04. Me And The Biz
05. The Other Side Of Town
06. Ace Iz Wild
07. Four Minus Three
08. Can’t Stop The Bum Rush
09. Movin’ On
10. Brooklyn Battles
11. Maybe Next Time
12. Postin’ High
13. As I Reminisce
14. Take A Look Around
15. Together

Download CD1:

FLAC – Wayshare

320 kbps – Wayshare

CD2:

01. Go Where I Send Thee
02. Music Man (Ext. Version)
03. Movin’ On (RMX)
04. Letter To The Better (Original 12′ Version)
05. Me & The Biz (Ext. Version)
06. Music Man (Mic Master Mix)
07. Togehter (Radio Edit)
08. Music Man (Dub)
09. Music Man (Bonus Beats)
10. Letter To The Better (Instr.)
11. I Got Ta (Instr.)
12. Movin’ On (RMX Instr.)

Download CD2:

FLAC – Wayshare

320 kbps – Wayshare