Masta Ace Cont...
Royalty Magazine: You've worked with the Juice Crew, the Crooklyn Dodgers, the Incorporated Crew as well as EMC. You've also been on a couple different labels during your time. How would you compare crews now to crews back then? With over 20 years in the music industry (under your belt), what are some DO's & DONT's you have learned throughout your career? Any advice to upcoming artists? What would you say to someone who has a vision but has no major label backing or support?
Masta Ace: I think that what you see now is what I would call "stripped down crews". Back then dudes was rolling with eight to ten dudes, trying to put everyone on the album or the album cover. It was about having a posse. That's different now. You don't have the ability to do that now. You may roll with security. They're not trying to brand everyone. It's usually like one or two dudes who get the notice. As far as do's and don'ts, DO NOT take this game lightly. DO NOT get a big head because it ends very quickly. I've seen a lot of dudes come in red hot and leave ice cold. My advice would be to be yourself, be who you are. Don't try to be another artist. Try to figure out who you are and rap about yourself. Be honest. Don't be afraid to say that you're broke.
Royalty Magazine: Any last words, comments or shot outs? Anything you want to touch basis on that we haven't already? Any misconceptions about anything that you would like to clear up?
Masta Ace: Definitely want to shout out M3 Hip-Hop. All my people down with EMC. Wordsworth, Strickland, Punchline, my man Marco Polo, Toure. Anyone who has ever rocked with me. The Bundys, my man Pav Bundy and hip-hop heads everywhere.
Royalty Magazine: How can people keep up with you and/or check out your music? What sites or radio stations can people catch you on?
Masta Ace: Mastaace.com, Twitter @mastaace. You can check me out there.
Royalty Magazine: Much Love & Respect. Thank you for your time and thank you for keeping it 100!
Masta Ace: Thank you.
Interview Courtesy of TazDatMC for Royalty Magazine
Transcribed & edited by Lucius Black