Long Hot Summer
A veteran from the late '80s, Masta Ace had an old soul even when he was young. As far back as 1993'sSlaughtahouse, Ace was backlashing against gangsta posturing and fake thuggery--before it became trendy to do so. His career has been uneven (if not invisible) during the past decade, butA Long Hot Summeris the dark-horse candidate for the season: a well-crafted concept album that has Ace spreading stoop wisdom. He's sentimental, to be sure, but not overwrought or ironic; his is a more meditative, relaxed attitude, matched by his smooth flow. His production team goes international, with French and even Eastern European beat-makers joining in, and they lay down a jazzydelic vibe that complements Ace's reflective manner. Ace claims that he's retiring after this album, but if it's his swan song,A Long Hot Summeris a fine, fitting closure to a career that has been rejuvenated in its autumn years.--Oliver Wang