With his acclaimed 2001 release
Disposable Arts, veteran MC
Masta Ace proved himself a master -- no pun intended -- of the concept LP, stringing the story of a recently released convict back in the world over 24 engrossing tracks. Ever since,
Ace's full-length efforts (2004's
A Long Hot Summer as well as 2008's
The Show with his group eMC), have followed suit, with each individual track acting as an extension of a central narrative. Seen in this light, Arts and Entertainment -- a 50/50 collabo LP with
Edo G -- is a bit of a step back. The A & E ("Ace & Ed") shtick proves extremely malleable and finds new life in each song, while the album itself is framed by the concept of a TV-addicted couple glued to the tube. From start to finish, the two old-timers show that the passing years haven't done anything to dull their mike skills. The opening track, "Hands High," is a lively, party-oriented banger. From there, the duo gets a tad righteous alongside the
Large Professor on "Fans," a DJ Supreme One-produced love letter to hip-hop fanatics. On "A's & E's," Ace and Ed let loose an impressive barrage of alliteration-fueled verses, while the snarky "Little Young" sees the two seasoned vets running down a thorough list of all the hip-hop artists who utilize "Little" and "Young" in their stage names. Elsewhere, they indulge in memory lane reminiscing on the soulful "Reminds Me," the heartfelt "Here I Go," and the true-school revivalist "Over There." Ace and Ed even try their hand at hipster-hop alongside Chester French and Pav Bundy on the over-the-top album closer "Dancin' Like a White Girl." Consistently above-bar production from the likes of
M-Phazes,
Frank Dukes, Rain, and
Double O of Kidz in the Hall combined with intelligent lyricism from a pair of MC legends make Arts and Entertainment a must for hip-hop purists.