Mase raps again
By Garth Milan
Summer Forty-Niner
At a time when many hardcore rappers have started to make fun of Ma$e
and his musical influence Sean “Puffy” Combs, Ma$e returns to the rap scene
with his smooth second album, “Double Up.”
Following the multi-platinum success of his chart topping debut album,
“Harlem World,” Ma$e took a break from writing songs.
During this break, members of other rap groups like “The Wu-Tang Clan”
began to criticize Ma$e and Combs, saying that their lyrics and lifestyle
were not considered true to hip-hop.
Ma$e answered his criticism with fresh concentrated lyrics on his new
album.
Leaving many of his previousthemes behind, Ma$e makes a powerful
impression on listeners with his sophomore album.
Sleek, slick, sometimes-witty and sometimes-deadly -- serious, Ma$e
covers a wide spectrum, from the menacing no-holds-barred attitude
of “F-- Me, No F-- U “ to uplifting hip-hop dance tracks such as “Get Ready.”
Many popular musicians contribute to the album including Blackstreet,
Puff Daddy, and Funkmaster Flex. This diversity helps the album sound
a bit more balanced.
His first album is a hard act to follow, yet Ma$e proves he still has
what it takes to make a great album with “Double Up.”
The CD has a great sound, candid lyrics and a smooth flow that leaves
listeners with another good impression from Ma$e. |