Talib Kweli & Masta Ace On 'Disposable Arts,' Rakim, Eminem, Doom, 'Crooklyn' | People's Party Full 

TIME STAMPS: 3:36 -- The show begins with a bar of Ace's exemplifying the kind of rhyme schemes that shaped Talib's evolution as an emcee and Ace shares how Rakim's innovation of the genre impacted him when he arrived on scene. They also discuss Ace's history with Lord Finesse as well as the story behind how, 'Crooklyn Dodgers' for the 1994 Spike Lee joint, 'Crooklyn' came together, and how the first recording of the song didn't make the cut. 8:03 -- Ace's Brownsville, Brooklyn upbringing is discussed, and his being fully immersed in the early stages of hip hop, as well as everyone involved being unaware of how pivotal those years would be for the future of popular culture. They also get into Ace going to Brooklyn's Sheepshead Bay High School, and how joining the football team got him a pass from getting chased by the bat wielding thugs terrorizing the rest of the school. 13:54 -- Ace speaks on his long-time love for football leading to his becoming a high school coach himself for 11 years and how he did his best to keep his identity as one of Brooklyn's premier emcees under wraps from all the players. They also discuss the first rap contest that Ace entered himself in, in 1986 and how he won the crowd over with his punch-lines and custom drums he had just layed down during his train ride to the event. 17:57 -- Ace is asked for his take on how the Juice Crew's iconic record, 'The Symphony' was born. They explore how Ace being Craig G's ride to the studio turned into his being asked by Marley Marl to warm up the mic for the rest of the crew, and how that landed him a spot on the song as well as a place on the Cold Chillin' roster. They go on to discuss why 1988 is the best year in hip hop, and how a young Ol' Dirty Bastard got himself kicked off the Cold Chillin' tour. 24:15 -- Ace talks about what led to his mother kicking him out of the house right before his first album was set to drop. They also get the impact of Ace's debut, 'Take A Look Around' on Talib and in retrospect, how Ace feels about that specific record and time in his career. They also touch on one of Ace's earliest conceptual songs, 'Me and the Biz' and how so many were fooled into thinking that Ace's voiced impression of Biz was actually him. 29:00 -- Ace's song, 'Jeep Ass N*gga' is discussed and how the record was inspired by his high school friend installing stereo systems and LL Cool J's 'The Boomin' System.' That song illustrating those times of cruising the streets, trying to turn heads with the loudest bass. They discuss how Ace got deeper into car culture after visiting LA, as well as how he felt after hearing how much Eminem was influenced by the 'SlaughtaHouse' album. 33:55 -- Ace is asked about his stating how, 'Sittin' On Chrome' was his "compromise album" for Delicious Records. He breaks down how he felt at the time when the executives there were pushing Ace to follow the current trends that Dre's 'The Chronic' had put in motion. They get into the mistakes made by the label that hindered it's success, the backlash from fans labelling him a sell-out, and Ace feeling his art was compromised. 37:12 -- Ace speaks on getting picked up by Big Beat Records after leaving Delicious and how the situation there seemed all-too-familiar with a label leading him in the direction of the trending R&B-laden songs of the Bad Boy-era. They also discuss Ace's being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, his keeping the condition close to the vest for 13 years, as well as the impact of what he hails as the most important album of his career, 'Disposable Arts.' 43:29 -- Ace talks about how he originally linked up with his good friend, Power, when he needed a reliable driver for the eMC tour. They discuss the eMC era of Ace's career, forming the group with an original line-up of Ace, Wordsworth, Stricklin, and Punchline. They also get into how his 2001 tour in the UK opened Ace's eyes to how many people still wanted to hear his music, leading to the penning of 'Disposable Arts.' 47:36 -- Talib speaks on how much he relates to Ace's record, 'Take A Walk' as a New Yorker dealing with gypsy cab drivers on a daily basis. They go on to explore the honesty of 'Dear Diary' as Ace is asked to break down the concept for that record and they also dig into the notable bar of, 'Say your best written sh*t and school 'em like daycare' and how it points to the evolution of where battle rap was going at the time. 51:48 -- Ace's song with Jean Grae, 'Soda & Soap' is brought up as he explains how the song was originally intended for Will Smith and breaks down the concept of that record. They go on to discuss Ace and Marco Polo's 'A Breukelen Story', that album's themes leaning into Marco's life, and also get into how the MF Doom and Masta Ace project, 'MA Doom: Son of Yvonne' came to fruition after Ace was blown away by Doom's, 'Special Herbs.' 1:00:18 -- Ace is asked to unpack his song, 'Home in America' with it's tackling of the multi-generational impact of systemic racism in America. They go on to discuss Ace's working on a hip hop musical based on his albums 'Disposable Arts,' 'Long Hot Summer,' and 'The Falling Season,' as well as Black Thought's work with Lin-Manuel Miranda on his own musical. Finally we hear what's next for Masta Ace.

Truly an honor to produce music for both of these musical juggernauts.

Ace is one of the most slept-on as well as consistent mc's in hip-hop history!

As soon as I saw Masta Ace did an interview, I hopped on it. As a 39 year old, Masta Ace is before my time. But Disposable Arts and Long Hot Summer are two of my favorite albums of his. He does not get the credit he deserves. Super talented.

Masta Ace has one of the best catalogs in hip hop history. Hands down very underrated. Glad to see his flowers are coming finally.

Master Ace is the hardest working man in Hip Hop. Still putting out dope albums and still touring. Not too many interviews with Ace. I’m very glad to hear this. Didn’t know he had MS. Truly a hip hop legend. Dope interview.

Ace is top five MC's for me. His creativity has always been on point and that joint him and Marco is a perfect album.

Disposable Arts is my ABSOLUTE GO-TO album when I'm trying to explain the power of hip-hop and the importance of lyricism

One of my ALL TIME Hip-Hop favorites! MASTA ACE 💐 🎤

Two of my favorite artists. Ace has been doper for longer than anyone else yet has.

Masta Ace is such a humble dude one of my favorite songs of all time is Crooklyn with him, Special Ed and Buckshot

"A Long Hot Summer" is also a classic. One of my favorite albums of all time

Great to see this legend get his flowers. One of the most consistent and (by some) underrated MCs of any generation. Salute!

51:49 Jean Grae. One of the purest literal "artists" in hip hop. Name doesn't get mentioned even close to enough.

“Ace the master, even when he face disaster” 🔥guest. Kweli shining a light on real hiphop

I’ve been a fan of Ace’s since the Symphony. I was in high school in Nassau Bahamas. Bought Marley’s In Control on cassette, yes cassette😃at Cody’s. Memorized Keep Your Eyes on the Prize and still know it to this day. When Take A Look Around came out, I bought that on cassette too. Happy for his longevity.

This man is so underrated.

88 was the most classic year in Hip-hop

The legendary Masta Ace! " Once you hear da capital A..."

Every summer I pull out Sittin’ on Chrome. It’s a must

I wish all musicians had the artistic integrity Ace has.

Masta Ace is DEFINITELY one of my FAVORITE ALL-TIME lyricists!!! His cadence/flow was/is DOPE; one of my FAVORITE tracks being TOGETHER!! Major SALUTE to him for giving homage to RAKIM(who is The LYRICAL G.O.A.T!!!) #LEGEND

I used to think Ace was from the west coast. Glad to see he's still doing the hip hop thing. Been listen to him since Born to Roll.

Much respect to Masta Ace, one of the best to ever bless the M I C. PEACE 7

Talib Kweli is spot-on about 1988. I bought so many cassettes that year, and I ran through a lot of batteries on my Walkman.

Sittin' on Chrome is my #4 favorite album of all time, behind LABCABINCALIFORNIA, Stakes is High and Midnight Marauders.

Working with Masta Ace is an honor. I've been blessed with the opportunity to be around Masta Ace when he recorded the show. Respect to my brutha

Masta Ace was always one of my favorites. Talib is the best podcast host in hop hop, period. The guy is respectful, very articulate, intelligent and a hip hop head. Love the show, no gimmicks, very informative and naturally flowing.

When this interview popped up I said, it must be my birthday!! (& it ain't even Libra season yet)! Lol Two of my favorite & most Gifted emcees chopping it up.This one here is a reminder of How much this HIPHOP culture means to me. A reason to keep carrying the torch. Masta Ace has contributed some of the most Thought provoking & banging music of any generation. I'm not quite sure what his secret is, but he is so consistently dope,his legendary emcee status is cemented in my book. Nuff Respect👊Go Brooklyn (DJ Kamakaze)🎧🐼

Infinite flowers!!! The distinct tone of his voice was in my ears all through junior high (Hudde on Nostrand ave), high schoo (Midwood HS on Bedford)l, and still bumpin today.

I hate that Sittin on Chrome was seen as a "sellout" album for Ace. That album is dope as hell and he still gave us bars on there with fire beats.

Great interview! Long Hot Summer is a timeless classic. I didn't know Ace was so into football, which explains why he made the trip to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013 when me and my crew, Keepers of the Art, Inc., brought him to Akron, OH to perform at the Keepers of the Art Music Showcase along with EPMD, Brand Nubian, Edo G., J-Live and Kid Capri.

I remember being back stage with Masta Ace in Chicago when Disposable Arts dropped. Me and Sleepy. He was talking to his hype man we were in another part of the room cracking jokes and chillin'. Then we were about to leave and Ace was like "Yo, ya'll leavin already?" I'll never miss hanging out with one of my fav emcees again. Especially for work. Same thing happen when I met Special Ed. I was at work and he was checking into the hotel I worked at. The lady at the front desk didn't even know who he was. I was about to spit "Crazy" from the Revelations album, but I didn't. Just gave him a pound and went back to work. All I have to do is meet Buckshot on some random now. Lol!

Legendary MC. Ace looking younger each year. Stay heathy Son of Ivonne and keep dropping those truly deep gems. "No regrets" has a completely different meaning now that I found out about the fact that you're dealing with MS. Stay strong!

Ace spits like he is sitting next to you effortless living legend 👏🏽👏🏽

One of the best MCs and Lyricist to touch the mic. Rap would not be what it is if not for MastaAce.

1988 and 1994 the best years in Hip-hop

Masta ace! One of my all time favorites

This is where it's at! Talib and Eris S. have always been an inspiration since i was about 19 years of age. 2009

Saw Masta Ace live last weekend in Germany. Great show, great talent!

For some reason I didn’t enjoy rap concerts anymore. Even R.A. and Paz weren’t so exciting. And then I went to Masta Ace for 14th time anticipating the same dissatisfaction, but this Guy brought me back into Hip-Hop

Masta Ace one of the all-time greats! He is the definition of consistent. I got to see him live once and his energy and performance were next level!

Ace is incredible one of the most great I’ve rappers I’ve heard in my life

One of the greatest rappers of all time. Thanks for this interview!

I can honestly say DISPOSABLE ARTS from what I have Listened to; is the most Underrated album of all times.. this man a Personal Fav Mic Wrecker who ever done it

I saw kweli and saw Masta Ace... It was over. I'm so glad this channel found me! 🔥

Great interview! Props to Kweli for getting Ace on here.....Luv this guy, true professional and a gentleman, also one of the best story tellers in hip-hop!

Masta Ace is real hop-hop since back in a days

Disposable Arts is his best album IMO and whats crazy is it came well over 10 years in to his career.... He got better and better, one of the few who did that from the Golden Era.

Man what a podcast. Hearing things like "lyricist lounge" "punch" "words"... The reason I fell in love with Hip Hop and Talib Kweli. Nice to hear the stories...

OMG! Such a great interview. Shout to the People's Party. Brother Talib. You did your thing. Im such a huge fan of Masta Ace. I'm so happy to hear that Ace and Polo are dropping another album this year. I played Brooklyn Story religiously. Salute!!!!

There is nobody better at this than Talib. Saluted

SHOUT OUT to Ace that's a good dude his music has always inspired me since 88'

Ace is in my top 10. Why? He’s realer to me than any MC. He knows why! 😎We chat open..

Masta Ace has always been one of the top MCs period. As authentic as they come. Pharoahe Monch also and was so glad to hear them both on Fight Song!

Masta Ace is my hero. All todays prominent lyricists are his sons. Please let Ace know there's someone literally on the other side of the globe worshipping his 21st century albums, knowing all the biggest tracks by heart, bumpin it all in my Toyota every summer in the heart of Siberia

I met ace a few months back. At a concert in a bowline alley in Portland Maine. Had a picture with him. Love how he still does the small concerts. ❤

First of all, I love the interview. Almost forgot how long Ace is in the game. But one album was not part of the discussion which I think is also a very very good contribution to hip-hop and that is Arts and Entertainment with Edo. G. Timeless Masterpiece

The essence of Hip Hop… Thank you for this interview! Can’t wait to add the next album to my collection and hoping to see him perform here in NYC.

My favored rapper of all time.. love to see this man on this show. It's the lyrics, the passion, the love for the art and the people that shines through all his work. Can't wait for more Ace the more you make the more I'll appreciate. Can't wait for next album from you and MP!

Great interview! Thank you. ✌🏽❤️

The energies match on this. Love the album breakdowns.

Masta ace is way underrated. In my top 10 dead or alive. ❤

That's so dope they mention steady pace . 1 of the most humble dudes ever!!! If you see this steady.... love from 129th. Your words and wisdom meant the world to me

Loved this! I grew up on both Ace and Kweli and also wondered about them getting together, so was so excited to see this as an adult!

Peace King. THIS was the interview I've been waiting to see! Masta Ace was the first major artist I opened up for, & I never forgot that. My ONLY regret was he wanted to sign me but I didn't wanna dump my group. I should've took his offer but nonetheless, I love & respect @mastaace #period. 👊🏿💯✌️

Hip-hop legend and true connoisseur. Flowers to a king 👑

Masta Ace is bonfafide hip hop legend. I remember copping Take A Look Around the first day it came out.

Seen you both on several concerts. Amazing to see you both in this. Thank you

Ace is a legend.... underrated ASF.... his storytelling skillz were more than above standard and everybody is just mentioning slick rick nowadays.... you can clearly hear Ace's influence on Eminem's "Stan". Salute!!!

Thank you for this interview

Wow I been going back to ace music these past weeks now we get a new interview.💯 Every album had strong beats and great songs

Thank you for having Masta Ace on! My fav MCs chopping it up!🤎

Just finished the Questlove interview with Speech and Masta Ace came up in the feed--brilliant interview 💜. So happy you have maintained in spite the MS diagnosis, very touched to hear that especially when those years you have given so many classics to us. Your work with Edo G, you put Strick, the legendary MC from Milwaukee on F.A.Y and both your Tiny Desk and Breukelen Story is just flat out dope music with full immersion into everything great and possible with Hiphop. You are the reason I do not rank Emcees, the experience you provide is priceless so therefore I continue to buy and share your brilliance. Will definitely be at the theater when your play comes out 👍🏾

Ace so dope

Much respect to Masta Ace a super dope emcee clarity, vivid story lines and very clever rhyme schemes. I only wish talib asked him about the track "acknowledge" 0n disposable arts would have been interesting to hear.

Masta Ace is the dictionary definition of Hip Hop! The Album 'Breukelen Story' is the definition of Fire! Nothing but respect from this fan, UK.

To this day I still hear sittin on chrome album love it

Truly unappreciated. He's one of the few old schoolers that has kept releasing relevant music to this day. Most old school rappers live off their older shit, even the so called goats.

What I Love about Ace is because he is intelligent. Disposable Arts is a great concept record . It's like a film or TV show with the sequencing

Wow look at the divine timing!! @38:52 it's National Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month!! Such a powerful story I'm sending this to my sister and all the MS Warriors 🧡🧡 love to the Peoples Party Team!

One of the greatest ever!!! Masta ace is not just your rhymesayer for the sake of putting words together man really paints pictures make movies all of his albums should be motion picture movies

Keep your eyes on the prize, my favorite song by Ace, I know it word for word.

Thank u 4 this .masta ace posting high song still bumps

ACE the Jedi Master! Love that dude!

Ace one of my favorite artists of all time. Dude is super skilled and talented.

One of my all time favorites.

I can count on one hand the number of emcees whose work I must always check for; Ace is one of them.

Born to roll, and sitting on chome, that’s top tier song making

Word I'm feeling this one Kweli ....peace to Masta Ace a God in his own Right for a long time

I found out about Ace in 1998 or 1999 when I saw that he was on a song with Eminem. I picked up Disposable Arts in 2001 while working at Best Buy but never really listened to it. In 2005 I grabbed the CD and stuck it in the CD player in my car and it did not leave it for the next 6 months. Needless to say Disposable Arts is my favorite album of all time now.

This was a great show! I like that he gave credit to where credit was do and was humble. Time to go bump some Masta Ace

Super dope interview ✊🏿 Ace always gets respect

Shout out to my dude Masta Ace love his catalog he’s hip hop royalty

Ace is one of greatest, most sincere and talented MCs/artists of all time. Always a good and inspiring listen

Without any doubt *ℹ GOT TA* listen 🎧👂listen to this interview…..

It's great to see how Hip-Hop is carried on the shoulders of the legends. Ace can look back and be proud of those he has influenced. I am lucky to have grown up around the golden age of Hip-Hop! '88 was a great year!

Dope Interview Masta Ace is one of my favorites 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Masta Ace is hands down one of the the most-underrated MCs of all time. And he managed to stay relevent while other peers of his era fell off into irrelevancy. And his live performances are flawless.

Man look....Bless up and Salute to the Music Man, Master Ace....His music was a part of my life during a certain period of time with a certain group of people. Thank you for giving us insight on his life and thoughts! Dope Session !