Editor’s Note: The Albumism staff has selected what we believe to be the 110 Best Albums of the 2010s, representing a varied cross-section of artists, genres, and styles. Click “Next Album” below to explore each album in the list or for easier navigation, view the full introduction & album index here.
MASTA ACE & MARCO POLO | A Breukelen Story
Fat Beats (2018)
Selected by Daryl McIntosh
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Masta Ace’s place is etched into hip-hop history. Serving as the intellectual wing of the legendary Juice Crew collective in the late ‘80s, he managed to remain relevant throughout the ‘90s with moderate hits like “Sittin on Chrome.’” Ace would find comfort and acclaim as an independent artist since the early ‘00s, with many of his concept albums showcasing lesser known producers. One of these producers was none other than Marco Polo, who would seize his collaboration with Ace to become one of the flag bearers of east coast, post-millennium boom bap. Reconnecting for a full project, Ace and Polo paint one of the most vivid pictures of modern-day Brooklyn, as they share their personal and artistic stories of being a native and transplant, respectively, to the legendary borough.
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