Masta Ace: A Long Hot Summer

Ending where Disposable Arts began, A Long Hot Summer chronicles, through skits and songs, the events that led to Ace's incarceration. But the conceptual framework remains loose and flexible. Equal parts storyteller, sociologist, and sonic director, Ace has rounded up an inspired supporting cast of beatsmiths and guest artists, each of whom plays a carefully crafted part. "Soda & Soap" combines two cheesy song concepts, weaving the brand names of soaps and beverages into a goofy narrative, but it's still satisfying, thanks to DJ Spinna's slinky, seductive production and Jean Grae's infectious hook. Strick rides shotgun on another highlight, "F.A.Y." (short for "Fuck All Y'all"), which elevates player-hating to the level of righteous anger. On "The Ways," meanwhile, Ace recommends the Keith Murray school of dealing with suits, advocating physical violence as the only way to counteract the financial and emotional violence that labels, independent and major, inflict on rappers.

Only in its conclusion does the disc fall short of its predecessor. Disposable Arts built to an emotionally devastating climax that channeled all the anger, joy, pride, sadness, and regret of Ace's long career into two unforgettable concluding tracks. A Long Hot Summer ends on a similarly melancholy but less memorable note. (Then again, since the album asks to be heard before Disposable Arts, it makes sense that the saga would peak with its sequel rather than its prequel.) Nevertheless, Ace, who has hinted strongly that this will be his last album, stands as one of the few old-schoolers who actually seem to be getting better with age.