Stanisland Magazine

Legends of the game collaborate on new album “Richmond Hill.”

VERDICT:

It has been a minute since Masta Ace flipped a new album, but this time things are hitting a little different since his last release in 2018.

Certified boom-bap beats are on offer here where the duo stain with indelible marks as they open the year with a bang. Featuring an array of instrumental samples – Marco Polo has intricately compiled an explosive curdle of attractive music. Despite being a producer with little acclaim to his repertoire, his reputation is respected enough; one that has pinned him alongside one of the best lyricists in the game.

Both churn out a myriad of different styles, with pace and reflective insight, though at times, the curatorial tone of the album can feel linear and without a pincer feel, allowing you to skip tracks; such as the back to back slow paced ‘Below the Clouds’ to ‘Heat of the Moment’. But it doesn’t stop there as the reduced tempo continues for seven straight tracks, until you’re corned by a more R&B like song in ‘Outside in’. Skits are not in short supply, with five present on the album, putting the total track list at thirteen, not eighteen.

Highly anticipated, “Richmond Hill” is worth the wait, but perhaps not the one fans queued for. Despitetheses shortcomings, both strike a partnership we’re looking forward to seeing blossom.