Masta Ace is a rapper from Brooklyn whose adept rapping skills have earned him the respect of influential MCs and critics. Launching his career in 1988 as a member of the hip-hop outfit Juice Crew, Masta Ace would soon feel the trappings of group dynamics, leave the crew and embark on a solo career, starting with his debut album, Take a Look Around, in 1990. Though never achieving much in terms of widespread attention or commercial success, Masta Ace has nevertheless maintained a respected career that has helped influence notable members of the modern hip-hop community.