To use a cliché, Masta Ace is like a fine wine. As with the best that the bottle has to offer, he has become better with age. Most emcees of his era have steadily declined, usually coasting on their name and past merits, and lacking the ability to create anything relevant, choose good production, and deliver the lyrical masterpieces of their youth. Ace, on the other hand, has created two masterpieces (Disposable Arts and A Long Hot Summer), paired up with another veteran that gets better with time (Edo G) to form A&E, rock on MF Doom’s beats on MA Doom, and create a new crew with eMC. It’s the later unit that is back after a handful of years. A relaunched label (Penalty) and reformed unit (Ace, Punchline, Wordsworth, & Stricklin), bring forth an EP with an LP to follow in a few months.

On The Turning Point EP, the crew picks up where 2008’s The Show left off. What you are treated to has all the regular trademarks of an Ace project: the M3 sound bite to set off the album, and skits that tie the tracks together and fuel the narrative. In the case of the narrative, you have Ace being contacted on Super Bowl Sunday by Penalty Records. This leads to having to link everyone else back together, in a scene that isn’t what it used to be, and with the kids, families, and other life responsibilities sharing a chunk of everyone’s time. Everyone is a little older, a little more weathered by what the years have brought, and this is perfectly expressed on the title track where they all look back to where they’ve been, and look ahead to where they are going.

In terms of production, Ace is one of the few that can rock over a more mainstream-sounding production and make it his own, and not the other way around. From some of the tracks on Sittin’ on Chrome to some on the new project, he has been able to walk the fine line without ever abandoning who he is for a radio hit. The Turning Point includes several examples of this, from sung hooks and choruses on the majority of the tracks, to the reggae chorus on “The Coolest”, and some of the beat choices. Despite some of these elements, the lyrics, song concepts, and emcee’s styles all shine through, which might be one of the biggest strengths of this release. All four members of the group have distinct voices, delivery styles, and personalities that they bring to the mic. They all balance each other, creating perfect balance.

At the end of the day, if you enjoyed The Show, you’ll probably think highly of The Turning Point EP and eMC’s upcoming sophomore release. If you didn’t like the project, there’s not necessarily anything that will change your mind on this project. But like they say on the title track, “eMC is a movement, but we’re here to stay.”

From Str8OutDaDen: “Allow me to introduce Masta Ace, Wordsworth, Punchline & Stricklin, collectively known as eMC. The crew talked with us about their return to music and broke down a few records from their latest project, The Turning Point EP. In addition to all of that, eMC spoke on the importance of having a solid catalog to hit the road with. Plus we managed to get a couple of bars out of them. So you know the drill…sit back…Relax and Listen!”

Last week, EMC dropped by Showoff Radio with Statik Selektah. While on air, Statik started up a cypher. Tune in to Showoff Radio each and every Thursday from 8p till Midnight EST on Shade 45.

Masta Ace, Strick, Punchline and Wordsworth reunite as eMC, whom together will drop their new EP, The Turning Point, on May 20th, following a six-year absence. Stream that bitch below.

The Turning Point is available for pre-order today, and will be released on May 20 via M3/Penalty Entertainment/RED on May 20. In various skits,The Turning Point takes the listener through the group’s decision to record a new album after almost 6 years. Reminiscent of John Belushi’s character in “The Blues Brothers,” Masta Ace calls each member asking them if they are interested in reuniting. The result is a 6-song offering with stand out tracks “Stay Busy” featuring and produced by newcomer Pav Bundy, and “Verified” featuring Birmingham England sensation Lady Leshurr. The title track “Turning Point” features east coast crooner Range Da Messenga, as well as production from UK’s very own Quincey Tones.

Formed in 2007, eMC is comprised of four lyricists including the Milwaukee born phenom Stricklin, the widely respected NYC duo and “Lyricist Lounge” emcees Punchline & Wordsworth and the legendary Brooklyn-bred and former Juice Crew member Masta Ace. eMC plans to tour the US and Europe this summer, as well as Canada later this year.

The Turning Point Track Listing
01-SuperBowl Sunday (skit)
02-Stay Busy
03-New School Nursery (skit)
04-Charly Murphie
05-Gotchu (skit)
06-Sweet Potato Fries
07-Verified
08-Firehouse Lounge (skit)
09-The Coolest
10-Body Shots (skit)
11-Turning Point
12-AMG-PSA (skit)

Hip Hop super-group eMC announces the release of their forthcoming EP The Turning Point via M3/Penalty Entertainment/RED on May 20. Formed in 2007, eMC is comprised of four lyricists including the Milwaukee born phenom Stricklin, the widely respected NYC duo and “Lyricist Lounge” emcees Punchline & Wordsworth and the legendary Brooklyn-bred and former Juice Crew member Masta Ace.

The Turning Point will be available for pre-order on May 6, and fans who purchase the EP in advance will receive the lead single “Charly Murphie” as an instant grat track on iTunes. Produced by Detroit’s own 14KT and featuring Agallah Don Bishop (8-Off the Assassin), “Charlie Murphie” is eMC’s antithesis response to the current trend of radio friendly songs being named after famous individuals. Masta Ace explains “Charly Murhpie epitomizes the hardcore, aggressive, punch in the nose mentality which is a stark contrast to those other songs.”

In various skits,The Turning Point takes the listener through the group’s decision to record a new album after almost 6 years. Reminiscent of John Belushi’s character in “The Blues Brothers,” Masta Ace calls each member asking them if they are interested in reuniting. The result is a 6-song offering with stand out tracks “Stay Busy” featuring and produced by newcomer Pav Bundy, and “Verified” featuring Birmingham England sensation Lady Leshurr. The title track “Turning Point” features east coast crooner Range Da Messenga, as well as production from UK’s very own Quincey Tones.

eMC will release the video for “Charlie Murphie” next month and plans to tour the US and Europe this summer, as well as Canada later this year.

Rappers Masta Ace, Wordsworth, Punchline and Stricklin reunite as eMC for this new track produced by David E. Beats.

New video from Masta Ace for “I Refuse”, recorded for Russell Peters’ upcoming The Green Card Tour LIVE from the O2 Arena DVD. Makes me wanna hear a new eMC album.

The new ILLUS album “FOR ADAM” is complete and with your help will be available soon. Make a Kickstarter pledge of $10 and get a copy of the brand new limited edition CD featuring Freddie Foxxx, Gift of Gab, Homeboy Sandman, J.J. Brown, Eternia, Craig G, Wordsworth, Reef the Lost Cauze, Block McCloud, Paul Dateh, DJ Johnny Juice (on the scratches!) and Erin Barra. Make your pledge at http://kck.st/ffL4NS and stay in touch at www.adamwallenta.com.

This video features behind the scene footage of ILLUS and HomeBoy Sandman recording at 5G Productions Studio in Brooklyn, NY. It also features an interview with super producers J.J. Brown and Dan Maier after the mastering process is completed for the new album.

Illus “FOR ADAM” Tracklisting:

1. Requiem For Adam (w/DJ Johnny Juice from Public Enemy on the cuts)
2. Unstoppable featuring Freddie Foxxx and Paul Dateh (w/DJ Johnny Juice from Public Enemy on the cuts)
3. Born Criminal
4. Free featuring Homeboy Sandman
5. Brighter Day featuring Craig G, Reef the Lost Cauze and Block McCloud
6. Better featuring Gift of Gab and Paul Dateh
7. Sons and Daughters featuring Eternia, Wordsworth and Erin Barra
8. R.I.F. featuring Paul Dateh
9. Make Some Noize

Here is a new freestyle from eMC rapper Punchline. This is the second freestyle in the past couple weeks from Punchline. This time Punchline goes in over the Marco Polo and Ruste Juxx track of the same title. Check it out below.

Punchline (of eMC) – “My Execution” (MP3)

New Punchline freestyle courtesy of Punchline himself.  A new eMC LP has been talked about for a 2010 release but is still only rumors.

Punchline (of eMC) – “Set It Off Freestyle’” (MP3)