From Kenn Starr’s January 29th release, Square One.

From VladTV: “EMC sat down with VladTV to share their favorite battle stories from when they were coming up in the culture, with Masta Ace saying one was from high school when another student and him went back and forth with 50 other students watching them.

Make sure to cop their new EP, “The Turning Point” in stores now.”

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!”

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.

The first single off of Wordsworth’s sophomore album The Photo Album, which will be released June 12th

ILLUS is making big moves and has a new song and video on the upcoming French super producer DJ Brans album. The new track and video feature the return of THE MASK who made his debut earlier this year in this incredibly fresh MASK VIDEO Check it out and get the single on iTUNES

ILLUS also has a brand new album dropping in July called FOR ADAM and it features Freddie Foxxx, Homeboy Sandman, Gift of Gab, Eternia, Craig G, Reef the Lost Cauze, Wordsworth, Block McCloud, DJ Johnny Juice, Paul Dateh, Erin Barra and J.J. Brown. For more info check out ILLUS and ILLUS Media Stay tuned for several new videos dropping soon. Pre-Order the limited edition cd HERE

Support independent Hip Hop!

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

Check out Wordsworth’s “The Shell” feat. Hus Prod. Kyo Itachi, from October 29th release, Kyo Itachi “Musikyo”.

     Wordsworth’s calm demeanor and the expert manner he puts together a rhyme is the last signal to suggest that he’s typically cocky. However, it is this very quality in his subtle flow – sometimes he rhymes slow, sometimes he rhymes quick – that ironically demonstrates a level of confidence that almost places him on such a high plateau, he seems not to fear any challenger. On a sort of autobiographical track such as “Gonna Be” produced by Oddisee, his concerns dig so deep into the painful dues he paid as an upcoming emcee on numerous open-mic sessions in his tumultuous climb, it’s enough detail to deflate the highest esteemed emcees who lack character from their feeble development, despite their ‘success’. Wordsworth’s honest scenarios throughout this long one-verse of trials and tribulations, is like an honor to which other emcees who’ve traveled similar paths will relate to with un-regrettable pride, as he raps:

   “On stage cracking jokes about how ‘packed’ it is/while downplayin’ in my mind like I’m practicing/Then I go to SOBs and see other rappers’ shows/the promoter I’d know so sometimes he’d let me flow/While I spit, I see y’all talking in da back/but mostly y’all clap to reinforce that I’m not wack.”

     By no means is he seeking self-pity, or comically trying to get sympathy for being a born loser. Instead, he’s honestly showing and baring his soul on his early development, a story seldom heard by many who try to convince us that from out their mother’s womb, they were born with unbeatable lyrical skills.

     As some of the finest beat-technicians gather to compliment Wordsworth artillery of wordplay, producer DJ Static drops in a violin-laden, chopped-up, undetectable muffled sample that rhythmically dances around Wordsworth’s perfectly timed rhymes on “What We Gon’ Do”. Wordsworth uses his words to paint such an entertaining and detailed description of ghetto strife that not even a music video would do justice. Each packed verse on other tracks such as “12 Months” produced by Da Beatminerz, or the lounge-like, soulful groove of “Run” produced by Dave ‘Superstar’ Dar, is enough fuel for a script to produce a movie-short as he shines forth his gift of gab with an imagination he easily converts to literary form.

    Always seemingly conscious, forever spitting and spreading righteousness throughout his messages even when admitting he’s human and is sometimes lured into the world of material temptation, on songs such as “EVOL” featuring Masta Ace produced by Ayatollah, or on “Be A Man” produced by DJ A.Vee & DJ 3D, without once using any curse words to slow his credible street savvy on this entire LP, Wordsworth couldn’t have chosen a better moniker to name himself.

     While it is no secret that Wordsworth possesses the freestyling and battling talents that many artists would yearn for, Mirror Music provides a platform for Words to showcase his phenomenal ability to create songs and tell stories. Mirror Music shows Wordsworth maturing from the battle ready freestyle emcee to the complete artist. The ultimate form of maturity comes in the form of “Trust”, which serves as a message to his daughter. What is a self reflective piece of work transforms into how a woman should be treated. This song alone showcases how far Words has come, not only as an emcee, but as a man. “Run” shows another stage in maturity as Words speaks on how one cannot simply run from their problems, but the only way to get away is to confront them face to face. Words continues his incredible narrative efforts with “One Day”, as he recounts a days events so vividly, that the listener actually feels the environment surrounding them. “12 Months” once again allows Wordsworth to narrate the story of Stan and Jerry in a twelve month span. Once again, Words succeeds in piecing together a simple story with resounding results. Despite the new penchant for penning actual songs over freestlyes, Words still pounces the mic with great fury. “Gotta Pay” is an easy testament that Wordsworth isn’t to be messed with lyrically. 

     The only real problem with the album is the fact that it may drag to long for the average listener. 20 songs strong, Mirror Music could probably do without some of the mundane production. Wordsworth tries to make the best of moments like “Don’t Go” and “Not Fair”, but the production just isn’t strong enough. Nonetheless, Mirror Music is a triumphant effort for an emcee with the talent that Wordsworth possesses. It is just satisfying to know that the wait was well worth it.