The title is appealing because, while I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing a hot summer nearly every year of my life, long ones are something I long for. Time flashes by for adults, so the Long Hot Summer Masta Ace presents here is a fictional one in which he plays the role of himself, a rapper named Ace, on tour with an annoying drug dealer named Fats Belvedere. There lies a major problem.

This is a concept album that too often abandons its music for storyline interludes. There are several and every one takes away from what, with some chorus enhancements, could’ve been a season favorite. Ace’s rhymes aren’t nearly as “amazing” as he boasts, but they don’t disappoint. Neither do the beats, an impressive soundtrack of Brooklyn baps, most of which are lush enough to daydream to.

my rating : 3 of 5

2004