Nicole Duncan-Smith delves deep into the artistic power often called Masta Ace, who now leaps into the world of theater.

In a tradition the place reinvention is survival, few have mastered the artwork of evolution fairly like Duval Clear, higher identified to the Hip-Hop world as Masta Ace. The Brooklyn wordsmith, a breakout star on “The Symphony” and delivered a catalog of lyrical genius with 5 acclaimed albums, is now setting his sights on a unique form of stage. This is one the place the fourth wall meets the cipher, and Hip-Hop storytelling will get the Broadway remedy.

At a current occasion he known as the Rooftop Rewind, Ace unveiled his newest artistic endeavor. The Falling Season, a musical that guarantees to do for city theater what Hamilton did for American historical past, flipping the script fully. But the place Lin-Manuel Miranda painted founding fathers in modern hues, Ace is mining deeper, extra private terrain. His play is a couple of sensible younger Black man navigating the treacherous waters between the Brooklyn streets and his training.

The narrative follows a younger protagonist caught in that acquainted city paradox, raised by his grandmother, academically gifted with desires of Morehouse. There is a large “but.” He’s additionally surrounded by the seductive pull of nook economics and the attract of neighborhood ladies. It’s In the Heights with extra genuine grit, a narrative that doesn’t sanitize the hood expertise however excavates its complexity.

In Ace’s arms, this turns into greater than leisure; it’s anthropology set to beats.

“This wasn’t really as much of a departure as people think,” Ace explains about his transition from sales space to stage. “I have been telling stories my entire 30+ year career. I had to write scripts for the characters on my albums. This is just a more elaborate extension of what I was already doing.”

Anyone acquainted with Ace’s discography understands this evolution was inevitable. From the cinematic narratives of A Long Hot Summer to the conceptual arc of Disposable Arts, his albums have at all times functioned as audio theater.

The manufacturing boasts a forged that bridges Hip-Hop credibility with theatrical expertise. Jeremiah Packer takes on the central function of Avis, whereas Angella Katherine embodies June, and rapper Dutchess brings Lisa to life.

Singer Leschea steps into the function of Evie, with Torae channeling Rock’s vitality and Wyld Bunch representing the streets as Gunna. The ensemble is rounded out by vocalists Carolynn “Ce Ce” Kline and Emerson “E. Smitty” Smith, whereas Ace himself handles each narration duties and the character of Fatz—a becoming function for the grasp storyteller orchestrating this city symphony.

What makes The Falling Season notably important is its timing. Hip-Hop theater has been gaining momentum, from the groundbreaking Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk to the cultural tsunami of Hamilton. Yet many makes an attempt have both borrowed Hip-Hop aesthetics with out understanding the tradition or celebrated the music whereas sidestepping its social commentary. Ace, nonetheless, comes from inside—a tradition bearer translating the cipher for theater audiences.

“This musical will further bridge the gap that exists between Hip-Hop and traditional theater,” Ace notes. “This show lets theater audiences get a glimpse into the lives of characters they have never met on a stage before.”

The fusion of tune and conventional emceeing guarantees to create one thing authentically hybrid, not Hip-Hop dressed up for Broadway consumption, however real cultural translation. In an period the place Hip-Hop’s affect permeates the whole lot from trend to movie, theater stays one of many closing frontiers.

For an artist who has spent over three a long time refusing to be pigeonholed, The Falling Season represents each pure development and daring departure. Masta Ace has at all times understood that the perfect tales emerge from the margins—and now he’s able to convey these margins heart stage, the place they’ve at all times belonged.

Perhaps this falling season would possibly simply be Hip-Hop theater’s time to rise.

Photographs: Gary Dean Clarke @garydeanclarke

Related