Take a Look Around is the debut solo studio album by American rapper Masta Ace. It was released on July 24, 1990, through Cold Chillin' Records with distribution via Reprise Records. The recording sessions took place at House of Hits in Chestnut Ridge, New York and at Libra Digital Sound in Long Island City. The album was produced by Marley Marl and Mister Cee. As of 2025, the album is not available on any streaming services.
Background After appearing on the classic hip hop crew cut "The Symphony" with the Juice Crew in 1988, Ace released his first single, "Together" b/w "Letter to the Better" in 1989. "Together" was included in the album as well as a remixed version of "Letter to the Better".
Released in June 1990, "Me and the Biz" (b/w "I Got Ta") peaked at #47 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and #8 on the Hot Rap Songs. The song, a tribute of sorts to labelmate Biz Markie, in which Ace plays the role of both himself and Biz (who reportedly couldn't make it to the studio for the actual collaboration he desired). A single for "I Got Ta" was released only in the UK and Europe.
Reaching a peak position of number thirteen on the Hot Rap Songs, the album's third single, "Music Man" (b/w "Ace Iz Wild"), remained on the chart for a total of nine weeks.
"Movin' On" (b/w "Go Where I Send Thee") was released on March 6, 1991, as the final single from Take a Look Around.
Track listing
Sample credits Music Man "Ben Casey Theme" by David Raksin "Nothing Is the Same" by Grand Funk Railroad I Got Ta "Talkin' Loud and Sayin' Nothing" by James Brown Letter to the Better "Take Some...Leave Some" by James Brown "Think (About It)" by Lyn Collins "Mickey's Monkey" by the Miracles "Keep on Dancing" by Alvin Cash Me and the Biz "The Message" by Cymande The Other Side of Town "Get Out of My Life, Woman" by Lee Dorsey "The Other Side of Town" by Curtis Mayfield "UFO" by ESG Ace Iz Wild "C'mon Children" by Earth, Wind & Fire "Escape-Ism" by James Brown Four Minus Three "Hard to Handle" by Otis Redding Can't Stop the Bumrush "Razor Blade" by Little Royal and the Swingmasters "Get Up Offa That Thing" by James Brown Movin' On "Keep on Movin'" by Soul II Soul "Kissing My Love" by Bill Withers "Don't Take It Personal" by Jermaine Jackson Brooklyn Battles "If You Let Me" by Eddie Kendricks Maybe Next Time "(You're Puttin') a Rush on Me" by Stephanie Mills "Soul Power" by James Brown Postin' High "Street Life" by the Crusaders "High" by Skyy As I Reminisce "One Man Band (Plays All Alone)" by Monk Higgins "N.T." by Kool & the Gang Take a Look Around "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" by Gil Scott-Heron Together "Do You Have the Time" by the Younghearts "One Man Band" by Monk Higgins & the Specialites
Personnel Duval Clear – vocals, co-producer Menia Sims – vocals (track 9) Eyceurokk – vocals (track 13) Mike and Jay a.k.a. Together Brothers – vocals (track 15) Andre Booth – keyboards (track 15) D.J. Steady Pace – scratches Marlon Williams – producer & engineering (tracks: 1, 3–7, 9–11, 14–15) Calvin Laburn – producer (tracks: 2, 8, 12, 13) Everett "Bizz-E" Ramos – engineering & mixing (tracks: 1, 3–7, 9–11, 14–15) Ivan Rodriguez – engineering & mixing (tracks: 1, 3–7, 9–11, 14–15) Chris Tergesen – engineering & mixing (tracks: 2, 8, 12, 13) DJ Clash – engineering & recording (tracks: 1, 3–7, 9–11, 14–15) Leon Lee – engineering & recording (tracks: 1, 3–7, 9–11, 14–15) Thomas 'On Time' – engineering & recording (tracks: 1, 3–7, 9–11, 14–15) Tony Aliprantis – engineering & recording (tracks: 2, 8, 12, 13) Tony Papamichael – engineering & recording (tracks: 2, 8, 12, 13) Benny Medina – executive producer Tyrone Williams – executive producer George DuBose – art direction, photography Aldo Sampieri – design
Charts Chart (1990)Peak position
References
External links