Common Sense Note
Mase "retired" from the music world several years ago to join the ministry, and is now back with squeaky-clean but viable rap music -- proof that it can be done! Ask your kids why they think so many other rappers think you need to use violence and sex to make good music.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Coming out of a "retirement" of several years, Mase is back with a new attitude. After a couple of hugely successful projects ("Harlem World" sold something like four million copies), the former Puff Daddy sidekick left the music business to pursue a career in the ministry, and his new album WELCOME BACK is self-consciously (and self-referentially) squeaky-clean in every possible way.
Mase has a laconic vocal style that can get monotonous after a while, but he's articulate and his songs are easy to understand. He seems serious about his mission and his ministry, while continuing to write viable and interesting lyrics.
The title song, "Welcome Back," is an irresistible confection that uses the "Welcome Back Kotter" theme song as a counterpoint to the artist's self-congratulatory re-entry as a recording artist. Lovely background vocals and cleverly layered tracks help the song -- and its message -- shine. The rest of the album is less interesting, but well produced and sincere.
Mase's message and ministry will make WELCOME BACK especially appealing to Christian families.
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Sexual ContentMase makes a point of keeping it clean. |
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Social BehaviorExemplary, actually. |
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CommercialismCD includes an insert ad for Bad Boy clothing. |
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