Hip-hop is 44 years old, but Mase has made a huge impact1. Born Mason Durell Betha on August 27, 1975, in Jacksonville, Florida213, he signed with Bad Boy Records in 1996. His debut album, “Harlem World,” became quadruple platinum in 199723.
Mase’s rap style was unique and laidback, inspiring many3. His debut album was just the start. He followed with “Double Up” (1999) and “Welcome Back” (2004). “Double Up” sold 107,000 copies in its first week, and “Welcome Back” went gold with 559,000 copies sold23.
Early Life and Origins
Mase, whose real name is Mason Durell Betha, was born on August 27, 1975, in Jacksonville, Florida45. His family moved to Harlem, New York, when he was young. There, he spent most of his growing-up years.
As a teenager, Mase got into trouble in Harlem. His mother sent him back to Jacksonville to live with relatives at 13. This change was a big part of his early life.
In Jacksonville, Mase started going to church. This would be a key part of his life. At 15, he returned to Harlem. There, he showed a talent for basketball, becoming his high school team’s top point guard.
Playing alongside future rapper Cam’ron was a highlight of his time in Harlem. Mase’s early life in Jacksonville and Harlem set the stage for his music career. His love for basketball and hip-hop culture shaped him into the artist he is today.
“I didn’t really have a plan. I was just trying to survive and do what I had to do to make it.”
– Mase
Formation of Children of the Corn
After moving back to Harlem, Mase teamed up with his childhood friend Cam’ron. They started rapping under the names Murda Mase and Killa Cam. They formed the Children of the Corn with Big L, Herb McGruff, and Bloodshed6.
Damon Dash, a classmate at Manhattan Center, managed the group for a bit. During this time, Mase and the group sharpened their skills and became known in the local hip-hop scene, Mase was recognized as one of Harlem’s top rappers. He was known for his raw, street rap style6.
Mase’s Early Rap Career
As the Children of the Corn rose to fame in Harlem’s hip-hop scene, Mase’s talent and unique style caught people’s attention6.
“Mase was one of the best rappers in Harlem at the time, known for his laid-back, conversational flow and raw, uncut street rap style.”
Even with some group tensions and rivalries, Mase kept working on his skills. He became a major player in the local rap scene6.
Signing with Bad Boy Records
In 1996, Mase’s sister Stason introduced him to Cudda Love, a road manager for The Notorious B.I.G. Cudda took the 20-year-old Mase to Atlanta, Georgia. There, Jermaine Dupri and Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs were at a rap convention7. After meeting and rapping for Puff Daddy at the Hard Rock Café, Mase signed a $250,000 deal with Bad Boy Records7.
Within a week, Betha’s stage name was shortened from Murda Mase to just Mase. This was to make him more marketable7. Combs wanted to build a strong brand. Bad Boy Records had artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, and 1128.
Mase’s signing with Bad Boy Records was a big step in his career. He joined a talented group of artists and got access to the label’s resources and connections7. This partnership helped Mase achieve great success and leave a mark on hip-hop8.
“I was really young when I signed, so I was just excited to be in the game. It was like a dream come true.”
– Mase, reflecting on his signing with Bad Boy Records.
Breakthrough and Commercial Success
Mase’s journey to fame started with his debut album, “Harlem World,” in 1997. It hit #1 on the Billboard Pop and R&B charts, selling over 270,000 copies in its first week9. This success made Mase a rising star and marked the start of his commercial success.
The album’s hit singles boosted its success. “Feel So Good” and “Lookin’ at Me” topped the Rap Billboard charts. “What You Want” reached #3 on both Rap and R&B Billboard charts9. Mase also collaborated with big names like Puff Daddy and Mariah Carey, increasing his fame.
Harlem World: A Platinum Triumph
“Harlem World” was a huge hit, staying on the Billboard Hot 200 for 54 weeks and reaching #19. It sold over 4 million copies, a big win for Bad Boy Entertainment in 19979. Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, known as The Neptunes, produced the hit single “Lookin’ at Me,” which hit the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 1009.
Though “Harlem World” was very popular, JAY-Z’s “Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life” sold a million more copies and won a Grammy9. Still, Mase’s debut album is his biggest hit, selling over 4 million copies in the US and earning three platinum certifications in Canada9.
“Harlem World” also featured collaborations with DMX, The LOX, and others, making it even more popular9. Artists like Kelis and Kelly Price added to the album’s richness and diversity9.
Mase’s success with “Harlem World” made him a rising star in hip-hop, setting the stage for his future impact910.
mase: The Laconic Flow and Influence
Mase is a key figure in hip-hop, known for his laid-back rap style. His slow, conversational flow was different from the aggressive styles of his time11.
Many artists have followed Mase’s unique vocal delivery and relaxed rhythm. His work on “B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time” and “Made It Through the Struggle” shows his lasting impact11.
Mase’s style was a step towards the “jiggy” era of hip-hop. This era was all about a more relaxed and fun approach11. Artists like Kanye West were influenced by Mase, adding his flow to their music11.
When Mase first came out, his music sparked debate. Yet, his influence on future rappers is still debated today11. He built on the work of Slick Rick and Spoonie Gee, making his style a big part of hip-hop11.
Today, artists like Rockie Fresh pay tribute to Mase’s flow. His legacy continues to shape hip-hop, making him a true pioneer11.
Retirement and Return to Music
In 1999, Mase told Funkmaster Flex on Hot 97 he was retiring to follow a “calling from God.”12 He felt he was leading people astray and wanted to find God. After five years, he came back with “Welcome Back” in 2004. This album showed his new Christian life and “cleaner” image12.
Mase’s choice to leave rap was not new in music13. Stars like Jay-Z and Lil Wayne have also retired, only to return. Mase’s comeback with “Welcome Back” showed the power of music and the public’s interest in his story12.
A Turbulent Relationship with Diddy
Mase’s comeback was not easy. In 2009, he released “Get It” and “Double Up,” starting a feud with Sean “Diddy” Combs12. The fight began over a radio interview where Mase wanted out of his Bad Boy Records contract12. But in 2023, Diddy said they had made up, opening a new chapter in their complicated relationship12.
Mase’s journey from retirement to comeback shows the music industry’s ever-changing nature. His story inspires fans and artists to keep going and reinvent themselves1213.
“I was leading people, friends, kids and others down a path to hell. I just wanted to find God and serve him.”
– Mase, on his decision to retire from music in 1999
Later Career and Legacy
In the 2000s and 2010s, Mase made comebacks and worked with artists like G-Unit. In the mid-2000s, he started RichFish Records. He released new music and signed artists like Fivio Foreign2.
Mase’s career has seen ups and downs. Yet, his impact on hip-hop and influence on artists have made him a legend.
Mase’s music career has seen both success and personal growth142. His debut album “Harlem World” was a huge hit, selling quadruple platinum. He made a big comeback in 2004 with “Welcome Back.”2
But Mase also took breaks from rap, showing his versatility and strength. His choices have made his story unique.
Despite feuds and controversies, like “The Oracle” and issues with Cam’ron14, Mase has kept a loyal fanbase. His music, blending hip-hop and gospel, has earned him respect in both worlds.
As Mase faces new challenges and chances in the music world, his legacy in hip-hop is secure.
Source Links
- Ma$e: The Forgotten Legend. – https://www.ml3fortheculture.com/single-post/2017/08/27/mase-the-forgotten-legend
- Mase – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mase
- Mase — Hip Hop Scriptures – https://www.hiphopscriptures.com/mase
- Mase biography | Last.fm – https://www.last.fm/music/Mase/ wiki
- Mase – https://scratchpad.fandom.com/wiki/Mase
- Mase Tells Story About the Time He Says Big L Almost Had Him Robbed – https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/mase-big-l-robbery-1235719381/
- Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Reassigns Music-Publishing Rights to Bad Boy Artists, Including Notorious B.I.G., Mase and Faith Evans – https://variety.com/2023/music/news/sean-diddy-combs-reassigns-music-publishing-rights-bad-boy-notorious-big-mase-1235712970/
- Mo’ money, mo’ problems? Diddy returns publishing rights to Bad Boy artists, including Mase – https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-09-06/diddy-bad-boy-publishing-rights-mase-deal
- 10 Things You May Not Have Known About Mase’s ‘Harlem World’ – https://hiphopdx.com/editorials/mase-harlem-world-10-things-you-may-not-have-known-about
- Golden age hip hop – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_age_hip_hop
- Tank Top, Flip-Flop, Really Nothin’ Fancy: Ma$e’s Enduring Influence – https://www.complex.com/music/a/david-drake/mase-enduring-influence
- Mase Hints That He ‘Escaped’ Diddy When He Temporarily Retired From Music In 1999; Says In The End He ‘Didn’t Lose No Money’ – theJasmineBRAND – https://thejasminebrand.com/2024/03/25/mase-hints-that-he-escaped-diddy-when-he-temporarily-retired-from-music-in-1999-says-in-the-end-he-didnt-lose-no-money/
- The History of Rappers Retiring—and Unretiring – https://www.theringer.com/2020/7/27/21339518/rapper-retirements-logic-no-pressure-jay-z-nicki-minaj-joe-budden
- Cam’ron and Mase: A history of brotherly rivalry – https://www.revolt.tv/article/2017-11-27/46256/camron-and-mase-a-history-of-brotherly-rivalry
