Ace of Spades (AOS) – Q&A Interview

Tell us a little about yourself. Where you are from? How long have you been making Hip Hop?

I am the Ace of Spades aka AOS aka Ken Masters: aspiring hip-hop artist and writer of randomness. Originally from Velt City, Strong Island (Roosevelt Long Island, NY) and currently living in Fred Vegas (Fredericksburg, VA). I have officially been making hip-hop since 2009 after my father died, but I’ve been making music since I can remember.

What influences you in making Hip Hop?

The music of other artists (Joe Budden, Lupe Fiasco, Linkin Park *specifically Mike Shinoda* and music of other genres such as rock and j-pop) makes me feel compelled to write. I feel there’s a gap in hip-hop for the average guy who’s not poppin’ tags, makin’ it rain, etc who just wants something he/she can relate. I have a desire to make something those people can listen to. I fuels me to continue to make music. Selfishly though, this is just therapy. I enjoy getting some of my more controversial thoughts out through music where people are less likely to question me because, hey…who listens to lyrics anymore?

Describe your music, and what separates you from other MCs?

My music is multidimensional. I can’t say that I speak 100% for the streets, or for the playas or to the women, etc. No one is one-dimensional and that’s what I try to convey in my music. Whatever comes to mind, whatever I happen to be thinking or going through has a chance to be in my music and if I change/grow/evolve, so will my music. One track can be very deep and political and another track can just be for my girl; while another can tell tales from the streets. I think it’s my willingness to be so multidimensional that separates me from other artists. Too many are dead set on staying within certain definitive boxes.

Who have you collaborated with? Who would you like to collab with in the near future?

I have been lucky enough to collaborate with many of my own friends and family. Rook Nass (my brother) is featured not only on tracks with me but even his one solo joints on the label. Deuce is one of my homies from the Velt that’s been a strong supporter of my music and took time out to come record with me. Several producers including Nellz York City (another long time friend of mine from Long Island), Lord Slugg (an RVA native I met through my close friend Black Liquid) and the S.A.V.I.O.R. (another VA native repping Clarksville who featured me on a couple of his songs) have been more than gracious in giving me their time and efforts in helping me be heard. As far as the future, I would love to work with Black Liq, Official Freeze, Ms Proper (my favorite female rapper), Linkin Park (my all time favorite group), Shanghai Restoration Project and Yoko Kanno (you might have to google those last two lol)

Your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?

Underground Hip-hop is either hip-hop that has yet to be acknowledged for its current greatness or hip-hop that is too niche for the majority of listeners. Nothing bad to be heard, but sometimes, it’s just not for everybody.

Production wise, who are your influences? Who does your production? And who would you like to work with?

That’s difficult to call. Had you asked before I knew what the music making process was, I would say Swizz Beats, Kanye West, Alchemist and Nujabes. Now, I can’t say that I really have influences because I know that I’m not skilled enough in production. There is an intricate process in divining instrumentals and then processing vocals along with those beats to make a finished product and it’s far more than I ever imagined. As far as my personal production, Uncle Chris, Nellz York City and the S.A.V.I.O.R. have been responsible for my sounds. They are skilled and knowledgeable to allow me to focus on the lyrics while they focus on the sound. In the future, along with continuing to work with them, I would love to work with Swizz someday or even Just Blaze. There’s also another producer by the name of JStaffz that I’ve heard great music from and I’d love to do something with him.

Any current or future projects you are promoting?

Right now the focus is on The 1245 Music Project: Vol 1, my label’s compilation/mixtape,which the Monopoly remix originated. I have my first official CD, “III” coming this Fall. Until that drops though, I would love it if everyone with speakers would check out me and the family on the The 1245 Music Project: Vol 1.

Can you give us a brief description of the creative process of Monopoly? Also/ what was the idea or concept description about your Album Art Cover.

I had a conversation with Black Liq one night after listening to music and kicking rhymes and he said to me that a lot of the music that he’s heard from me doesn’t really reflect me as an individual. As someone who knows me, to hear that from him stuck with me. I went home and over the course of I don’t even know how many weeks, maybe months, I thought about so many things that were on my mind and it just came out this way. It was almost like a state of the union for my life at the time and fortunately or unfortunately, it still kind of is. The cover art is just me thinking. It seemed right for the song.

Where can we find your music and info?

You can find me in a lot of places…
The label website: www.1245music.com
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/1245music/sets/12-45-hot-tracks
Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/aosmusic
AudioMack: http://www.audiomack.com/artist/ace-of-spades-aos
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AceofSpades1245
Twitter https://twitter.com/AOS516
I have a blog site: wordpress.com/aosrantsandrhymes
You can even find me gaming on the PS4/PS Vita JMNBlk.

Fans are welcomed to send any questions, comments or concerns to any of those platforms. I like really talking to fans.

Any shout outs?

Shout outs to everyone mentioned above that have helped me get to this point and continue to help me grow. My brother from another Rook Nass, my RVA fam Black Liq, Lord Slugg and the whole TNJC, the homie E. Goode aka the S.A.V.I.O.R., my fellow Velt Villains Deuce and Nellz York City, and of course, my family: Uncle Chris for being there for me when my skies were darkest and giving me the opportunity to make music, my mommy (yeah….I say mommy…shut up lol) for always being honest about how badly I sing but how well I rhyme, and my Angel for putting up with the terrible mood swings that come with being with a creative mind. Peace and love to everyone out there listening and enjoying the music. I just hope I help you get through your days. And finally, my father, who I can only hope is listening and enjoys what I do as much as I enjoy utilizing the talents he’s given me.