Masta Ace, born Duval Clear, is a legendary New York City–born rapper and record producer widely respected for his lyricism and storytelling. A key member of Mr. Magic’s Juice Crew, he rose to prominence with his standout appearance on the iconic 1988 posse cut “The Symphony,” alongside Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane, and Craig G. Hailing from Brooklyn, Masta Ace has gone on to build an influential career through groups such as Masta Ace Incorporated and eMC, leaving a lasting mark on hip-hop culture as both an innovator and elder statesman of the genre.