PREMIERE: ACE MEDA4 - Life / Stories (Album) + 10 Questions
ACE MEDA4 Emerges with a Debut That Redefines Grown Up Hip Hop.
Rapper and songwriter ACE MEDA4 steps into the spotlight with his debut album Life / Stories, a project that positions him as an authentic, quietly confident force operating outside the typical hip hop conveyor belt. Originally from Roosevelt, Long Island and now based in Fredericksburg, Virginia, he blends the lyricism of rap’s golden era with a modern, lived in perspective. The result is a sound that speaks to long time hip hop heads as much as those looking for something deeper than the algorithmic norm.
Rooted in the storytelling traditions of the artists he grew up admiring, ACE MEDA4 explores universal themes, personal reflection, and sharp social observation. His music sits in that rare space between eras bridging listeners who embrace contemporary rap and those who still crave the craft and narrative weight of the 80s, 90s and early 2000s.
As he puts it, “Everyone that started listening to rap in the 80s, 90s and 2000s didn’t suddenly stop liking rap in the 2020s… they just want stories that reflect who they are now.” It’s this ethos that fuels what he proudly calls adult contemporary rap, a lane for those who’ve grown with the genre rather than aged out of it.
What makes ACE MEDA4 especially compelling is his lack of industry sheen. No viral moment, no manufactured mythology, just a self described “guy who loves making music”. That honesty threads through Life / Stories, a record built on intention and craftsmanship rather than noise.
The album opens with “WE IN HERE” featuring Rayla Devine, a punchy, high energy statement piece with crisp production and classic hip hop swagger. “NOBODY” leans West Coast, channelling Dr. Dre esque precision with a modern tilt, while “LIKE I LOVE YOU” pulls in funk infused rhythms that hint at the breadth of ACE MEDA4’s artistic identity.
“A way to express and share parts of myself… while also exploring concepts outside of myself,” he says of the project. “Some things are life, some things are stories both come from my mind.”
Life / Stories is a debut rooted in maturity, lyricism, and a refreshing sense of self. In an era where spectacle often wins out, ACE MEDA4 offers something sturdier: music with purpose, perspective, and staying power.
ACE MEDA4 sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
Big question right out the gate, lol. I guess the simplest answer is my family. One of my favorite things to do growing up was listening to music with my mom and dad (separate houses, same vibes). Even with my grandfather, riding around running errands, we’d listen to 1940s or 50s music and I just loved it all. Then at, family barbecues, birthdays, etc., DJ CLB would come through with mixes, and it would literally be impossible not to want to move. And this is all before I was even 10, lol.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
My major influences, in no particular order (because who can even do that), would definitely be Lupe Fiasco, Joe Budden, DMX, the LOX, and Canibus. From lyrical ability to storytelling, vocabulary and depth, even just the rawness of what they write, it’s all so fascinating. If you really listen to their work, you can paint a picture of who they are, who they want to be, what they want not just for themselves, but for the world around them. They’re easily the bar I set for myself.
As far as working with any of them, unfortunately time never stops marching forward so that’s not always an option (RIP DMX), but just being featured on a track with any of them would be SUCH an honor. It would also probably be the hardest verse I’ve ever written. I can’t imagine they’re gonna let me slide with anything less than top tier bars lol.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
Well, by the time this article hits, my new album Life/Stories will be available at 1245Music.com! The album is a combination of things from or inspired by my personal life and stories inspired by the world or other art around me (i.e. other music, movies, video games, etc.). We (1245Music) wanted to give listners a classic hip hop vibe in a more updated package which is how our sound naturally evolved over time. I hope people will enjoy and appreicate the musically, the stories, and of course, the bars.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Lol, looks like I jumped the gun in the last question! Our sound is what we’re calling Adult Contemparary Hip Hop. It gives you the feeling of 90s/early 2000s hip hop, but with a focus on the now as opposed to then. So, while I may rap about things that may appeal to a younger audience, I’m also speaking to the hip hop fans that grew up with the genre. This is also why we focus so much on musicality and try to create more full instrumentals. In a perfect world, I’d love for hip hop to shift to a more band-centric style (think LL Cool J’s MTV Unplugged performance) for all their music as opposed to it just being relegated to major artists on tour.
5. What’s your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
I don’t often perform anymore since my health just doesn’t allow for it, but at one random performance in some random bar, there was a couple of women who were standing in front of me and they were talking through every single performance. I really don’t know why they even came, they obviously couldn’t care less about the music, lol. When my name was called, I took noted of where they were. When I started, I would look over to them and notice the conversation die down. By the time I hit my second song (out of 4 that night), they had their hands up. When I hit the call and response of Doin’ Me (a personal favorite track of mine), they were singing along. If I ever needed affirmation that good music just needs to be heard, THAT was my affirmation. Easily the proudest I’ve ever been of myself as an artist and performer.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
RUN! Lol, nah. The best advice I can give is never stop learning. Learn about the business, learn about your tools, learn about poetry and different writing techniques. Never stop sharpening your skills. Even if you’re not going to do everything yourself, you need an understanding of how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together so you’re not taken advantage of.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Black Liquid. Everybody needs to hear this man, without question. If you want to raw hip hop from someone who talks EXACTLY how they live it, someone that will give you a clean, clear snapshot of their thoughts and feelings on a beat, Liq is that guy.
J’Nique Nicole is definitely another one. Her album This is Only the Beginning gives you some raw lyrics juxtaposed with her beautiful, yet powerful voice. CRIMINALLY underrated in my opinion. Her track Black Girl Magic is equal parts uplifting and spicy. Chef’s kiss.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
I’m actually big on creating my own YouTube Music playlists, lol. Growing up, I knew I could hear hip hop any and everywhere I went, but when it came to 80s/90s R&B or rock, not so much. That led me to listening to “other” music almost exclusively in my personal time. Now I have my rock playlist featuring artists like Linkin Park (original lineup only), Incubus, and Breaking Benjamin. I have a Kpop playlist that my girlfriend absolutely can’t stand, lol. A lot of BTS, TWICE, iKON are there. And a Japanese playlist that’s mostly different anime opening and ending themes, but Asian Kung-fu Generation holds a special place in my heart. They really just don’t miss.
9. What do you like to do when you’re not making music?
I’m a HUGE gamer. I legit feel like something is off with the universe if I go a couple days without playing anything, lol. My dad and I used to play all types of sports games together (basically the entire EA Sports library up til about 2000) and I have easily played twice as many RPGs as I’ve played any other genre of game. These days, I’m on everything except Nintendo. PS5, I have a gaming PC and a Lenovo Legion Go, and I have Xbox Gamepass Ultimate because I don’t do well with the idea that I might miss something, lol.
I’m also a big foodie. My girlfriend and I went to Japan twice and I saw maybe...one temple? It was all about the food and liquor (Lupe!). I’m also big on cooking. Not on a professional level or anything like that, but I’ve been known to make my own sushi or cook up some pork belly.
Finally, I split the rest of my time between audiobook narration (shoutout to Wooster Studio!) and conversational English tutoring. The former I do because people always told me how nice my voice is and I finally stopped ignoring them, lol. A good friend of mine is the co-founder of the studio and she offered me the opportunity. It’s been A LOT of fun and I’ve learned so much about the subjects I’ve had to read about like Prince and Parliament and Funkadelic. The latter I began because I saw how big hip hop was becoming around the world back in 2016, but realized there was a knowledge disconnect. People didn’t really understand the culture behind it, the “whys” behind why people said or did what they did. I wanted to help bridge that gap, not just for hip hop and black American culture, but for America as a whole. It’s been a real joy to educate and learn from so many people from around the world and it’s something I will ALWAYS make time for.
10. Name Three things you can’t live without when in the studio?
Come back to me when I’m making a little money and we’ll see if my answer is more interesting, lol! I’m really simple, honestly. Some good liquor, my Legion Go, and my phone are all I really need. Give me those three things and we can make magic happen.
Really appreciate the opportunity to talk with you and your audience today! Thank you so much for giving me and other artists this space to share a bit more of ourselves with the people.