Wanna Be (feat. Marlon Craft)

Quick Overview

Masta Ace and Marco Polo's "Wanna Be" critiques the superficial aspirations prevalent in the music industry, where artists chase fame, wealth, and trending personas rather than focusing on authentic artistry. The song highlights the pitfalls of emulating others and succumbing to industry pressures, ultimately advocating for self-identity and genuine expression over fleeting trends.

Key Points: Masta Ace critiques artists who prioritize superficial gains like wealth and luxury cars over genuine artistic integrity. The song highlights the desire to emulate popular figures and chase fleeting trends, such as social media fame and 'yes men' entourages. Marlon Craft's verse acknowledges the allure of fame and money but challenges critics, admitting to using fame to numb personal pain. The track criticizes the lack of originality and the prevalence of 'hit-chasing' in the music industry. Masta Ace reflects on how different generations fall for similar industry traps, emphasizing that the 'game is still dirty.' The artists ultimately assert their desire to remain authentic and true to themselves, despite external pressures to conform. The outro reveals the song's context as Masta Ace introducing producer Marco Polo's talent to industry contacts.

Context: The song "Wanna Be" is a track from the 2018 album "A Breukelen Story" by veteran Brooklyn rapper Masta Ace and Canadian producer Marco Polo. The album is a conceptual narrative exploring themes of authenticity, aspiration, and the challenges of navigating the music industry and life in general. This particular song features rapper Marlon Craft and serves as a direct commentary on the superficial desires and trends prevalent in hip-hop culture, contrasting them with the artists' commitment to genuine self-expression.

Detailed Analysis

Masta Ace and Marco Polo's track "Wanna Be" serves as a sharp critique of the contemporary music landscape, particularly within hip-hop, addressing the pervasive desire among artists to emulate successful personas rather than cultivating genuine identity. Masta Ace opens by satirizing the pursuit of a 'hardcore' image, quick wealth through illicit means, and superficial markers of success like luxury cars and hit songs, questioning the need for traditional employment when 'trap' music promises fortunes. He further mocks the desire to mimic popular artists like Lil Wayne ('Weezy') and Young Jeezy ('Jeezy'), and the superficiality of online interactions and 'yes men' in an artist's circle. Marlon Craft's verse acknowledges the allure of money and fame, but challenges critics who judge his pursuit of success, admitting to chasing fame for the 'numb' it provides from pain. He critiques hit-chasing and the lack of originality, asserting his desire to simply 'be me,' a path he notes is often not part of the industry's 'game.' The song's outro features Masta Ace reflecting on generational differences, observing that while stages of life and learning differ, many still fall for the same industry traps and superficial trends, emphasizing the importance of genuine connection and purpose over fleeting material gains. He concludes by introducing the song's producer, Marco Polo, highlighting his talent and the authenticity of his work.